• Here is some soul stretching work for you to do this Ramadan.
• This article presents a compilation of questions to make you ponder over the current condition of your heart. These serve as a reminder to myself first and foremost.
Practicing gratitude offers countless benefits. Those who regularly take time to reflect on what they’re thankful for experience more positive emotions, better sleep, greater compassion, and even stronger immune systems. Research by UC Davis psychologist Robert Emmons shows that gratitude can significantly boost well-being and life satisfaction.
Moreover, Allah azza wa Jal, the one who created us and sustains us, says in the Qur’an:
وَإِذْ تَأَذَّنَ رَبُّكُمْ لَئِن شَكَرْتُمْ لَأَزِيدَنَّكُمْ وَلَئِن كَفَرْتُمْ إِنَّ عَذَابِى لَشَدِيدٌ
“And [remember] when your Lord proclaimed: ‘If you are grateful, I will surely increase you [in favor]; but if you deny [My favors], indeed, My punishment is severe.’” (Qur’an 14:7)
Gratitude is a way of life, not just a practice for Ramadan
Sisters, as we prepare food to nourish our families for iftar, let us remain mindful and appreciative of the following hadith:
“Whoever helps break the fast of a fasting person, he will have the same reward as him without decreasing anything from the reward of the fasting person.”
Source: Sunan al-Tirmidhī 807
Grade: Sahih (authentic) according to Al-Tirmidhi
Some questions to reflect upon:
What are three blessings you’re especially grateful for this Ramadan?
How are you going to make the last ten days of Ramadan extra special?
What’s one thing you’ll miss about Ramadan once it’s over?
Is there one thing you could do to be more patient with loved ones?
What’s one way you can bring joy to someone’s life this Ramadan?
Is there anyone from your family and friends circle that you have fallen out with that you can reach out to this Ramadan for reconciliation? (the reward will be greater this month).
What’s one thing you’ve learnt about yourself this Ramadan that you want to work on/improve?
What’s a good habit you want to keep after the month ends?
Can you buy your parents an extra special Eid gift that they will love?
Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) said: “Give gifts to one another and you will love one another.” (Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad Hadith 594)
How can you show gratitude to Allah for the heart that’s beating in your chest?
Is there anything about your health that you’ve taken for granted?
What legacy will you work on (for the cause of Islam) once Ramadan is over?
