Ramadan Goals 2013/1434

Ramadan is like a Muslim’s New Year, where we try to be a better version of ourselves and make long lasting change, in sha Allah. The first step in making positive change is of course making goals, and making the Ramadan goals public gives a little extra accountability.

So, here we go. Here’s some of my Ramadan goals:

Be more consistent

Have I said often enough I’m the queen of inconsistency? It’s tiring to me to do the same thing all the time, even if I know it is beneficial. There are some things I need to be more consistent about, and in sha Allah I’ll be working on that. There are some Islamic things, and a few day to day things with the kids. For one, I want Little Miss in a more solid routine before the school year starts so I can be more purposeful with her on a day to day basis instead of flying by the seat of my pants.

Memorize another surah

I’ve been working on one surah for a really long time. It’s seriously sad. I need to just finish it up and start on another. I even have it posted on my fridge! Still, I’m stuck mid way with one ayah (verse), and I haven’t taken the time to just get through it. My goal is to power through it and start working on the next.

Memorize Ayat ul-Kursi

Reciting ayat ul-Kursi has many known benefits including:

Abu Umaamah said: “The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Whoever recites Ayat ul-Kursi immediately after each prescribed prayer, there will be nothing standing between him and his entering Paradise except death.” [Bukhari]

What better reason is there than that?! ‘Nuf said.

Read Qur’an daily

I used to aim to finish the Qur’an each Ramadan, but at this point with two little ones in the house, I can’t count on having an hour and a half of dedicated reading time throughout the day. In sha Allah I can at least pick back up the habit of reading every day. I’ve purchased the Kindle version of Sahih International translation of the Qur’an to make it easier to take with me and read anywhere. If you are looking for a good translation in English, I’ve heard numerous times this is the best.

Cut out pointless entertainment

Ramadan is the best time to fill our days with things that benefit, and to make our lives more meaningful and full of purpose. Why should we waste our days (and ultimately our lives) with things that have no purpose? It’s so easy to get drained and just want to play Candy Crush (yep, I got sucked in) or watching the latest TV drama. Now, I admit I have the worst case of baby brain drain I’ve ever experienced and most of the day I can’t focus on something well enough to actually consider it learning. Still, that’s not a good excuse to waste hours each day on entertainment that does not benefit. At the very least, I can listen to nasheeds, Qur’an, or watch documentaries. Each moment is a gift to be used, not taken for granted.

And while I want to make more goals and try to achieve higher things, I have to remind myself I have two kids that are two and under. Getting a shower in, washing dishes, and getting dinner on the table all in one day is an accomplishment (notice how that doesn’t include any laundry, other cleaning, or baths for kids!). I need to cut myself some slack and be realistic. This is a season in my life where the kids deserve my attention, and personal goals and aspirations just take a little longer, alhamdulilah.

What are your Ramadan goals?

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