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My entire family (Mama, Baba, and our 9, 8 and 6 year old daughters) completely endorse QuranExplorer.com/Quran and HarfKids.com/en/Quraan as easy-to-use, easy-to-learn, easy-to-navigate, fun, interactive sites to learn how to read and recite the Qur’an based on the rules of Tajweed, while learning its meaning at the same time.

1. Qur’an Explorer – Review

Why we love Qu’ran Explorer:

• Tajweed color rules can be turned on or off,
• Multiple shaikhs to pick; such as Mishary and Abdul-Basit,
• Two different Arabic scripts to pick, Usmani and IndoPak,
• Different English translators, such as Dr. Mohsin, Yusuf Ali,
• Translations in multiple languages are also available, such as Spanish and Indonesian,
• The entire Qur’an is available,
• You can choose to search by Surah, Juz, Hizb, or verse (ayat),

• Advanced Options include,
  • Verse Repetition [How many times you want to play the verse before it goes to the next one],
  • Intervals Between Verse ["Continuous Play" means there are no pauses in between each verse, or "Duration of Verse" means how long it takes the shaikh to say the verse and it pauses that long, or you choose how many seconds you want to "Wait" for the pause in between the verses],
  • Auto Play, and
  • Colors.
• Audio sound and mute option,
• An option to bookmark the verse range where you are studying oo return back to the exact place you left off,
• Zoom text size, and much more.
• For a wonderful tutorial, click the “Help” button.

2. HarfKids.com Quraan – Review

While HarfKids.com Quraan is not nearly as complete as QuranExplorer.com it comes in a very close second at our home, especially for young children just beginning to memorize our Glorious Qur’an, for the following reasons:

• Everything is on one single screen,
• There is not an “Advanced Options” button to click and review,
• It’s colorful, more fun to look at, and has cuter buttons,
• For a verse translation, you click on “Explanation” for a pop-up box in English,
• Just like in QuranExplorer.com you can determine which verses you want displayed, and if you want a continuous play of the reciter or pause in between each verse,
• Shaikh AbdulBasit is the reciter,
• Made for those just starting to memorize the Qur’an, it lists Surah An-Nas (114) to Al-Qiyamah (75)

CONS

• It often locks up, and sometimes we can not even get it to work at all, and
• Since the Qur’an learning option is only one section of the large HarfKids.com website, the above navigation toolbar and bottom buttons are distracting, especially because they flash and scroll in real-time.

Number of times in the Quran, Allah uses literally styles to bring home the point. I've listed four of the many.

1. Rebuking Interrogative: This linguistic tool to bring realization to the listener of the reality. makes the listener realize his fallacy, and that error is too obvious to be explained.

For instance, surah adiyaat.

أَفَلَا يَعْلَمُ إِذَا بُعْثِرَ مَا فِي الْقُبُورِ 100:9

But does he not know that when the contents of the graves are scattered

2. "What can explain to you..?": This is used in the Quran in several places. It shows the listener that he cannot comprehend the matter. Such words fill the listeners' heart with fear and awe.

For instance, Surah Qari'ah, this question tells the listener (after much anticipation) that words cannot explain what it means, and that it’s out of our imagination and comprehension.

وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا الْقَارِعَةُ (101:3

And what can make you know what is the Striking Calamity

Also,

(82:18)ثُمَّ مَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا يَوْمُ الدِّينِ

Then, what can make you know what is the Day of Recompense?

3. Listing the reasons for an action, before mentioning the action itself: For instance, Surah Quraysh,

لِإِيلَافِ قُرَيْشٍ (106:1

---

إِيلَافِهِمْ رِحْلَةَ الشِّتَاء وَالصَّيْفِ (106:2

---

فَلْيَعْبُدُوا رَبَّ هَذَا الْبَيْتِ (106:3

---

الَّذِي أَطْعَمَهُم مِّن جُوعٍ وَآمَنَهُم مِّنْ خَوْفٍ (106:4

Sh Sohail Hanif of SunniPath explains, the verses should have read, “Quraysh must worship their Lord due to the trade routes made easy for them.”

But, Allah mentions His favours on the Quraysh, and then later in the Surah, you'll read as a result of the favours, the Quraysh should worship Allah.

The listener will be in suspense, trying to figure out, what it is the reason for. Finally, when the command is mentioned, it leaves an impression on the listener.

The verse then read, “Due to the ease and comfort given to Quraysh in their trade caravans, then they must worship their Lord.”

