Nahela Morales – Last Tips for Ramadan
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Salam alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh welcome back to
another episode here at about Islam. We're gonna give it a
couple seconds
to make sure that people log on so let's just go ahead and take this
moment to share
on your social media platforms inshallah
and we're gonna have a really good conversation this evening.
Here where I'm at in Dallas, Texas, we're still waiting for
Ramadan approximately an hour or so but Nila so I know that in a
lot of places Ramadan has begun and so it's a very exciting
moments and so we all have been waiting for this blessed month
so we're just going to give it a couple of seconds so people can
join inshallah
and today we are going to be speaking about last minute tips so
if you don't have a plan or if you're still feeling overwhelm
and so today we're gonna go over some of those things that way we
can all inshallah enjoy and make the best of this Ramadan
just going to share it so if you can take some time to share this
out
my message today is for everyone for reverbs for Muslim struggling
for anyone that you can think of so if you could take a moment to
share this and then we'll get started
one second
and we will begin
so I know it's been a minute since I've been here
and
so if you have any questions, go ahead and put them in the chat
inshallah. We'll be sharing them. I'll try to discuss them on here.
I think people are logging on. So Salaam Alaikum Warahmatullahi
Wabarakatuh My name is the halal mirallas and today I just want to
touch base on some last minute tips when it comes to Ramadan. I
know that in many parts of the world Ramadan has begun. I am in
Dallas, Texas and so we are approximately about 3040 minutes
away from Maghrib which will mark the beginning of Ramadan. And so
as converts all speak to my converts, brothers and sisters,
sometimes we feel very overwhelmed and I know there's many of you
that will be celebrating your first Ramadan and it's very
exciting. And for us more seasonal Muslims let's just also get in
that spirit inshallah. So, you know these last 24 hours I like to
keep it real and I like to share personal experiences. So it's been
quite a roller coaster these last 24 hours for me. I've been to the
ER with my son this morning I went to see an orthopedic So long story
short he broke her wrist literally 48 hours before Ramadan. So
sometimes we think that we are at the finish line that we are going
to make it to Ramadan without any test or trials or challenges. But
Allah subhanaw taala sometimes has a better plan for us that will
humble us to reach that mark line or finish line more humble more at
peace and more ready. So today let's talk about
what Ramadan is Ramadan is a time where inshallah we are ready to
ask for forgiveness. Allah subhanaw taala is ready for us as
well as he locks up the shade that in right so we understand
from an authentic hadith that when Ramadan enters the gates of
paradise open and the gates of the Hellfire close, and the devils are
chained up and so now it's us everything falls on you and I and
my brothers and sisters so we can't blame shame on anymore. And
so this is a time where we can
We, as Muslims should take some time these last few hours to
reflect where are we, when it comes to our relationship with the
Quran? Where are we? Where, like, where are we, as far as our
relationship with Allah subhanho dalla? Where are we, with our
Salaat? Where are we with our Nia with our intention? Are we fasting
just because it's a tradition? Or because we've been fasting
forever? Does it make a difference in our life? Are we going to
change anything? Do we have a plan? So all these questions are
questions I personally asked myself.
And I normally take some time to write down what are some goals,
and we need to make sure that the goals that we do make are
attainable, right? We don't want to say we're gonna read the Quran
seven times when we understand that we don't even pick up the
Quran all year long. If we pick up the Quran and read one, you know,
I O or one verse a day
and understand it and inshallah implemented, that is sufficient,
because we are doing it with sincerity. And we are doing it for
Allah subhanho wa taala. One of the things we have to remember is
that Allah subhanho wa Taala does want excellence from us. He
doesn't want perfection, he does want consistent, he wants us to be
consistent when it comes to our actions when it comes to
the way we interact with one another with our family members.
How are you with yourself? Are you a person that is very harsh on
yourself? So these are things that we should be thinking about as we
are entering the blessed month of Ramadan?
I know when I first converted, you know that burning desire that that
we wait for that should be how we should how we need to be feeling
right now. So what does it take to revive that we need to revive the
gratefulness of reaching this month because many did not reach
Ramadan. And with my experience, the last 24 hours, I felt so
grateful to penalize I was driving to the emergency room with my son.
You know, one of the things that came to mind, I had him the law
don't get sick very often, but for some reason, my son is always
going through something health wise. And so I was thinking as I
was driving, I said, Allah subhanaw taala does tell us in the
Quran that he's going to test us with our wealth, and our children.
And so these are tests that we all go through. And so I'm grateful
for these tests, because it makes me appreciate not only the fact
that Allah has allowed me to enjoy my son, but to take care of him.
