We have entered the precious last 10 nights of Ramadan. Ibn Qayyim said:
“The month of Ramadan is superior to all other months, and the last ten nights are superior to the other nights.”
This is the best time for us to reap massive amounts of rewards, which we all need.
The last ten nights are a great way to bond as a family and teach your children some valuable lessons in life.
Here is a checklist of everything you and your family need to prepare for those superior ten nights!
1. Set Your Intention
As with anything we do in Islam, it is an absolute must that we set our intention for those last ten nights. Make sure your heart is in the right place.
Ask Allah to let you and your family be successful during the coming nights. Encourage your children to do the same.
2. Night Prayers as Family Activity
Praying Taraweeh as well as tahajjud prayers brings huge rewards. Turn the night prayers into a family activity.
If your children are still young and ‘Isha time is quite late, like in Canada, this can be something to do on the weekends.
Take them to the mosque with you so they can pray beside you and feel the connection with Allah.
For daily prayers, make sure you pray together as a family so each member feels included and connected spiritually as well.
3. Read More Quran Together
InshAllah, you have been reading the Quran every day up until now. However, in the last ten nights, read more.
Have a family Quran circle: Allocate a set time each day when you all take turns reading some surahs.
If you want a bit of fun while reaping the maximum benefit, you can also have a family competition to see who can read the most: This will encourage your children to pick up the Quran more!
4. Make a Dua List and Increase Supplication
Ramadan is the month of blessings and mercy. It is the perfect chance to ask Allah for anything, especially forgiveness.
In the last ten days, sit with your children and draw up a dua list together.
Teach them how beneficial dua is and that Allah listens to all of our requests.
Also remember the most famous dua Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to say and teach it to your children:
“O Allah, You are pardoning. You love to forgive, so forgive me.”
Sunan At-Tirmidhi, 3513.
5. Give More Sadaqah
This doesn’t have to necessarily be financial. You can have a family cooking session together and invite extended family or friends for iftar.
You can ask your children to sort out some of their toys to give away to charity, as well as their clothes that no longer fit them.
You can go to the park or river and feed the birds together as a family activity.
You can take your children with you when you check on elderly neighbors and relatives to make sure that they are OK and your children can help carry out chores for them.
If you are financially able, set aside a certain amount to donate to charity each day.
You can encourage your children to donate some of their allowances to charity.
There are so many Islamic charities out there; let them choose the appeal they wish.
All of these activities will teach your children how to be kind and generous, and how we should take care of others in need.
Remember: leading by example instills important lifelong values.
6. Get Your Family Involved
Make this a family time. Make sure your children are aware of why these last ten nights are so precious and rewarding.
If you live near your parents, spend time praying and eating iftar together. Do good deeds as a family unit.
You will equip your children with lifelong lessons about kindness, helping others, and the beautiful gift that is family.
Ramadan goes by so fast. Don’t let those ten days of Ramadan go by without making as much effort as possible.
It is so important to get your family involved so that they can understand the significance of these nights and you can earn rewards together as a family. Allah says in the Quran:
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.(Al-Qadr 97:1-3).
(Al-Qadr 97:1-3).
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