7 things to do during the last week of Ramadan

There’s still time to rack up some more good deeds before the end of the holy month. And with Laylat al-Qadr – the night when the first verses of the holy Quran were revealed to the Prophet Mohammed – falling within the last 10 days of Ramadan, no time is better than the present.

“Indeed, We sent the Qur'an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.”
[Quran 97:1-5]

1) Smile!

The lack of water can cause anyone to get cranky, but whenever you find yourself getting worked up over a silly thing, just pause, take a deep breath and remember that you’ve done well so far. One of the best things about the holy month is that everyone makes more time for each other, so keeping on smiling, be patient and practice kindness. It’s good for the soul.

2) Visit a mosque

If observing Ramadan, and you haven’t managed to do so already try and make it to the mosque for Fajr or Taraweeh prayers.

Have friends who are experiencing Ramadan for the first time? Why not organise a trip to a mosque for them to learn more about the beauty of the holy month themselves? In the UAE, the Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding hosts traditional Emirati iftars every evening, followed by a mosque tour and a bit of background on Ramadan. Whether you’re a resident or tourist, this evening out is highly recommended.

3) Feed a child (or more) every day

Thanks to technology, it is now easier than ever to donate to areas that need it the most. And the United Nations World Food Programme’s ShareTheMeal app allows users to feed a child in need for a day at the simple tap of a button.

All you have to do is upload your payment details (required once only) and you can donate anytime you wish thereafter.

It costs $0.50 to feed one child per day, and meals are distributed to Syrian refugees as well as other affected groups.

4) Pay Zakat-Al-Fitr

Usually paid a couple of days before the end of Ramadan (or on the morning of Eid prayers), Zakat al-Fitr is an annual food donation that is compulsory for all Muslims. The aim of it is to ensure that all members of the community have food to eat during Eid.

Traditionally, it was preferred that food donations are made; however, many charities now run Zakat Al-Fitr programmes where they use any cash donated to purchase food items and distribute to those who will benefit.

5) And remember that Zakat Al-Fitr differs from ‘Zakat’

One of the five pillars of Islam, Zakat is a form of charity whereby a percentage of any Muslim’s wealth is given to someone less fortunate.

Many prefer to give out their annual Zakat during the holy month. To calculate how much you owe, there are plenty of Zakat Calculators available online to help you along.

6) Don’t forget your Dua

It is often advised to take advantage of Ramadan’s last few days to make as much Dua as possible. As defined by Islamreligion.com, Dua is an act of supplication that is “uplifting, empowering, liberating and transforming and it is one of the most powerful and effective act of worship a human being can engage in”.

Aishah (MAPH) reported: I asked: “O Messenger of Allah! If I realise Lailat Al-Qadr, what should I supplicate in it? The Messenger of Allah (SAWS) 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)

7) Make a post-Ramadan resolution

Much like the New Year’s resolutions we make in January, the end of Ramadan is the perfect opportunity to try and stick to a good habit kept during the holy month. For example, did you eat more healthily? Stick to it. Did you improve your fitness routine? Try and keep it for the rest of the year.