4. Omitting the object of a verb: The threat has a greater impact on the listener, if what he is being threatened with is not explicitly mentioned. It increases fright and leaves the listener imagining every possibility with apprehension.

For instance, Surah At Takathur, the listener doesn't know what is man distracted from. Some scholars have suggested, it is being omitted because there are so many things, it is felt to the listeners to think.

أَلْهَاكُمُ التَّكَاثُرُ (102:1
Competition in [worldly] increase diverts you

Nouman Ali Khan of Bayinnah Institute explains the use of this literary style is to make the listener think and reflect. There are number of places in the Quran where there are blanks - it is up to the listener to fill those up. Quran is very interactive.

Another example, surah as shams,

وَاللَّيْلِ إِذَا يَغْشَاهَا (91:4
By the Night as it conceals it;

The object of the verb, conceal, is not apparent (hint: it is mentioned in the previous surah). It is left up to the listener to deduce. Quran teaches us to think and think hard.

Can you find more example of the above-mentioned styles?

Waking up before Fajr. Eating with the community at Maghrib. Praying for hours after Isha.

A very unlikely schedule,  except in the month of Ramadan.

I find it very interesting that we are capable of doing so much Ibaadat in our normal schedule but never go about doing so until Ramadan appears. Many people say, “You know what, I’m just going to go to Pakistan/Egypt/Saudi Arabia, stay there, and do nothing but concentrate on worshiping Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala). This dream of going off to a faraway land and just forsaking all their obligations and responsibilities takes such a great hold on them that they soon begin to feel that they can’t do any good until they arrive at that dreamland of theirs.

Ramadan comes to teach us that we can still function in society and have more than ample time for Ibadaat. Just think about it – You don’t miss waking up before Fajr – why? Because you gotta have your Suhoor. You don’t miss out on Maghrib Adhan – why? Because you gotta have your Iftar (Funny how a lot of things revolve around food)! You don’t miss out on Isha – why? So that you can continue listening to the whole Qur’an behind the Imam. It truly is amazing that we can be so steadfast in these Sunnah prayers but we can’t find the time throughout the day to read at least 5 pages of the Qur’an, but yet we are so steadfast after Isha’. Let’s try fixing this dilemma and make a schedule for a ‘Daily Qur’anic Immersion”. It basically goes like this – style your life according to the Salah times (and not vice versa) and make sure to read at least some Qur’an during that time.

• Before Fajr, wake up (like you do for Suhoor) and review/memorize/read until the time comes for Fajr. I found that the early morning is one of the easiest times to recite Qur’an because since you’ve just woken up, your mind is fresh and clear, and you can really concentrate on the Qur’an. As everyone is sleeping, the crickets are outside chirping (at least in Maryland:), and it is still dark outside, it truly is a very peaceful moment. We should all try our best to recite Qur’an at this time as it is even commended in the Quran in Surah Isra’, Ayah 78:

أَقِمِ الصَّلَاةَ لِدُلُوكِ الشَّمْسِ إِلَىٰ غَسَقِ اللَّيْلِ وَقُرْآنَ الْفَجْرِإِنَّ قُرْآنَ الْفَجْرِ كَانَ مَشْهُودًا

Perform As-Salat (Iqamat-as-Salat) from mid-day till the darkness of the night (i.e. the Zuhr, ‘Asr, Maghrib, and ‘Isha’ prayers), and recite the Quran in the early dawn (i.e. the morning prayer). Verily, the recitation of the Quran in the early dawn is ever witnessed (attended by the angels in charge of mankind of the day and the night).

• In the midday, while at school/work, this is when the Dhuhr and Asr prayers take place. It is extremely important for us to be mindful of these two prayers, especially Asr as Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala says in Surah Baqarah, Ayah 138:

حَافِظُوا عَلَى الصَّلَوَاتِ وَالصَّلَاةِ الْوُسْطَىٰ وَقُومُوا لِلَّهِ قَانِتِينَ

Guard strictly (five obligatory) As-Salawat (the prayers) especially the middle Salat (i.e. the best prayer – ‘Asr). And stand before Allah with obedience.

If we can try to read the Qur’an even just a little, we will see that it really gives a spiritual boost and rejuvenation since it gets you to seclude yourself from the materialistic society for a moment and just reflect on Allah. When you return back to your work/school atmosphere, you come with a refreshed focus and purpose.

