Deeds To Engage In During Ramadan: A Guide For Spiritual Growth!

 Deeds to Engage in During Ramadan: A Guide for Spiritual Growth

Ramadan is a blessed month filled with immense opportunities for spiritual elevation and closeness to Allah. Beyond fasting, Muslims are encouraged to engage in various acts of worship that multiply rewards and purify the soul. Below are some essential deeds to focus on during this sacred month:

1. Qur’an Recitation, Memorization, and Listening to Tafsir

Importance:

Ramadan is known as the month of the Qur’an. Allah says:

“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.”— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185)

Recitation: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the most devoted to reciting the Qur’an, especially in Ramadan. It is narrated that he would complete the entire Qur’an in Tarawih prayers during Ramadan.

Memorization: Committing the Qur’an to memory is a noble act that preserves the Book of Allah in the heart and mind. The Prophet said: “The best of you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” — Sahih al-Bukhari

Listening to Tafsir: Understanding the meanings of the Qur’an deepens faith and guides actions. The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized reflection on the Qur’an, saying:

“The best of you are those who learn the Qur’an and teach it.” — Sahih al-Bukhari

Engaging in these acts during Ramadan maximizes the spiritual benefits of the month.

2. Reciting Lots of Adhkars (Remembrances of Allah)

Importance:

Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) is a powerful means of purifying the heart and increasing closeness to Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“The example of the one who remembers his Lord and the one who does not remember his Lord is like the living and the dead.” — Sahih al-Bukhari

Some important and high-level Adhkars with Sahih references include:

SubhanAllah (Glory be to Allah), Alhamdulillah (All praise is due to Allah), Allahu Akbar (Allah is the Greatest):

The Prophet said: “The best dhikr is ‘SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar.’” — Sahih Muslim

La ilaha illallah (There is no deity but Allah):

“Whoever says ‘La ilaha illallah’ sincerely from his heart will enter Paradise.” — Sahih al-Bukhari

Astaghfirullah (I seek Allah’s forgiveness):

The Prophet said: “By Allah, I seek forgiveness from Allah and repent to Him more than seventy times a day.” — Sahih al-Bukhari

Ayat al-Kursi (The Throne Verse):

The Prophet said: “Whoever recites Ayat al-Kursi after every obligatory prayer, nothing stands between him and Paradise except death.” — Sahih al-Bukhari

In Ramadan, increasing these remembrances strengthens the heart and draws one nearer to Allah.

3. Increase in Physical Worship (Nawafil)

Importance:

Nawafil (voluntary prayers) are highly recommended to supplement the obligatory prayers, especially in Ramadan when rewards are multiplied.

Examples of Nawafil to perform:

1. Salat al-Duha:

Performed 15 minutes after sunrise, 2 to 8 rakahs. The Prophet said:

“In the morning, charity is due from every joint bone of the body of every one of you. Every utterance of Allah’s glorification is an act of charity. To perform two rakahs of Duha prayer is charity.” — Sahih Muslim

2. Tarawih prayers:

Performed after Isha prayer behind the Imam. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

“Whoever prays at night in Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” — Sahih al-Bukhari

Two rakahs before Fajr prayer:

The Prophet said:

“The two rakahs before Fajr are better than this world and all it contains.” — Sahih Muslim

Four rakahs before Zuhr and two after:

The Prophet regularly prayed these Sunnah prayers, emphasizing their importance.

Two rakahs after Maghrib and two after Isha:

These are also recommended Sunnah prayers that increase closeness to Allah.

All these voluntary prayers can be combined or “collapsed” into the Tarawih prayers during Ramadan for ease and continuity.

Ramadan is a precious opportunity to renew our faith and strengthen our relationship with Allah through Qur’an engagement, abundant dhikr, and increased voluntary worship. Let us strive to make the most of this blessed month by incorporating these deeds into our daily routine, seeking Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.