2. Wake up during Fajr
to eat the pre-dawn meal (Sahur) and stay up to read a portion of
the Qur'an before and after Fajr.
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3. Give generously.It doesn't matter if it's a smile to a co-worker or a hundred pounds to a
homeless derelict, it's the season to give Sadaqah .
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4. Be nice.A major aspect of Ramadan is being charitable to others and controlling oneself... If
someone's out to give you a bad time, just be patient.
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5. Don't overeat at iftar.Start with dates and something liquid (water, juice, milk, shorba, a smoothie) and
eat sparingly of the spread. Save your main meal for later in the night.
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6. Attend and organize community iftars.
Focus on 'connecting' with others in the community and discovering
common ground, instead of 'networking'.
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7. Save some quality time with Allah.
It's easy to get overwhelmed by life and forget that this month is essentially about renewing one's
personal connection with God. The Qur'an says (the translation of which means): "When you are free
from your affairs, then turn to your Lord." Wake up in the night and pray as much as is easy for you.
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8. Seek the Night of Power.There is a night in Ramadan that is considered better than a 1000 months, by virtue of the
blessings that descend in it. Seek the Night of Power in the last ten days of the month.
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9. Make arrangements to give Zakaat al-Fitr on time.
This can be done anytime before the 'Eid prayer.8
10. Evaluate yourself.
Ask yourself those questions that need to be asked. Do an evaluation of where you are and
where you are going. Let this evaluation lead you to feel happiness for the good you have
done and remorse for the bad you have done.
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11. Reap the benefits of Ramadan.
Ramadan presents a great opportunity to regulate our lives. The best benefit that
can be derived from Ramadan is to carry the lessons learned from it -- moderation
and discipline -- to the year that follows.
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