• Once the time comes in for Maghrib, take some time to go over everything that you had read today. If you were reviewing the whole day, try memorizing something new, or review if you have been memorizing in the day. Ideally, it’d be best if you met up with someone, like a Qur’an study buddy, and tested each other on your memorization and review. This way, both of you can be motivated to study together – if needed, make rules such as that if one of you is not ready, then that person has to treat the other to food at his house dinner (my father’s Qur’an teacher actually did this with a student and after the whole class ate at his house, that student’s wife then made sure he never made the same mistake again!:)

• Isha – After Isha, it is recommended to go straight to bed (as many such as Ali [radhiAllahu anhu] did), so after Isha’, get into your snugly bed and instead of mulling over the day, prop open the Qur’an and just stare at it, even if you aren’t fully concentrating. You’ll see that in a minute or two of mind-wandering, your attention will eventually come to what you’re staring at, and you’ll find yourself drawn in. The best part is, you don’t even have to be standing or even sitting up – Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) says in Surah Aali Imran, Ayah 191:

الَّذِينَ يَذْكُرُونَ اللَّهَ قِيَامًا وَقُعُودًا وَعَلَىٰ جُنُوبِهِمْ وَيَتَفَكَّرُونَ فِي خَلْقِ السَّمَاوَاتِ وَالْأَرْضِ

Those (men of understanding) who remember Allah (always, and in prayers) standing, sitting, and lying down on their sides, and think deeply about the creation of the heavens and the earth.

This truly is a mercy from Allah that we can remember Him in these different postures, so we can definitely be in bed and remember Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) by reading his Holy Book before going to sleep.

If we can keep up this Daily Qur’an Immersion, it will definitely make a big change in our lives. I remember when I was close to finishing the Hifzh of the Qur’an, I was memorizing almost triple my normal assignment and would spend every opportunity reading the Qur’an. I was using the type of Qur’an that has English on the borders (so the original Uthmani Arabic script is still intact) and I was so drawn in it at times that I would seriously get the feeling that Allah was talking directly to me; I would tremble when I read about the torment of the disbelievers and would feel grateful when reading about Jannah and all of Allah’s bounties. It was definitely an amazing experience and drew me much closer to the Qur’an

If you do not feel that your schedule will allow you to read a lot, then at least do a little continuously because Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) especially loves the small deed continously. If you feel that you don’t even have time to do a little, then listen to this beautiful parable my Hifzh School teacher once told us:

“If I was to hold a bucket filled to the brim with sand, it would seem that the bucket is packed and that nothing else could fit inside. However, if I was to take some water and pour it in the bucket, wouldn’t it be able to fit inside without any sand overflowing? No matter how packed the sand may look, there will always be ample cracks and gaps for the water to go through.”

Even though our schedules may seem full, there will always be some time in the schedule that we can reserve for the Qur’an.

Abu Hurayrah reported that the Prophet , said, “There is no envy except in two (cases): A man whom Allaah has taught the Quran and he recites it during the hours of the night and during the hours of the day, and another man listens to him and says, ‘I wish I had been given what has  been given to so-and-so, so that I might do what he does’; and a man whom Allaah has  given wealth and he spends it on what is just and right. Whereupon another man may say, ‘I wish I had been given what so-and-so has been given, for then I would do what he does.’” [Al-Bukhaari]

May Allah (subhanahu wa ta’ala) strengthen our relationship with the Qur’an and make us among those who recite it during the hours of the night and during the hours of the day. Ameen…

Daily Qur’anic Immersion. Are you in?

Ok, so Arabic’s not your first language, but you know you should teach it to your kids so that they can read the Quraan and authentic Islamic texts.

If you’re just starting out, you may be scratching your head, wondering where to begin, and how to teach.

Insha Allah, TJ tips and resources can help.

Getting Started

1. Know why you should teach Arabic

Understand the importance of teaching Arabic to your student and its benefits. Insha Allah, this will help make teaching Arabic a priority for you.

Article: The Status of the Arabic Language in Islam

2. Determine your goals for learning Arabic

Are you teaching your child Arabic so that he/she can read the Quraan and Islamic texts?

Do you want your child to learn conversational Arabic?

Do you want your child to learn Arabic grammar?

I once read an article online that insisted that children do not need to know the Arabic terms for words such as lemon or taxi. The author’s position was that if you were going to read the Quraan, this type of vocabulary was not necessary. Point taken. However, if you are intending on making hijrah or living in an Arabic speaking country, then it may be important to know terms like these.

Both goals have very different means for attaining them, so you need to decide what your goals are because this will affect what type of curriculum you need.

If you are just looking for a program or means to teach your child to read the Quraan, than you don’t need him/her to be bogged down with unrelated material.