And it's a moment of reflection, right? So so let's go through this
list Inshallah, that I have here, a very short list, I don't want to
make this too long, because I know many people are preparing, perhaps
you're waking up for
the hood. And, and it's important for us to focus on this blessing
month. Again, we want to make sure that we ask the following
questions as we enter this blessed month. How is my relationship with
the Koran? Where do I want to go? When? Where do I want to get? How
far do I want to get? What do I want to change?
And so one of the tips that I always do during Ramadan is
attainable goals. And one of those goals is to make sure that after
fajr, I take some time to read the Quran, right? Because that's when
our mind is more clear. That's when you know, distractions are
not there yet our days beginning so that one on one silent
connection with Allah is a perfect time for you to pick up the Quran
and start reading. And the other thing is that you read but you
don't read just to read, even though we do get, you know,
blessings for it. But we want to make sure to now make a habit that
we read, to understand, but most importantly, to implement whatever
we're reading, right and we want to implement it first for
ourselves and our homes and our communities. And so where is that
relationship with the Quran? Where is my relationship with the loss
of Hannah dalla? That's the next question you want to ask yourself.
You know, if you feel distanced from ALLAH, if you feel some type
of disconnection, start making dua and start asking Allah Subhana
Allah to guide you closer to him. You know, sometimes we go through
things that
We don't understand. But there's always a lesson a beautiful lesson
and a blessing behind everything. And when we think about that, and
I'll tell you why I'm saying this so today Subhanallah when I took
my son to the orthopedic
he got a cast, he broke a wrist. And so the orthopedic Masha Allah
wonderful brother, a Muslim, he was talking to my son, and they
were talking about an ayah in the Quran. So that was a blessing in
itself. But even more so
he asked me, you know, my assistant was asking, Why is your
last name mirallas? Why do you look Latina? And, but you're
dressed this way. So I said, I have no problem talking to her.
And so I ended up getting down to the medical assistant that took
care of my son today at the orthopedic doctor. And so these
are all experiences, and these are all opportunities from Allah
subhanho wa Taala that actually benefit us, you know, we think
we're doing someone a favor, but in actuality, it humbles us, it
humbled me that someone actually is curious about my faith or the
way that I'm dressed. And so don't ever think of these opportunities
as burdensome or don't think about these opportunities. Here I go, I
have to explain myself or beyond, you know, on the defense mode,
because these opportunities, you never know what seeds you're going
to leave behind. And you never know who's going to be guided to
this beautiful way of life. So in this interaction, masha Allah, I
was able to explain to her that there's many, many Muslims all
around the world, including Latin America, and my native Mexico. And
so we were able to speak a little bit about Islam. And I explained
to her that it's one of the three Abrahamic faiths and she was very,
very surprised, mashallah, and it was wonderful to have that
connection. And then Allah subhanaw taala, you know, kept
surprising me today. And it was just, it was just wonderful to be
reminded that, you know, I think about that I often, you know,
after hardship comes ease, or with hardship comes ease. And so, last
night, I slept three hours, I was in the emergency room, then this
morning, I went immediately to the orthopedic and in the midst of all
that, you know, you feel overwhelmed, but I felt grateful.
And so I had to take a note to my son's school, right, Mashallah.
And when I got to the masjid, via done for Doha, went off, and I
decided to stay and pray. And it was just myself and a new Muslim
that was having a hard time praying, she didn't know if she
should follow if she should wait. And so again, talk about the
perfect time at the right place, right, the right time, the right
place. And so I was so grateful that I was able to be there with
her and Hamdulillah I took her to the Imams office, and they
welcomed, they welcomed per, and then we exchanged numbers. So
that's another example of Allah's mercy, right, right before
Ramadan, he's, he's again, telling us
what our purpose on this earth is, which is to worship Him, and to,
you know, convey his message, however, is that we can, and
sometimes it's with our own,
with our own manners, the way we treat one another and so if I
wouldn't have, you know, taken the time to Subhanallah teach her and
gently tell her that she was praying incorrectly. You know, who
knows if she would have encountered someone else that
would have been harsh, so hamdulillah let's make sure that
this Ramadan, we stay focus, we make the plan that is, again,
sustainable for the entire month, and make sure that you don't
make it about food this month is not about food. Earlier today, I
posted something on my page. You know, Ramadan is not about just
fasting, it's much more than fasting. Ramadan teaches us to
starve our egos and feed our souls and what does that mean? That
means that we completely submit to the will of Allah. And so this is
the one pillar that it's for ALLAH SubhanA wa taala. Right. And I was
explained to my son what that meant, and what does that mean?
That means that this is between you and Allah because you can eat
and no one will know that you ate but Allah knows that you ate and
so this is why we don't eat right and we abstain.
