Keep Up The Spirit This Lockdown Ramadan

Ramadan – the blessed month is here and it’s slipping away like sand in an hourglass. To make the matters worse things are different like never before because of the lockdown in Ramadan. Making the most out of this month is crucial as we learn from the hadith:

“Destruction to him who found the blessed month of Ramdhan and let it pass by without gaining forgiveness”

Saheeh Muslim vol.3, no.4665

Moreover, it is the most blessed month where Allah(SWT) has promised to multiply the rewards to whoever he will.

“Every deed of the son of Adam is multiplied from ten to seven hundred times. Allah the Exalted says: Except for fasting, for it is done for my sake and I will reward it”.

Source: Sahih Muslim 1151

Traditionally, Ramadan is also a great time for bonding with your family & friends. But this year it is completely different because of the ongoing global pandemic. Everyone is confined to their house, no congregation in masjids. And it is immensely saddening to see the house of Allah(SWT) and the Masjid-e-Nabvi empty like never seen before. 

This new normal is quite overwhelming to deal with. The entire family is at home and with disruption in daily routine, it can be tiring especially for the moms. Looking after the kids, household chores plus making time for Ibadah.

But no worries ladies! Let’s cheer up and look at the bright side of the Lockdown Ramadan. And let’s see how we can keep up the Ramadan spirit alive:

Follow a schedule

The first and foremost thing is to schedule your activities. You need to pre-plan your chores a day before so you’re clear on what needs to be done. Balance your time between cooking, chores, sleep and Ibadah. This way you can cut down on unimportant stuff and make time for Ibadah. 

Don’t go overboard with cooking. Have healthy and balanced meals which include more fresh fruits and less of deep-fried stuff. Which will also save you a lot of cooking time.

Organize your chores throughout the week. Each task assigned for a day. Involve your husband & kids for helping you out. 

Follow a regular sleep routine for your family, as it will keep everyone active and fresh. Plan a time for an afternoon nap for kids and you can utilize the time for yourself like resting or doing ibadah. 

Reciting The Quran 

Reciting the Quran is one of the best forms of Ibadah. Read at least 4 pages of the Quran after every salah if you can’t afford to sit for long hours. Complete as much Quran as you can this Ramadan. If you have older kids, encourage them to sit with you and read the holy book. For younger kids, you could read a few verses aloud and they can hear it. Translate a few Ayahs for them. Teach them about the importance of the Quran and why we need to read it. 

Doing Dhikr

Dhikr is a form of Ibadah in which you remember Allah(SWT). 

What is light on the tongue but heavy on the Scale? Dhikr, the remembrance of Allah

“O You who believe!  Remember Allah with much remembrance” [33:41].

You can do this while doing your household chores like cooking and cleaning. Recite whatever short duas you know and read it while you are working. Two acts in one action. 

One of the tasbeeh that stands out from the rest is: 

“SubhanAllah wa bihamdihi SubhanAllah Hil Azeem”

 which means, “All glory is to Allah and All Praise to him. Glorified is Allah, the great”.

You can read more about easy dhikr for extensive reward on Productive Muslim.

Spending Time As A Family this Lockdown Ramadan

One thing that the lockdown has gifted us is a long vacation at home. Which means we get a chance to spend more time with our family. This Ramadan, bond together as a family & do things together. Encourage your husband to help you out with cooking and taking care of the kids. This is also a great time to spend with your spouse. Compete with each other in doing good deeds. 

Ramadan Activities For Kids

Kids are the little super-heroes who are also affected by this lockdown. A sudden change in the routine, no stepping out of the house, listening to all the dreadful news about COVID-19 on TV and from everyone around them can make them confused. 

Help them stay positive. Plan out some Ramadan activities for them. Put out beautiful decorations around the house with their help to keep up the mood lively. Tell your kids you are going to have a picnic and set up your iftar meal table in the garden or your terrace. Build a DIY home mosque for kids with cardboard. For more activities for kids, read it here on Haute Hijab.

Offering Tarawih Prayer

Offer tarawih prayer with your kids. Let your husband lead the prayer with you and the kids behind. 

Make the most of this Ramadan. A little change in the perspective and you can see this year’s Lockdown-Ramadan having a silver lining. You get more time for Ibadah and to connect with your Allah (SWT). 

On the other hand, if you miss your extended family then technology comes in for your rescue. You can have FaceTime or a Zoom Iftar. 

Do share your experience / hacks in this Lockdown Ramadan.

Stay home! Stay safe! Stay positive!

Assalamu Alaikum!