By We’ve reached the homestretch, girls. These are the last days of Ramadan… And you know what? None of us are guaranteed this opportunity again.
Think of it like this: you really, really want to land this internship or job. You’ve been on the search for months for something perfect, and this one landed in front of you out of nowhere. You need to pay a lot of money, skip class/work, buy new clothes, and even silence your phone just for the interview. It’s a lot to ask of someone, but what do you do? Almost without a second thought, you make the sacrifices necessary because — well, you really want that job! It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity, as they say. You’d be a fool not to go for it.
We’d all be bigger fools not to maximize on these last days of Ramadan. You may be feeling you wasted the month so far (I know I feel that way) and that it flew by before you even realized it started, but it’s not over ‘til it’s over. We still have a handful of the most blessed nights of the year to take advantage of. It’s now, or never.
So quit moping around! Wash that laziness off of you with a fresh wudu and LET’S DO THIS.
Revisit Your Goals
Did you write your Ramadan goals down? It’s not too late. Write ‘em, and write ‘em quick! Be realistic, and make a surefire plan to achieve what you’ve always wanted to achieve in Ramadan. Behind in your Quran goal? No sweat, just read a little more and more often. Turn off your computer and grab a mushaf—honestly, it is possible with a sincere effort and Allah’s help.
Sign Out of Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Yeah, I said it. Turn off your notifications, or better yet, delete the apps. Don’t keep your phone on you. The world won’t end just because you disconnected from your social media accounts for a few days. Let’s connect with Allah instead.
Take Some Days Off Work
If you’re working, take these last days before Eid off or shorten your day at the office if possible. Explain to your boss and coworkers the significance of these days and sacrifice some vacation days for the sake of Allah. Don’t use the extra time to sleep—instead, use it to sincerely catch up on your goals.
Cry in Your Heartfelt Du’a
Let yourself really, really reflect humbly on your life. Open your heart to the One who created it. Submit yourself fully to Him and pour all your thoughts out in du’a at night. Ask for forgiveness with the words Prophet Muhammad (may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) advised Aishah to use:
“Aishah (May Allah be pleased with her) reported: I asked: ‘O Messenger of Allah! If I realize Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree), what should I supplicate in it?’ He (ﷺ) replied, ‘You should supplicate: Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun, tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni (O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me).’” — [At-Tirmidhi]
There’s about one week left of this precious month. Let’s renew our intentions right now and make a sincere effort for Allah’s sake, and thank Him for what this really is—an opportunity of a lifetime.