From drink and food, so let's make sure that we don't fall into our
own desires, our own nafs that we make sure that we make the most of
this this month. The other thing is very important distractions,
you know, there's many distractions, and the first one
that I can think of is social media. Let's make sure that, you
know, if there's nothing good that you're looking at, don't look at
it at all, you know, I know there's some people that unplugged
completely from social media. And that's, that's good, if that works
for them. Again, these tips and all the tips that you will hear
are not one size fits all, everyone needs something
different. Perhaps you need to read more Koran, perhaps you need
to perfect your salon, or perfect or perfect your relationship with
your loved ones or your family or get closer with their family. So
the tips are not one size fits all, whatever it is that you need.
That's what you want to work on this blessed month inshallah. So
again, if you need to focus on who shoe right on your salon
concentration on making sure that you're not thinking, if you left
the stove on, or, you know, if you have to pay something, or what
have you that you focus on your prayer. And so this is so
important that we we reflect and ponder on what is it that I need?
What is it that will make me a better, you know, believer a
better Muslimah a better mother a better daughter, what do I need to
do this month? You know, science says that it takes anywhere from
21 to 30 days to obtain a new habit. And so we have between 29
and 30 days. So this is the perfect time to let go of old
habits that you've been wanting to work on. This is a perfect time.
The other thing I think it's extremely important is you know,
to cleanse our heart to make sure that as we enter this month, that
we forgive everyone, anyone and everyone that has wronged one,
just let it go. Because this month, we will be asking Allah
Subhana Allah to forgive us. And so how can we be asking Allah to
forgive us, when we don't forgive, you know, his creation. And so
everybody makes mistakes, everybody is imperfect. And so the
same mercy that we want from our Creator, we need to make sure that
we are also exercising that among our circles, and I'm not saying
that if somebody continuously hurt you that you need to be there, you
forgive them in your heart, and you move on, right. So whatever it
takes, and is able to help you grow. That's what you do. There's
some people that you know, they're not good for your life, and that's
okay. But as Muslims, we do understand that we have certain
rights that we owe to one another, such as the salam. So if you come
across individuals that you don't necessarily want to be friends
with, you do still owe them the salam. So let's just make sure
that we have that clear.
You know, humble yourself, this is the month where we give where we
give for the sake of Allah make that a habit, make that a habit
that this month you're gonna give, and Allah is not looking for
quantities per se, you know, he's looking for quality, he's looking
for consistency. So make sure that you make that new habit of giving,
often, even if it's, I mean, here in the United States, it's $1.
Even if it's $1 per day, that's $30 a day. I mean, I'm sorry, $30
for the month. That's what Allah wants from us, for us to be
consistent for us to be generous for us to remember the other. And
so, you know, this page is, brings a lot of benefit to many of us,
including myself, and so make sure that you make a list of perhaps
organizations or Institute's or pages like like this, about Islam
that provide a service that help us grow in our Islam, and make
sure that you donate I personally normally make a list and and make
sure that I contribute that because the other thing I think
it's very important for us to discuss tonight is that Allah
subhanaw taala blesses us with resources, and we are responsible
for those resources. And Allah subhanaw taala will question us
about those resources. How did we utilize them? Were we able to feed
the one that was hungry, were we able to
I'm help the one that needed us. And so this is where we exercise
that humbleness that that that blessing that gratefulness, that's
the word I was looking for. How grateful Are you for all the
blessings, Allah subhanaw taala grants, you're on an everyday to
day basis, right? So let's make sure that we, we also allocate a
certain amount, it doesn't have to be huge amount. Obviously, if we
don't have it, Allah knows that we don't have it. And so the next bet
the next excuse me, the best thing that we can do is dua, right? We
understand that dua is the weapon of the believer. And so we can
make dua for organizations to meet their goals for organizations to
grow, and so on and so forth. So make sure that you don't forget to
use your resources correctly. And make sure that you pre purify, you
know, similar to when someone is sick, they're purifying
themselves. When you give for the sake of Allah, you're purifying
your wealth, and we want to get into a habit of doing that in sha
Allah.
And the last thing that I think it's very important, like I said,
I don't want to make this too long inshallah. But the last thing I
really think
is very important is make sure that you associate yourself with
the right people, the right community, you know, the Prophet
says, Some always told us that the companionship is very important.
