Some people complain about the lack of time in Ramadan and the difficulty of balancing work and worship, which leads to a disruption of one or both. This situation may worsen, causing them to miss opportunities for goodness and forgiveness in this blessed month.
Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “May he be abased who does not invoke a blessing on me when I am mentioned in his presence. May he be abased who passes through the whole of Ramadan before his sins are forgiven him. May he be abased one or both of whose parents have reached old age without causing him to enter paradise.” (Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi and authenticated by Al-Albani).
Anas ibn Malik reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) ascended the pulpit and said: “Ameen,” then he ascended the second step and said: “Ameen,” then he ascended the third step and said: “Ameen.” When he sat down, his companions asked him: “What did you say Ameen for?” He replied: “Jibreel came to me and said: ‘May a person be humiliated who hears you mentioned and does not send blessings upon you.’ So I said: ‘Ameen.’ Then he said: ‘May a person be humiliated who finds his parents in old age and does not enter Paradise because of them.’ So I said: ‘Ameen.’ Then he said: ‘May a person be humiliated who reaches Ramadan and is not forgiven.’ So I said: ‘Ameen.’” (Narrated by Al-Bazzar and authenticated by Al-Albani).
Thus, it is wise for a Muslim to manage his time in Ramadan, balancing work and worship, study and devotion, and household duties with acts of prayer, night prayer, and Quran recitation.
The following are some key guidelines for both men and women, young and old alike:
1. Avoiding Wasting Time
This includes excessive sleeping, overeating, watching television, engaging in idle entertainment, staying up late in so-called Ramadan tents, and overindulging in social media. In Sahih al-Bukhari, Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Two blessings which many people squander: Good health and free time.”
A person will also be held accountable for his time on the Day of Judgment, as mentioned in the hadith: “Man's feet will not move on the Day of Resurrection before he is asked about his life, how did he consume it...” (Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi, who said it is Hasan Sahih).
Ibn Al-Qayyim said: “Wasting time is worse than death, for wasting time cuts you off from Allah and the Hereafter, whereas death only cuts you off from this world and its people.”
2. Planning Ahead
Before Ramadan begins, one should prepare a schedule for work and study, plan household needs, and create a weekly or monthly shopping list to minimize unnecessary outings. Sleeping early and waking up early are also key factors in managing time effectively.
3. Setting Daily and Weekly Goals
A person should set daily objectives, such as reciting a portion of the Quran, reading 10 pages from a book on the Prophet’s biography, remembering daily supplications, performing two units of night prayer, or giving charity.
By setting a goal for each day, one can accomplish 30 goals by the end of the month. If one aims higher and sets two or more goals per day, he will be even more successful, as Islam encourages competing in goodness. Allah says: “So race to [all that is] good.” (Al-Baqarah: 148)
The Prophet (ﷺ) was known for his dedication to worship. He would pray at night until his feet became swollen. Aisha said to him: “O Messenger of Allah, take it easy on yourself,” as she saw that prolonged standing exhausted him. He replied: “O Aisha, Shouldn't I be a grateful worshipper?”
4. Engaging the Family in Worship
Families should come together for collective acts of worship, such as Quran recitation circles, studying a hadith, learning about good character, or praying in congregation. This fosters motivation, strengthens family bonds, and encourages participation in acts of worship while reducing wasted time.
5. Savoring the Joy of Worship
Understanding the immense rewards of Ramadan acts as a motivator. Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “He who fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from God will have his past sins forgiven.” (Agreed upon). Aisha also narrated: “When the last ten nights of Ramadan began, the Prophet (ﷺ) would tighten his belt, and used to pray all the night, and used to keep his family awake for the prayers.” (Agreed upon).
Finally, we remind ourselves with the words of the Prophet (ﷺ) to Mu’adh ibn Jabal: “Do not forget to say at the end of every prayer: ‘O Allah, help me to remember You, thank You, and worship You perfectly.’” (Narrated by Abu Dawood, Al-Nasa’i, and Ahmad, and authenticated by Al-Albani).
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