Not Fasting? Ways to Benefit from the Blessing of Ramadan

Breastfeeding women who are not fasting often feel “left out” during Ramadan.    However, Ramadan is not only about  abstaining from food and drink.    This time of self-purification and restraint is designed to help us attain taqwa so that we can be closer to our Creator.  Therefore, we there are many things a woman can do to benefit from the barakah of this holy month.

• Set goals and make a plan to achieve them this Ramadan.
• Adthkar- Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah (swt).
• Cook and Serve Others- Prepare food for guests at your home or for the community iftar at your local masjid.  If you know a family in need or who could use the help, cook in advance and deliver it to them before sundown.   If you can’t cook, buy dates, drinks,sweets, bread or fruit to give to others.
• Dua- Make dua as much as you like.  Remember, dua is the essence of worship!
• Quran- If you are not in state where you can’t touch the Quran, make it a priority to recite and memorize Quran each day.  You can also benefit by listening to recitation more often during the day.
• Sadaqa- Give money towards charity.
• Tawbah & Istigfar- Repent and ask Allah (swt) for forgiveness of your sins.
• Community Service Participate in activities that involve helping others or the environment.
• Salat- Pray fard prayers on time.  Focus on developing your khushu.  If you wish, make extra prayers.
• Sunnah- Make more of an effort to practice the sunnah with everything you do.
• Salawat-  Send blessings upon the Prophet Muhammad (saws).
• Reflection- Ponder about death and the Day of Judgement.
• Jumuah- Listen to the khutbah attentively and think about its message.
• Protect your Spiritual State- Make more of an effort to guard your eyes, ears and tongue from harmful interference.
• Take care of your body by eating tayyib, halal foods.  Keep yourself clean and groomed.  Avoid a sedentary lifestyle.
• Protect your heart by avoiding things which are doubtful.
• Strive hard in the last 10 days of Ramadan.  Take advantage of this time by waking in the night to worship Allah (swt).