What have you achieved?

As Ramadan draws to a close, the main question that we all need to ask ourselves, during self-analysis is: What have I achieved this Ramadan?

We all know the meaning of Ramadan, we all know how we need to behave in Ramadan, and we all know that its a time to reflect and improve. So this Ramadan, what have you improved about yourself? How many hearts did you fill with pleasure, and how many people did you assist?

Were we able to move a little closer to the ways of our Prophet (May peace and Blessings be upon him)? Did we live the true spirit and meaning of Ramadan.

To read about the various benefits, other than the spiritual aspect, read here:

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C&cid=1220866968768&pagename=Zone-English-Discover_Islam%2FDIELayout

If we see how beneficial this month is from the spiritual, physical, social and psychological angles, we would realize the essence.

Hope Allah gives us all the strength and ability to live the true spirit of Ramadan during these last 10 days. Ameen

Ramadan Kareem/Mubarak to All!

The following link is of an Islamic Webiste that provides a Daily Planner especially made for Ramadan (see end of the linked page) http://www.ezsoftech.com/ramadan/ramadan_prep.asp

You can easily replace the prayer times with that in your part of the woods.

Following are some tips to remember during Ramadan, so that we are better Muslims and citizens in our day to day life: (I found some on a website last year and added a few)

Top 10 Bad Habits During Ramadan
10 Eating too fast and too much at iftar
9 Driving recklessly to the masjid and blocking cars in the parking lot
8 Getting angry quickly, especially toward the end of the day or end of the month
7 Snubbing people you know and walking around arrogantly
6 Rushing through taraweeh just to complete the Qur'an in 30 days
5 Fasting just to feel hungry, without involving your mind and heart
4 Fasting from food only but indulging in haram activities
3 Fasting by day and sinning by night
2 Observing Ramadan as a cultural festival without Islamic knowledge
1 Fasting but not praying

8 WAYS TO BOOST YOUR RAMADAN
(Original article by a Sound Vision Staff writer)
Dua
Ask Allah to make this the most awesome, spiritually uplifting Ramadan you've ever had. Only He can make it happen and relying on Him completely is one step in boosting our spirits.
Quiet your mind, turn off the...
TV, Internet, radio, cell phone, pager, iPod, etc. No, not all day, but for at least 10 minutes a day. Find a quiet place, close your eyes and connect with God. At first, your mind will swirl with the useless and not-so-useless info in your head. But force it to think of three things in these few minutes:
Allah
Your purpose in life
Are you in a state of peace?
Learn about great Muslims
A sure-fire spirituality booster.
Connect to the Quran
The Quran is God's way of talking to us. It's one of the most important keys to spiritual upliftment. This Ramadan, connect to the Quran in a new way.
Take care of others
The spiritual boost you get in return is well worth it.
Feed the hungry
Bring to mind there are several people who fast but do not enjoy the spread you do. Share your food, or buy food for the hungry and needy.
Give up one lifelong bad habit
Think of all your habits and norms. Select the one you think is worst and put in the effort to abandon it. Allah will provide the additional assistance in this blessed month, and it will become easier for you.
Use those Nights of Power
The last ten nights or Ramadan aren't called the Nights of Power for nothing. Use these precious times for deep, heartfelt Dua (supplication), self-analysis, reflection and serious thought.