Goals are our anchors. “Goal-less” people drift aimlessly, without direction or destination in mind. The change in daily routine that Ramadan brings makes the month an opportune time to set goals for (and begin) self-improvement.
The ultimate and underlying goal of every believer should be to meet Allaah, pleased and well pleasing. The mini-goals we set to accomplish this life mission of ours must cover all the different dimensions of our lives. Balance between our physical, spiritual, and creative components is the key to attaining true happiness in this life and the next.
This spiritual element is at the core of the others (as demonstrated to us by Prophet Ibraheem may Allaah exalt his mention). If we sincerely pursue the fulfillment of our spiritual lives, Allaah The Most High promises to facilitate the other aspects of our wellbeing.
Moreover, we must begin with what is obligatory and not the supererogatory.
That said, we are practical beings, nonetheless, and must set and attain sensible goals. It is the small and consistent deeds that carry us to great ends. In the mundane, we often find the seeds of transcendent truth and everlasting success. So grows the great import in setting these tedious and ordinary goals. In your planning, be sure to make those goals smart (sensible, measurable, attainable, realistic, timely).
Settle your accounts before the final accounting
Heedlessness of the Day of Judgment can lead to carelessness in accounting for one's wealth. We very easily may become consumed by the desire to gain more to the point of neglecting our other responsibilities. Financial ambition can (and has) led many a devout Muslim to place work and lifestyle over worship. We should first and foremost pray as the Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) did: "O our Lord! Make us content with whatever you provide.”
And so our financial objectives in this life should complement our ultimate goal of pleasing Allaah. Know that you will be asked two questions concerning your wealth on the Day of Judgment: (1) How you earned your wealth, and (2) how you spent it.
With that in mind, consider these financial tips this Ramadan:
1. If your earning is from a Haraam source, then your first goal should be to quit that immediately—or start working toward giving it up and cleaning your wealth from it. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “How excellent the wealth of the Muslim is, if it is collected through legal means and is spent in Allaah's cause and on orphans, the poor, and wayfarers. But he who does not take it legally is like an eater who is never satisfied. Thus his wealth will be a witness against him on the Day of Resurrection” [Al-Bukhaari].
2. If your source of earning is Halaal, then focus on purifying your wealth by fulfilling any obligations you may have concerning Zakaah.
3. Next, maximize your savings for the Hereafter by spending your wealth for the sake of Allaah in Ramadan. The Prophet sallallaahu `alayhi wa sallam ( may Allaah exalt his mention ) was the most generous of us all. Yet his generosity increased even more before and during the month of Ramadan.
Social goals
Muslims should be sincere in their dealings with others and strive not to harm them. We are exhorted to be quick to forgive when wronged and must love for others what they love for themselves. Allaah, The Just, on the Day of Judgment, will not forgive a harm done by someone to another until and unless that person seeks forgiveness from the one he/she has harmed or the harmed one is compensated for the wrong done to them by the one who harmed him/her.
Keep the following in mind as you set goals for your social life in Ramadan:
1. Forgive those who harmed you in any way, even if you were right (meaning, hold no grudges).
2. Hearts become softer in Ramadan. It's a good time to repair damaged relationships. Allaah Says what means: “The believers are but brothers, so make settlement between your brothers. And fear Allaah that you may receive mercy.” [Quran 49:10].
3. Ramadan events provide excellent opportunities to mend (and start) relationships. Invite friends and family who you've fallen-out with for an Iftaar at your home. Have Iftaars for neighbors and others you would like to connect with.
4. Spend more time with your family. Take your family to the Mosque on a daily basis for Iftaar and for the Taraweeh prayer.
Physical goals
Our bodies are a trust from Allaah (as are our time and wealth). We are accountable for what we do with our bodies and how we maintain them. Our own body parts will either testify for or against us on the Day of Judgment. We will also be questioned as to what we have consumed to sustain our bodies.
Health is important. Check these suggestions out:
1. Control what you eat. Our food must be Halaal. The quality must be wholesome. The quantity must be moderate. As your eating habits inch closer to these ideals, you will become healthier, both physically and emotionally.
2. Purify your body parts by pulling them away from prohibited acts and engaging them in God-pleasing acts.
a. If your tongue is occupied in gossip, cease this and occupy your tongue in Thikr (remembering and supplicating Allaah).
b. If your hands are used to manipulate scantily clad characters in a video game, then busy them with helping someone out.
c. If your ears are absorbed in music, then change the tune: Start listening to and reciting Quran more.
Ramadan contains its own motivational energy, free for all to access. Take advantage. Remember, the obligatory duties are priority. And goal number one should be to maintain those duties throughout the year, not just in Ramadan. Be balanced, as well. 'Umar Ibn Al-Khattab may Allaah be pleased with him said: "Audit yourselves before being audited,” meaning by Allaah on Judgment Day. Use this blessed month to step back, evaluate yourself, and reset your intentions. Then adjust your reality.
May Allaah make Ramadan a blessed means by which we attain His pleasure and forgiveness, and a source of positive change in the lives of each and all of us. Ameen!
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