If you want your student to be fluent in Arabic speaking, you need a curriculum rich in vocabulary and conversational Arabic and you need to make sure that you try to use that conversation in everyday life, as much as possible. You will want to choose a program that is arranged by topics and not grammatical concepts for conversational speaking. Grammar should be incorporated naturally into the topic, not the other way around for this goal. Also, try to give student plenty of opportunity to hear spoken Arabic from native speakers. Provide lots of real life applications and practice.

If you want your child to learn the rules of grammar, my suggestion is not to mix it into the conversation/oral fluency curriculum. As an Arabic as a second language learner, I have found that I tend to get too bogged down in the grammar aspects when it comes to speaking and thus I think it slows me down in communicating orally. These are two different goals and thus (in my opinion) require two different teaching methods.

3. Choose a curriculum or make your own.

Now that you have identified your goals for teaching Arabic (and it can be all three), set out to find programs that match these needs. This should be easier, insha Allah, now that you have separated them out instead of simply saying, I want my child to learn Arabic.

Two programs/books that I have used with success, masha Allah are:

• Easy Steps in Quraan Reading published by MELS.

• Quraan Made Easy (Yassurnal Quraan), by Shabbir Behlim

Out of the two, I really liked the second as it contained over 100 easy lessons. I didn’t get to use this extensively as my son lost it in the masjid, but I really liked the way it laid the lessons out. If I could get it again, I would. There are other books by the same title in different bookstores, so if you are looking for this one, look for this author.

So, we really ended up going with the first one for most of the instruction for my two oldest children. Although it is for ages 7 and up, I felt that more time should have been spent on the alphabet itself, at least for younger children. Once the alphabet is learned, I felt the book was excellent. I think only one word out of the given words for reading throughout the book is not in the Quraan. The book also came with a couple of Arabic alphabet charts, flashcards, and tapes. I do recommend this one as well.

Other than that, having been in Yemen for a while, I have picked up Arabic books from Arabic authors. My only problem (well not really a problem) with these is that I think they present ways of learning that are foreign to American students and I prefer to jazz things up a bit as well as provide more drill.

There is one book called, Iqra Qiratee, that is used a lot here, especially in Damaaj. I like the beginning of the book as it provides what I feel is much needed drill for the alphabet. ( I go for old fashioned ways of learning, I’m a fan of drill) So I usually use the beginning of the book where it teaches the alphabet in drill form, and then switch to the Easy Steps in Quraan Reading or other material to continue.

If you don’t have the means to purchase a curriculum, then make your own. Takes a little more work, but you can suit it to fit your teaching style and your student’s learning style, insha Allah. Resources on the ‘net abound, masha Allah and between finding them and making your own resources, I think you can put together a decent curriculum, bi ithnillah.

As my tender soft butter eyes glance at the Glorious book, my rose like heart sparkles up in anticipation. My inner Soul shakes in fear and hope as I pick up the greatest book of all time.Quranic sensation runs down my petals and melts them one by one as I open the beautiful reminder to mankind. I witness a world full of extreme power and light. Light bounces in my heart, soul enraptured. As I go to read the Quran, each letter melts my soul, mind and heart. My mind feeling a spiritual buzz. Heart locked to each amazing letter of the Quran. Locked as a blessed prisoner, craving to taste the sweetness of wisdom. The word of God, which no soul can ever match. Quranic moment to the fullest potential. My tender soft butter eyes water up with tears.
Tears become droplets, tears become puddles and then become an ocean as I ponder upon these emotional words:

Say: "The Angel of Death, put in charge of you, will (duly) take your souls: then shall you be brought back to your Lord. (32:11)

Watery tears as deep as an ocean flow down my innocent face and dry on my lips. As my heart locks on the pages of the Quran. Balanced between hope, by Allah's mercy. And between fear, by Allah's wrath. The Quranic wisdom takes me on an unforgettable journey through the Islamic history, to life's mystery. Full of knowledge to the depths of the root.In the quitness of my vivid thoughts burning the current's path into a deeper frame of emotion.Patient tears flowed up on an endless crevice. Allah counts my tears, one by one.The Holy Quran is True Beauty with imagination of radiant light which illumines the deeper depths of my soul.Conveying a revolutionary message which transforms my soul towards Jannah. As I go to close the Quran, my heart feels regret, like a loved one gone. A liked one on. On infinite friendship. Strong attachment stays within. iPOET and Quran.A beautiful couple and garment to one another. Closeness like no other. The Quran will be my witness of the Day Of Judgement.