And so we become who our friends are. And that's an authentic
hadith, where the Prophet goes on tells us, you know, that normally
we we gain those habits, or we start acting like those
individuals. And so we got to make sure that we are careful when it
comes to our company, our friends, our acquaintances, who are we
going to bring in our circle? Are they reminding us to pray? Are
they're very bringing us joy? Are they bringing us Sakina and peace
and tranquility? Or are they causing us stress. And so, you
know, building your own community, in the sense of your own circle is
also very important. I know, as a convert myself, that has been
extremely important in my growth, to make sure that I have loving
sisters that care for my well being. I mean, just these last 24
hours, I have had so many phone calls, so many emails and messages
checking up on us, people wanting to bring food.
And so that elevates your spirit, especially when you're going
through something. And so it's also very important that when
somebody reaches reach reaches out to you, for whatever reason, it is
right. So if somebody is going through hardship, and you know,
they're going through hardship, and perhaps are having a hard time
putting food on the table, perhaps you're there do have been answered
perhaps Allah subhanaw taala, is answering their dua through you.
So don't think of of that request as a burden. On the contrary, be
honored, be grateful, do it with with happiness and and know that
you're doing it for the sake of Allah subhanho data. So I think I
covered most of what I really wanted to say. But last, you know,
I think it's also very important for us to not remember that
Ramadan will go in a blink of an eye, it comes and goes, and so
let's make sure that we make the best of it.
Again, attainable goals, make sure that you check up on one another
in many parts of the world. You know, we're still experiencing the
pandemic, I just spoke to a sister in Colombia today, and they're in
lockdown. So make sure that you reach out to one another and check
up on one another. That's also very important, because you never
know what somebody might be going through and you can help.
So we talked about forgiveness. We talked about making sure that we
revive our intention, we make sure that we forgive we cleanse our
hearts, we make sure that we humble ourselves. We make sure
that we clear distractions, whatever those are for you,
whether it's social media, whether it's something that you need to
work on and let go whether it's, you know, bad company, sometimes
that's a distraction, right? So we understand when somebody is
gossiping or backbiting and so these are things that will
do us harm when we are in the month of Ramadan. And so we got to
make sure that we eliminate all of the distractions that will
take away from the good of this blessed month.
And so we understand that Allah is merciful. Allah loves to forgive.
As we enter this month, make sure that you submit yourself to the
one that created you make sure that you ask he never gets tired
of listening to us, he never gets tired of answering our duas. And
so you shouldn't be tired of asking. I want to end with with
with the one story that I know I've said before, but I think it's
important for for all of us to hear, because I know it keeps me
grounded.
But prior to that, one thing that I forgot to mention on my notes,
is, you know, sometimes we want to go ahead before even starting the
starting line, right? So I was talking at a different platform.
And so one of the things we need to focus on is what is FOD. Make
sure you cover those bases first. So what I mean is, let's say
you're not praying five times a day, right? You're not going to
want to incorporate your Sunnah prayers, if you're not praying
your flood prayers. And so that's very important to keep in mind
that we need to make sure that we are doing our our obligatory first
before we add anything on, because that's when it becomes so
overwhelming. And Allah Subhana Allah is going to ask us about,
you know, our salon, this is the first thing he's going to ask us.
So let's make sure that we are focusing on what is
obligatory before we add on anything else. So that's why I
said before, if prayer is something that you're struggling
with, and I'm not mentioning it to judge, everybody has, you know,
different struggles, everybody's on their own individual journey,
and that's okay. And that's what makes us different Alhamdulillah
you know, the thing here is for us to continue striving for us to be
better for us to you know, seek for the forgiveness, the mercy and
the pleasure of Allah subhanaw taala and nothing or no one else.
So again, if you're struggling with, you know your five daily
prayers, let's make sure to allocate that time and work
towards that. Don't add anything that you are not able to handle
quite yet.
Salam aleikum, everyone that's joining everyone that's sending
readings Ramadan, Mubarak.
And so that's just a few points of the last minute points that I
thought it was important. If you're someone that likes to
journal, if someone that likes to write that, perhaps is something
that you want to do this month.
You know, I tend to make a lot of notes because it's important for
me to make sure that I don't miss specifically things that I want to
work on. So whatever works for you, make sure that you grab onto
that and if that's not working for you try something new, but don't
give up. Allah subhanaw taala never gives up on us. So with
that, I want to ask Allah subhanaw taala to accept our Ibadah or
worship, to forgive us to accept our fasting to make us better than
what we are entering this blessed month
to forgive us for our sins. And to allow us to see many more
Ramadan's. Again, I'm your sister in a halal mirallas Don't forget
to donate to this wonderful page that hunt Allah is full of
wonderful articles. I know I benefit a lot from them. And so
please make sure that you contribute to this effort
Bismillah I wish you all a safe happy prosperous Ramadan. Felice
Ramadan in Spanish of Ramadan Mubarak happy Ramadan May Allah
subhanaw taala bless you all. Until next time, Salam alaykum
Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh