IMPORTANT DUAS FOR RAMADAN’S FIRST 10 DAYS

1. For five minutes turn off your phone, get away from the laptop/computer, and other interruptions. Then, make a deep, sincere Dua to Allah that He make this the best Ramadan of your life, especially in terms of spiritual benefit. _____
2. Start getting used to the new schedule by going to sleep early, right after Isha and Taraweeh, so you can get up in time for Suhoor. ____
3. Set the Suhoor table before bed and have a list on the fridge of what you’re going to serve so you can move a little faster in your sleepy state. ___
4. Start implementing a Ramadan meal plan so that the Lady of the House is not stuck in the kitchen most of the blessed month. Cooking and cleanup should be shared by all family members on a rotating basis. _____
5. Finish decorating the house in time for the first day of Ramadan so you, and especially kids, can feel the excitement. ____
6. Send ecards and post Facebook updates wishing everyone “Ramadan Mubarak!”. ____
7. Start calculating your Zakat and brainstorm where you will give it this year _____
8. Finalize a written list of Duas you want to make for yourself and others this Ramadan, especially before you break your fast. ____
9. Get in the habit of taking a short nap in the afternoon. Set a timer for 15 or 20 minutes and find a safe, calm place. ______
10. Put an elastic band on your wrist. Every time you feel like giving in to one bad habit you wanted to give up in Ramadan, pull on it and feel the pain of temptation. ______
11. Read the increased amount of Quran you resolved to read every day of Ramadan, whether that is one verse, one page, or one Juz.
12. Read Ramadan bedtime stories to the kids. ___
13. Smile. It’s Sunnah. And it’s Ramadan. ___
14. Forgive the one person you’ve held the longest grudge against. It could be a child, a parent, a cousin, or some other relative or friend. ____
15. Squeeze in some time on chores that may come up later in the month, during the last 10 days or Ramadan, so you have that time free when it arrives. ___
16. Thank Allah for His incredible Mercy toward you throughout your life and beg Him for more of it in the future, especially when we’ll need it the most, on Judgment Day. ___
17. Show mercy to someone else. ___

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Samana Siddiqui is Sound Vision’s Content Manager. She is also a reporter and columnist for the Chicago Crescent newspaper.