Ramadan Notes #12: How to Re-appraise your Ramadan Routine

As-salamu’alaykum,

Yesterday, we started the conversation about the Ramadan Routine and why it’s important to make the intention to carry over the lessons of this often high-powered routine to the rest of the year in some shape or form.

Undoubtedly, none of us will be able to reproduce the intensity and richness of the Ramadan routine year round in terms of Ibadah but there’s a unique opportunity to move our year round routine from its pre-Ramadan version (let’s call this v1.0) to the post-Ramadan version - v2.0 inching our way to our best version each year by intentional immersion in Ramadan. 

For many of us in healthcare, the opportunity to better optimize the limited time we often have in order to be more productive at home and at work necessitates that we do not let this opportunity slip by. 

Here are some key considerations as you seek to optimize your routine for the month and for the rest of Ramadan importantly while keeping the rest of the year in mind as well

1. Take stock of where you are now - map out your daily routine in the last few days of Ramadan - think of key milestones like Iftaar and Suhoor, Salah times, Sleep etc - you get the drift

2. Identify key points on your routine that you know are working for you and are moving you towards achieving your Ramadan intentions

3. Similarly, take note of the detractors on your current routine - maybe a low value “hang-out” or a habit of binging on social media or TV

4. Rebuild with this insight like a pro!

   1. The Islamic calendar day starts at Maghrib so as you rework your routine consider starting from Maghrib/Iftaar time because what we do in the evenings and night time have a major impact on how the next day will play out

   2. Consider 4 key areas of your life in this regard: spiritual, physical, mental/emotional and social

   3. Re-infuse the things that you will keep and optimize e.g. on time salah - now add in optional prayers, eliminate the detractors and lastly include a 1 or 2 stretch items that will keep you aiming high like Tahajjud (night prayers)

5. Review with an accountability partner, or a trusted friend that knows you well enough to challenge you and check in with empathy.

As you go through this 5-step process, it's important to keep in mind a key principle that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) taught us in the following hadith;

Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “Take on only as much as you can do of good deeds, for the best of deeds is that which is done consistently, even if it is little.” [Sunan Ibn Majah 4240]

Healthcare professionals tend to be type A folks aiming high and seeking to out-do themselves. This natural tendency can get in the way of long term success with your renewed routine if you overload it. The wisdom of the above hadith is simple but can be hard to appreciate - Stick to good deeds that you can do for the long haul. This is where true transformation happens rather than in the short term overreaching intentions that we set and are not able to carry along. 

Sh. Muhammad AlShareef (May Allah SWT have mercy on him) recommended taking a look at our routine in Ramadan every 3-4 days to see where we are falling short or wins and making a short-term adjustment for the next 3-4 days until the month ends so that we are constantly seeking improvements and not resting on our oars.

Dear friends, do take some time every few days to reassess how things are going and make nimble adjustments. You will surprise yourself in just about every metric if you do this with sincerity in Ramadan and beyond. And don’t forget to make du’a (pray) to Allah SWT for help in this regard) every step of the way.

May Allah SWT grant us renewed focus as we approach the middle of Ramadan towards achieving our next best versions this blessed month. Amin

Sincerely,

Sulyman

P.S. Join like-hearted #HealthCareWorkers on Zoom every Thursday this Ramadan for weekly check-ins at 4.15pm CST/9.15pm GMT/10.15pm WAT . Register and join with this link.

P.P.S. What other suggestions do you have for me and others in this regard? Share in the comments section or reply to [email protected]

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