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Start reading Quran daily after Salat al-Fajr.
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Spend some time listening to recitations from the Quran.
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Train yourself to go bed early so that you can wake up far Salat al-Fajr.
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Keep yourself in a state of Wudu (Ablution) most of the time.
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Evaluate yourself daily before going bed.
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Thank Allah for good deeds, and repent to Him for your mistakes and sins.
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Start giving Sadaqah daily, no matter how little. Make it a habit like eating and drinking.
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Find time to pray extras, such as Tahajjud prayers.
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Spend more time reading Islamic books, especially the Quran, Hadith, and Fiqh.
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Find time to help others with your wisdom, knowledge and other talents.
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Try to write articles on Islam for Muslims as well as for non-Muslims.
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Associate with Muslim scholars / ulama and other pious people so that you may learn from them.
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Train yourself to do good, render free service to others to seek the pleasure of Allah.
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What to avoid
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Avoid/reduce watching TV; instead spend more time reading the Quran and other Islamic literature.
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Avoid looking at unlawful pictures, whether magazines, department store catalogs or otherwise.
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Spend free time in Masajid, Islamic organizations and make that a daily habit.
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If you smoke, try to reduce daily usage; otherwise Ramadan will be very difficult for you to observe.
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If you have friends who do not practice the teaching of Islam, try to avoid socializing with them.
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If you travel a lot on business, try to do more local business, so you can be more closer to your family and community.
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If you are used to staying up till midnight, try to go to bed earlier, so that you will be able to wake up early for Salat al-Fajr and Tahajjud prayers as well.
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To prepare ourselves before the month of Ramadan arrives is far better than waiting till it comes. To prepare ourselves for anything in life is a sign of wisdom and maturity. No one is assured of living one day more; tomorrow may not come. So hurry and benefit from blessings and rewards from Allah.
Remember: 'Time is not money or gold;it is life itself and is limited. You must begin to appreciate every moment of your life and always strive to make the best use of it.'
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A Quick Checklist
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Make a resolve to win the maximum favor of Allah by performing extra Voluntary prayers (Nawaafil), making frequent Dua and increased remembrance (Dhikr).
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Try to recite some Holy Quran after every Prayer. In fact if you read 3-4 pages after every Prayer you can easily finish the entire Quran in Ramadan!
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Study the Tafseer (commentary) every morning.
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Invite a person you are not very close with or your relatives to your home for Iftaar, at least once a week (Weekend). You will notice the blessings in your relationships!
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Bring life to your family! Everyday, try to conclude the fast with your family and spend some quality time together to understand each other better.
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Give gifts on Eid to at least 5 people: 2 to your family members, 2 to your good friends, and 1 to a person whom you love purely for the sake of Allah.
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Make commitment to join Islamic study circles to learn more about Islam and improve your own life.
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Donate generously to the Masajid, Islamic organizations, and any where people are in need or oppressed. 'Because Ramadan, is a month of sharing!'
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Share month of Ramadan and its teachings of peace and patience with your neighbors.
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Sleep little, eat little! Make sure you do not defeat the purpose of fasting by over-indulging in food and being lazy.
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Seek the rare and oft-neglected rewards of the night better than 1000 months ( Laylatul-Qadr / Shab-e-Qadr).
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Weep in private for the forgiveness of your sins: Ramadan is the month of forgiveness and Allah's Mercy! It's never too late.
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Learn to control your tongue and lower your gaze. Remember the Prophet's (pbuh) warning that lying, backbiting, and a lustful gaze all violate the Ramadan fast!
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Encourage others to enjoin and love goodness, and to abandon everything that Allah dislikes. Play the role of a Da'ee (one who invites to Allah) with zeal, passion, and sympathy.
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Experience the joy of Tahajjud prayers late at night and devote yourself purely and fully to Allah in the Itikaf retreat during the last 10 days of Ramadan.
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