When is your Quranic Moment O Dear Friend?

Do You Cry When YOU Read The Powerful Message?

Who's Words are the Quran?

How often is our Quranic Moment?

Will the Quran be your witness on the Day Of Judgement?

For or Against?

The Words of Allah live on forever. Ink dried, pen lifted. Blessed and stay untouched!

Written by a Stranger.

iPOET

Keep up prayer and pay the poor-rate and whatever good you send before for yourselves, you shall find it with Allah; surely Allah sees what you do. (Chapter 2: Verse 110)

People wonder why I chose Islam--of all religions or lifestyles.

Why Islam?

My name is Jacian Fares. I come from the Al-Fares family of Hebron. My father was born in Lebanon, my mother is a Spaniard. I was the first generation born in America (Dearborn, Michigan in fact). My father took no stock in religion nor did he live the Deen. My grandparents are devote Muslims, I do imagine his choice and path in life had saddened their hearts. Needless to say my siblings and I were born without a specific religion. We were to be raised as American kids. Under odd circumstances I was the only one of the three of us to go live in Lebanon for six years, during which I was a teenager. I shall call this time period my first encounter with Near East culture.

My second phase of encounter came when I was in the U.S. Marine Corps. I lead the invasion into Iraq--not a war I agreed with, but I was a soldier just doing his job. In Fallujah and other areas of the Al Anbar province I came to know locals. I had witnessed other Arabs during Ramadan over the years. I had watched how devoted to their Deen they were. Unfortunately I was shot in Iraq and lost a kidney--but it is as Allah wills. I had always believed everything happens within reason. 

Allah has granted a grade higher to those who strive and fight with their goods and persons than to those who sit at home. (Chapter 4: Verse 94)

When I had come home I was depressed and feeling like I had nothing to follow in life. I was used to having routine and now it was taken from me. My relationship at the time went down hill. So I was alone. My grandparents had hinted at Islam. As well as my aunt. Finally a girl I had met from the Al-Hussaini family in Kuwait suggested, too. During August of 2008 I read the Quran. And it just clicked. It made sense to me, more so than a bible or a Torah. It was very straight to the point. Muslim life has routine. I needed this change in my life, to find my true self. 

This Quran guides to the best path, and brings good news to the believers who lead a righteous life, that they have deserved a great recompense. (Chapter 17: Verse 9)

Finally I had routine. I had reasons to live for and make my life that much better.

I can say I had made many friends over the past year; all of different Middle Eastern countries. From Egypt, Palestine, Jordan, and Qatar. And these friends helped in developing who I am now. And for that I am forever thankful. There is even a woman in my life who is Muslim and Palestinian. And she aspires me to be a good Muslim, to be a better muslim, and to get in touch with my roots. My grandparents are thankful for this also.

So here I am in my second Ramadan. Sadly I cannot fast because I am a juvenile diabetic. But I donate food, money, and time to people in need for all 30 days. And this year is special, my birthday falls on Eid. And while I am stuck here in America, alone... I am not alone. People in the Muslim communities treat me as any other family member. And I have to say this life we live, the Deen we live, it brings us all together. It brings us together and makes us brothers and sisters every day of our lives--even on days without Holiday. So I promise I will always treat one as my brother or sister, help out ones in need, even in times without special purpose. I will do this every day of my life. 

Serve Allah, and join not any partners with Him; and do good--to parents, kinsfolk, orphans, those in need, neighbors who are near, neighbors who are strangers, the companion by your side, the wayfarer (ye meet), and what your right hands possess: For Allah loveth not the arrogant, the vainglorious. (Chapter 4: Verse 36)

I love Ramadan and what it represents. It reminds us what being a good Muslim is. But I propose that we make everyday of our lives like Ramadan and share with our fellow man and woman. As Muslims we can make this world a better place--no matter how the media tries projecting us as, no matter how ignorant people believe we are.... we can honestly make this world a better place.

Show forgiveness, speak for justice and avoid the ignorant. (Chapter 7: Verse 199)

O ye who believe! take not for friends and protectors those who take your religion for a mockery or sport,- whether among those who received the Scripture before you, or among those who reject Faith; but fear ye Allah, if ye have faith. (Chapter 5: Verse 57)

We should never push our God onto anyone, but we should inform the ones interested correctly. That's how it was done with me; I've come a long way with the support and help of my brothers and sister--my friends and family in Islam.

