Be warned that the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam has said:

It may be that a fasting person will receive nothing from his fasting except hunger and thirst.
– reported in Ibn Maajah, Ad-Daarimee, Ahmad, and Al-Baihaqee [Sahih]

Don’t let this happen to you!  It’s time for action.  The cause is your own soul.  Rather than sitting passively by as another blessed opportunity passes, take control of the abilities Allah gave you and ACT.  It’s not enough to fast just because your family is doing it.  Here are 4 tips to help make this your best Ramadhan ever: 

1. Get the Fever:

• read about the virtues of Ramadhan
• keep on top of developments in your community
• feel the close bonds of brotherhood/sisterhood and family as we all get set to greet the
  holy month
• are you excited yet?

2. Purify Your Intentions
Remember any deed not done for the sake of Allah alone is useless and is even cause for entering the Hellfire, so don’t waste your efforts- make sure you are not just doing it for your parents or family, etc. but as a loving and devoted worshipper of your Lord; you will get a lot more out of things spiritually by keeping this in mind

3. Plan Ahead

Decide what you want to accomplish this year and go for it.  Here’s a list of goals to help you brainstorm:

• read the entire Quran with meaning (check out our audio for some beautiful recitations- perfume the air with the the Holy Book)
• memorize portions of the Quran (or the whole thing!)
• be excellent to your parents (and all your brothers and sisters)
• go every night for Tarawih (and make lots of salaah at home too)
• give generously in sadaqah (don’t forget zakaatul fitr)
• take a few days off from the dunya- make i’tikaaf in the masjid during the last 10 days
• you get the idea- be realistic and specific- you know what you are capable of and what you need to work on
• write it up and put it up on your wall (not fridge) or somewhere

4. Consistency is Queen
Even if you add a small act to your deeds, keep it going and don’t give up on it!

May Allaah bless you, your family, your energy, and your time…