Sakinahliving

LIVING

Author: Yusai

Categories
Islam Self

How to Elevate your Thikr this Ramadan

Thikr or Dhikr of Allah is the act of remembering and mentioning Allah. It is one of the few acts of worship that have been prescribed in numbers in Hadith (i.e. Alhamdulillah 33x, Allahu Akbar 33x…)
Whether using a counter, sibha (rosary), or your fingers, Thikr can get repetitive and turn into a number game very easily.

How to remember Allah

Sometimes when Dunya consumes us, we forget Allah.
Here are some ways I remind myself to do Thikr:

  1. I set reminders on my phone throughout the day
  2. I train myself to switch to Thikr whenever I start humming music
  3. I make it a habit to make Thikr whenever I am walking, going up or down some stairs, or even jogging!

Deeper Thikr

Alhamdulillah, I have found a system that helps me stay mindful and intentional whenever I am making Thikr without losing focus mid-way.

We all have things we are grateful for, things we regret, things we are worried about, and things we are in awe of. If you can’t recall all these at once, write them down on paper.

Next, you will start your Tasbih or Thikr

Alhamdulillah 33x (Thank God) FOR

Astaghfurallah 100x  (I seek forgiveness) FOR

Allahu Akbar 33x (Allah is bigger) THAN

Subhan Allah 33x (Glory to Allah) FOR

Alhamdulillah FOR my health

Astaghfurallah FOR backbiting yesterday

Allahu Akbar THAN my worry about xyz

Subhan Allah FOR the moon 
Then you will repeat this process till you complete your Thikr.

How to count Thikr

The Sunnah is to count using your right hand with your fingertips. This is the way Prophet Muhammad used to do it.

I saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) counting the tasbih. Ibn Qudamah said: With his right hand. (Sunan Abi Dawud)

However, if you are just starting and struggling to keep count. Some people prefer to use an electronic counter or a rosary.

Categories
Islam Self

Reflection on the First 10 Days of Ramadan

In the blink of an eye, the initial 10 days of Ramadan have passed. Soon, we will bid farewell to this sacred month, uncertain if we will witness another.

Many of us experience a dip in momentum around this midpoint of Ramadan. I confess that I enthusiastically enter Ramadan, often overlooking the potential for burnout.

Ramadan Burnout

If you’re reading this, remember that Ramadan isn’t a time for burnout; it’s a race between you and yourself and you want to reach that finish line first place!

As a fellow planner, you’ll appreciate an extra boost to keep you motivated during these next 10 days.

FREE RAMADAN PLANNER

Questions to Reflect Upon in Ramadan

  1. Islam:
    • Beyond food and water, have I fasted from other distractions or negative habits?
    • What new good deeds have I initiated?
    • Which sins do I still need to abandon?
    • How have I demonstrated loyalty to Allah?
    • How much time daily have I spent connecting with Allah?
  2. Self:
    • How can I better care for myself while serving others?
    • Have I sought healing through the Quran?
    • Am I more mindful of my thoughts, words, and actions?
  3. Marriage:
    • Have I selflessly served my spouse?
    • How often have I thanked Allah for granting me a righteous partner?
    • In what ways have I expressed love to my husband?
    • Have I dedicated quality time to him?
  4. Home:
    • How frequently have I expressed gratitude for the security of my home during Ramadan?
    • Have I created a safe space for my personal connection with Allah?
    • Am I more appreciative of the sustenance Allah provides?
  5. Fitness:
    • How often have I thanked Allah for my healthy body?
    • Have I tuned in to my physical well-being (through walks, exercise, etc.)?

May these reflections deepen our spirituality during the remaining days of Ramadan.

Reflection on the Past 10 Days of Ramadan

We cannot plan for the next 10 days without effectively analyzing the past 10 days. If you downloaded my FREE RAMADAN 2024 PLANNER, reflect on the past 10 days now. However, don’t feel discouraged if you haven’t journaled your days.

I’ve included a one-page reflection after every 10 days of Ramadan to help you recall what you want to do more of, less of, and your action plan!

The Second 10 Days of Ramadan

Now that we’ve reflected and put our thoughts onto paper, it’s time to set our intentions and commit. Planning is the first step; it means nothing if actions do not follow it. Take your paper and make this duaa to Allah

How are you planning on keeping your momentum in Ramadan?

Categories
Islam

What to do in Ramadan during my period?

Picture this, you’re high on Iman in Ramadan when all of a sudden, your period starts!

And while you know there is so much you can still do, it just doesn’t feel the same. The lack of motivation and connection is so understandable.

Is this going to be another post advising you to increase your duaa and thikr? Not quite… 

On our menstrual cycle, we experience hormone shifts, mood swings, fatigue, and overall low energy. So, we cannot set unrealistic goals or wait until we “feel like it”

My Ramadan Period Goal


My goal is to replace the strenuous acts of worship with attainable ones that are easy to do yet heavy on the scale.

And since you’re likely on or approaching your period, I’ve taken it upon myself to share my plan with you.

Some Reminders

  • Don’t be sad
    Not fasting doesn’t make you any less of a Muslim. Allah knows what’s best for you and your health. There’s still plenty to do. Let’s clarify our intentions and proceed!
  • Prayer isn’t limited to five times a day
     Allah listens at all times. Set aside time at each prayer to connect with Him. Create a list of duaa and use that time for conversation with Him.
  • Fasting isn’t just abstaining from food and water
     Use this time to fast from negative language, behavior, and habits. Avoid everything that hampers your progress with Allah.
  • Ramadan is the month of the Quran, not just prayers or fasting
    With more time available, dedicate it to understanding Allah better. Read His messages to you, contemplate them, and live by them.
  • Giving back doesn’t require purity
    What are some acts of services you want to perform but lack the energy for? Now that you’re not fasting from food and water, you can contribute much to the community! More details in my Ramadan Period Routine.

Ramadan Period Plan


Download my FREE Ramadan planner and gain access to this awesome Ramadan Period Planner

DOWNLOAD NOW
Ramadan and Menstruation FAQ

Can I fast during my period?

No, Allah gives you a rukhsa (permit) to not fast. We should accept his gift.

Do I have to make up missed fasts later?

Yes, you must make up the missed days of fasting after Eid and before the next Ramadan.

When should I break my fast?

Whenever you spot blood.

When should I resume fasting?

After your period ends (note: Islamically, your period ends when the brownish/yellowish discharges cease, not just when the bleeding stops).

Can I begin fasting without Ghusl (ritual bathing)?

Yes, for instance, if you know your period will end in the morning but it hasn’t ended by Fajr, you can still intend to fast and bathe in the morning to pray your prayers.

What can I do to feel spiritually connected during these days?

Check out this blog post, haha!

Can I touch the Quran?

Scholars have different opinions on this matter. Some say you must touch it with a barrier (gloves, cloth, etc.), while others say you can touch the Quran if it’s an interpretation (Tafsir). In any case, you can still read the Quran through apps.

Can I go to the Mosque?

Scholars also differ on this matter. Some suggest refraining from attending the mosque during your period, while many others say it’s okay as long as you’re not praying Salat