Ramadan Hacks: How to Remain Productive This Ramadan

Every Muslim’s favourite month is here. Currently, this is the second week into the blessed month of Ramadhan. Finding a balance between your physical and spiritual needs can be challenging.

Muslims have to split their time between family, friends, school and work while trying to maximise the benefits of this holy month. Here are some Ramadhan hacks to make sure Muslims remain productive and consistent throughout the month.

1. Start and end your days early

During Ramadhan, Muslims are determined to do as many good deeds as possible while managing their daily hectic schedule. By starting your day early and ending it right after terawih, you’ll be able to maximise your waking time in Ramadhan.  

An example is to use that hour after sahur to complete any tasks you couldn’t complete the previous day. Whether it’s an email you’ve yet to answer or getting some overdue work done, you can use this time to be productive. Starting your day earlier would also mean that you can get a head start on your to-do list for the day. Alternatively, you can use that time for some ibadah. You can read the Quran, perform sunnah prayers or even just listening to an Islamic lecture.

2. Take a break when necessary

It’s best to listen to your body and take a break when necessary. Juggling work and family is not easy. During your lunchtime, rest by taking a nap after your zuhr prayers to refresh yourself. Or on a lazy stay-at-home weekend afternoon, try to take short naps as a way to reward yourself after a busy week.

By allocating time for your body to rest, your body will be in an optimal condition once work resumes. Remember it’s always quality over quantity.

3. Set daily goals with renewed intention

As Muslims, we’re rewarded for our deeds based on our intentions. There are many hadiths highlighting the importance of reinforcing good intentions before even carrying out the deed. Before you begin your day list down about three to five goals you intend to achieve.

The goal can be a simple one such as, “I intend to eat my sahur to nourish my body in order for me to carry out my obligated duties as a Muslim or Muslimah lillahita’ala.” By setting goals and working with an end in mind, it will allow us to remain more focused on the task at hand.

Also read: Ramadan Around the World: How Muslims Observe The Holy Month

4. Set month-long goals that align with the 3 Ashra’s of Ramadhan

Ramadan is more of a marathon than a sprint. It is important to look at the bigger picture even after setting daily goals. You can begin by crafting a rough guide that aligns with your month-long goal. Muslims can use the three Ashra’s of Ramadhan as a gauge.

“It (Ramadan) is the month, whose beginning is mercy, its middle, forgiveness, and its end, release from the fire of hell.” – Prophet Muhammad PBUH

Ashra actually refers to each of the stages mentioned above. The entire month of Ramadhan can be divided into three stages – mercy, forgiveness and protection against the Hellfire. Each stage consists of ten-day periods of the holy month. There are even specific duas that accompany each stage. Through this guide, you’ll be able to remain consistent in performing your ibadah throughout the month.

5. Plan your meals

The majority of us spend too long deciding what to eat. By creating a meal plan, you’ll not only have your meals and dishes sorted out for suhoor and iftar, but you’ll also be able to manage your expenditure! Hence, meal planning will reduce the time spent on deciding what to cook.

Also, you should only purchase groceries on the days you plan to suhoor and iftar at home. By knowing exactly what you need to purchase, you’ll reduce food waste and manage your spending.

Also read: 7 Ramadan Cooking Tips Muslims Should Live By

There are many more ways you can include in your daily routine to reap the rewards of Ramadhan. Hopefully, these good habits will last not only throughout Ramadhan but throughout our daily lives.