Ramadan Reflections: Day 10

Bismillah.. Salam alaikum my dear readers, 

Hope everyone has had a very productive first 10 days of Ramadan. If you haven't (just like me), don't despair. WE got 20 more days to do our best. May Allah subhana wa ta'ala make it easy for all of us, ameen! Please listen to Ustadh Nouman Ali Khan's excellent tips bi'idnillahi ta'ala. Ramadan 10 day check-in. 

Today I want to share some beautiful quotes I have been reading. May Allah subhana wa ta'ala reward our precious teachers.

“When we hear the Quran, we should reflect on the meanings. The Quran should not become for us a replacement for pop songs that we used to hear before. People buy recordings of their favourite reciters for the beauty of their voice… The listening of the Quran has become more of a musical thing. We are entertained by that music, so much so that when the reciter is reading, we hear people in the background going, “Allah! Allah! Allah!" People making statements in the background as though it were a pop show! This is not the Quran… Allah tells us, " Will they not reflect on the meanings ?” Sheikh Bilal Philips

" Know that Almighty God is in control of the affairs of the creation and has promised good to the people of goodness. Therefore, do not allow the climate of hatred being fostered by some to cause you to despair. Your love and mercy are greater than their hatred. Also, know that if you are an active agent of good you will see unexpected positive consequences result from your actions. God mentions in the Qur'an, “Good and evil are not equal. Respond to evil with what is best. Unexpectedly, you will see one between whom you and him was great enmity become like an intimate friend. This is only realized by those who patiently persevere; this is only realized by one possessing a lofty spiritual station (41:34-35).” Have faith in God and His promise and never despair. Good is more powerful than evil; do all in your power to ensure that you are a force for good in the world. Patience is a great virtue; patiently persevere in doing all of the good things you are currently doing and God will bless you in many wonderful ways." Imam Zaid Shakir

#‎RamadanResolution‬ Day 10 (Braking Too Soon) by Ustadh Omar Suleiman 

" We’ve officially arrived at the middle 10 nights when the numbers at taraweeh dwindle and Ramadan enthusiasts take a break waiting for the last 10 nights to get to Khatam-hopping and worship hard! Ok, maybe that’s a little exaggerated. But I think we’ve all come to expect the annual Ramadan dip at this time of the year.

So here are my thoughts and tips on how to avoid it:

1. The acceptance of an act is its continuation as Ibn Al Qayyim (ra) mentions. Our hope should be that we are leaving sins in Ramadan and developing good deeds that will continue throughout the year. If you’re already falling off WITHIN Ramadan, that’s a blaring siren that you may not be doing it right.

2. Read slightly more Quran in these 10 days than you did it the first 10 so as to prepare yourself for the last 10 nights. 

3. Appoint someone to call you out if you’re suddenly slacking with your prayers in the masjid.
4. In order to be from those who surpass the rest (Al Sabiqoon), make sure you’re outdoing everyone in your family and/or close circle of friends.
5. Recognize the opportunity to vie for Allahs love here. As people fall off in these 10 nights, stand up in prayer and say “Oh Allah, I am still here standing seeking Your pleasure alone, hoping for Your forgiveness, and asking for Your highest garden, Al Firdaws”

May Allah make us amongst those who progress in these next 10 nights and reward us with the highest level of Jannatul Firdaws. Ameen!