Ramadhān is about disciplining the Nafs by restricting Mubāh (permissible)
The best deeds we can practice in this blessed month after fulfilling the obligations and abstaining from prohibitions are:
- Tawbah: Repenting from all major and minor sins. In a society where evil has been normalised, it is very important to learn about sins, particularly the major ones. Understanding sins is very helpful in sincere repentance. Burn the sins with the fire of regret before they are burnt in the fire of hell.
- Tilāwah of the Qur‘ān: Learning to read the mushaf for those who can’t read it, one Juzz every day for those who never touched the Mushaf throughout the year and 5 – 10 Juzz for those who have a regular practice in other months of the year. Remember, some Salaf would complete Qur‘ān 60 times in this month. It is the best opportunity to revive our relationship with the book of Allāh.
- Sending 1000 salutations on the Prophet (saaw) every day. It is the best cure for the spiritual diseases. If Salāh Ibrahīm is too long, you can say the shorter version like: (Allāhumma Salli wa Sallim ‘Alā Nabiyyinā Muhammad).
- Sadaqah: Giving any amount you can in charity every day, so that we combine between fulfilling the rights of Allāh and the rights of human beings. This is the philosophy of Sadaqah Fitr also. Its purpose isn’t substantial help to the needy but to feed them so that they are not deprived of basic food in this blessed month and the day of ‘Īd.
- Community Iftārs: Fostering Islamic brotherhood by visiting relatives, friends etc. and doing Iftār together. It may be difficult in places like Kashmīr due to the conflict but if there is a will, necessary arrangements can be made.
- Qiyām: which includes the voluntary prayers in the day like Ishrāq, Awwābīn etc. prayers and Tarawīh + Tahajjud in the night. The real nearness to Allāh is achieved by voluntary worship.
- Duā: Ramadhān is the best month to connect with our Lord by making Duā‘ in seclusion. We should do it in the best moments like Iftār time, in the Qiyām, in I‘tikāf, after Fajr till sunrise, after ‘Asr till sunset etc.
And Allāh (swt) knows best.
- Shaykh Shuaib Wani
