Many of us step into Ramadan aimlessly i.e. without setting any goals or understanding the significance of the blessed month. It does not do to enter the month of worship in a robotic mode and leave without gaining anything substantial out of it. It is important for every Muslim to understand the goal of Ramadan and work towards achieving it. Of course, these goals can vary from person to person. Some may aim to increase their recitation of the Qur’an, some may want to increase their level of charity, some may even want to develop a good habit. But getting hold of the crux of Ramadan is important.
Bigger Goal of Ramadan
We can have our mini aims for Ramadan. But the goals set by Allah and His Messenger (ﷺ) must precede them.
- The first major goal of Ramadan is to attain Taqwa i.e. God consciousness. Allah specifically said in the Qur’an:
“Oh you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you in order for you to achieve Taqwa.”
To be conscious of God in whatever we do, is the heart and soul of Ramadan. We must not only develop this consciousness, but also take it along with us as progress ahead of Ramadan. This Taqwa enables us to revolve our lives around Allah’s worship. And when we are conscious of Allah, we end up refraining from sins.
- Another major goal of Ramadan is to seek forgiveness for our sins.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said,
“Whoever fast in Ramadan out of true faith and seeking their reward from Allah, then their previous sins will be forgiven.”
Imagine stepping out of the Ramadan with a clean slate – with absolutely no sins weighing your scales down. How would it be?
For this, you need to focus and make consistent Dua throughout Ramadan, asking Allah to forgive you for all the intentional or unintentional sins you committed.
3. Improve your relationship with the Quran
The Quran is not a book to be placed on your shelves to gather dust. Rather, it is the word of God and we, as Muslims, must make every possible effort to develop a relationship with it. Because we are going to carry this relationship with us to the hereafter!
“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…”
Since Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadan, it makes all the sense to maximise its recitation during the blessed month.
Smaller Goal of Ramadan
And then of course, each one of us must have individual goals – little milestones to achieve in Ramadan. Here are a few:
- Spend more in charity
- Give Zakat
- Be moderate in eating or drinking
- Improve the quality of your prayers
- Leave a sin
- Develop a good hobby
- Control your anger