I choose Islam because it's part of who I am. I've reverted back to what my family has believed. I now live how they live. This is all because reading the Quran was suggested to me. I'm happy and proud of myself for doing so. The Quran has lead me to finding my true self. And now my God has a name. Allah.

I suggest to non-believers to keep an open mind and just look at what the Quran has to say. There is more there if read with open eyes. The Quran is simply a tool and guide we should use to live a correct path; it promotes peace, love and a strong trust in Allah.

And what will explain to you what the steep path is? It is the freeing of a (slave) from bondage; or the giving of food in a day of famine to an orphan relative, or to a needy in distress. Then will he be of those who believe, enjoin fortitude and encourage kindness and compassion. (Chapter 90: Verses 12-17)

IQRA - And Your Lord Is The Most Generous..

It’s said that airplanes are off their course most of the time, yet they start and reach their intended destinations. It’s a matter of knowing where to go and making adjustments on the way.

Ramadan. This is the ‘realest’ you can get. Shaytan is tied up, the avenues to do good is so common, atmosphere of Muslims is o-so-good.

It’s all on YOU…

Instead of waiting until after Ramadan to do some self-analysis, take account now.

Let’s cover 3 areas for now:

1. Ibadah Threshold
2. The Replacement for Time
3. Watching the Energy Dial

Ibadah Threshold

Considering that the shayateen are tied up and we’re left to ourselves, our quality and quantity ibadah (worship of Allah) reflects our Ibadah Threshold.

It’s like the cap on how much good deeds our mind & body can handle and how far our Iman drive us.

It’s the same month of Ramadan for everyone. Yet we see some Muslims who are fully ON and continue improving, while others are making FaceBook updates about how hungry they are (and then discussing it with others who are complaining about hunger!)

The purpose of fasting in Ramadan is taqwa, so let’s check how much we are doing and how much we are improving.

Now, how do we know Ramadan is for taqwa?

It's in the Quran.

So why not use this Ramadan to establish our relationship with the Quran. That is an amazing tool for taqwa-training. Our relationship with the Quran is a great measure for out Ibadah threshold; how long can you read the Quran for in a day, is taraweeh boring or are you fascinated by the verses as you hear them them, contemplation etc.

For whatever of Ramadan you have and our whole lives beyond that, let's constantly return to the Quran to check our iman.

The Replacement for Time

I do this thing called “Time Tracker” once in a while to get an overview of the trends in my daily life and measure productivity.

So I was just noting down few days ago how much time opened up from the not eating and cutting out distractions etc. and what will replace that free time.

Here’s an example:

• Save 1 hr from not eating during the day
• Save 1 hr from cutting distractions
• Add 2 hrs to my day by waking up at Suhoor (Sehri)
• Minus 1 hr for Taraweeh (or as Bengali’s call it “Tarabi Namaj” :P

WoW, there’s an extra 3 hrs!

Here’s the key point of this activity, where is it all going?

Is it here:

• 1 hr for Quran reading
• 20 mins extra adhkar
• 40 mins Iftar (prep included)
• 1 hr of some more good stuff

Or here:

• Sleep after suhoor until regular days wake up time (eliminates the 2 hrs extra)
• Pray 8 out of 20 Taraweeh prayers and chill outside until everybody’s done
• Explore new ways to waste the extra time; extra long iftar, more YouTube, ‘relaxing’

So do it up -- see how much time freed up for you and how it’s being replaced.

Watching the Energy Dial

We know our energy level fluctuates throughout the day, Ramadan and non-Ramadan days.

Watch how those fluctuations happen during Ramadan; when do you feel most energetic as well as when do you feel wiped out.

We can’t get into it too deeply now, but just work according to your energy schedule.

• If you’re too sleepy in the morning and fresh in the afternoon, do the task that needs focus/attention at that time.
• Do the more serious Quran reading when you’re energetic, then maybe relax and do your adhkar when you’re tired & awaiting iftar.

Moving forward

You can’t direct the wind, but you can adjust the sail.

So wherever you are in life/Ramadan now is because of the things you did before you got here (ie. Ramadan).

It’s not necessarily a good thing, it’s not a bad thing...it just is

We’ve still got a good chunk of Ramadan to get through, let’s make the best of it.

Summary

Here are the 3 areas we covered:

1. Ibadah Threshold – a cap to our ability/interest in good deeds
2. The Replacement for Time – investigate the free time and what’s replacing it
3. Watching the Energy Dial – work according to your energy cycle

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Share what you benefited from this; after reading and after testing them out. InshaAllah.

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I’m looking forward to all your successes,

Nahyan