Set SMART Goals in Ramadan to Serve the Real Purpose of the Blessed Month

The sacred month of Ramadan is indeed the best of all, with everlasting Allah's blessings. This divine month is a priceless time filled with riches, grace, and prosperity. This the time of the year every Muslim eagerly waits to try their best in it. Everybody sets some goals or targets to achieve in Ramadan whether it's fasting or the completion of the Quran. Ramadan is no doubt a cherished month that Muslims have strong faith that they will be forgiven. It is believed that during Ramadan the Shaytan means Devil gets tied up by Allah Almighty and the doors of Heaven get opened. It’s due to the endless blessings of Allah Almighty and Muslims should do the maximum in this month.

It is stated in a Hadith Narrated Abu Huraira:

It is mentioned in a Quranic verse that:

To make this Ramadan successful setup SMART goals to accomplish in this sanctified month. The abbreviation of SMART is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Timely where Specific means, it is vital to set realistic and specific goals in order to stay empowered during Ramadan. Measurable goals are essential because they can be evaluated. Setting measurable goals empowers one to keep working towards the objective. Once we finish them, we feel encouraged as we have met our planned target but when we fail to accomplish them, it shows us why we were unable to do so. Attainable indicates that your target should be one you must achieve with your competencies and determination. It is also imperative not to strive for overly simple and modest goals. Challenge yourself in such a way that you evolve or change both spiritually and psychologically. Relevant means to have goals that are related to what you are listing for. For instance, create your list of goals according to Ramadan and what must be done in this month rather than adding all the things you want. The relevancy of your goals is a must. The last one is Timely, giving your targets a date ensures that you remain focused on daily basis. Because assigning yourself a timescale to deal with induces a sensation of priority as the deadline looms, which will help you achieve your goal easily. Therefore, setting adequate goals is quite essential for one to accomplish their Ramadan objectives.

Why Set Ramadan Goals?

The days of Ramadan are the most blissful ones and Allah Almighty showers endless blessings on Muslims. Ramadan is a short 29 or 30-day process during which you must maintain a clear concentration on your goals. If your priorities aren't evident, it indicates that you'll get through Ramadan but not very constructively. To get the most out of this glorious month, it is pertinent to set quick and easy goals and successfully pursue them one by one. Muslims are not allowed to commit any wrongdoings in this month as their fast can break with this, so they do whatever they can to stay pure and clean.

What Are the Best Ramadan Goals to Set?

It might be a challenging task but with devotion, you can do it. All you have to do is evaluate the activities and progress of your last Ramadan. Focus on what you weren’t able to achieve and if you did then how perfectly you triumph them. Having some goals may involve anything from the addition of good habits to the removal of bad habits. It all depends on one person to another and how strong their beliefs are. Ramadan is the time when you can work on all these aspects in order to strengthen your Imaan. Listed below are some of the goals to get hold of in Ramadan and you can add them to your list as well:

Do Not Skip Any Fast

Skipping a fast should not be an option. Muslims must fast on all the days of Ramadan and it should be on the top of your listed goals. Muslims are aware of the significance of Ramadan as fasting is the third pillar of Islam. Scientifically, fasting is proved to be good practice for health. Muslims tend to fast from dawn until dusk. They fast with the Azan of Fajar and they break it with the Azan of Maghrib. Muslims always feel enthusiastic about this month and try their best. So do not any fast as Allah will get pleased by you and reward you with the best. In a Hadith it is Narrated Abu Huraira:

Give Charity

In Islam, the prime objective of the charity is to uphold peace and equity. We should be diligent and contribute to the poor on a constant basis, particularly during Ramadan. It will not merely reduce the inequality amongst the poor and the wealthy, but it would also benefit constructively. It is a very gentle and compassionate practice to do during Ramadan. Islam generated rules and regulations that adhere to any sphere of life. What Allah (SWT) notices is not how much but the intent that you are contributing somehow with what you have. It’s mandatory in your Ramadan goals as our beloved Prophet (S.AW) loves doing so. It is also obligatory for all deserving Muslims to pay Zakat. It is reported in a Hadith and Anas narrated that:

Recite Quran with Translation

Whenever Ramadan starts Muslims plan to complete the whole Quran in the month but many of them fail to do so. The most perfect strategy is to recite the Quran after every prayer with a minimum of 5 pages. It’ll help you finish it within the days of Ramadan. It would be more virtuous if you read it with translation as you’ll know what is written in it and what was the message that the Prophet (S.A.W) was trying to convey to us. Start reciting it even with one or two Ayah with every Namaz. Even though you're not sure of your ability to complete it, you should commence it as Allah will know your intent and help you attain it. Even minor deeds yield benefits, and these moderate efforts will provide you with warmth and peace. You will be rewarded for reciting each word of the Quran. Given below are two Hadiths that show the significance of the recitation of the Quran in Ramadan.

In a hadith narrated by Muhammad bin Ka'b Al-Qurazi:

In another Hadith Narrated Ibn `Abbas:

Refrain from Bad Habits

As humans, we have a lot of nasty habits and deeds that we can eradicate with the start of Ramadan. Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food; it also forbids you from lying, using foul words, backstabbing, smoking, gambling, misbehaving, and many other bad habits. Evaluate your habits and strive to change them as much as possible. The month of glories will encourage individuals to overcome their immoral acts, destructive habits, and pessimistic feelings allowing them to become stronger humans. Your fast will not get accepted if you didn’t leave your bad habits.

It is reported in a Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira:

Repent to Allah Almighty

Ask for forgiveness and seek mercy for all of your previous wrongdoings. If your thoughts are positive, he will certainly pardon you. Furthermore, seek forgiveness from those you've wronged; it will render you feel lighter and better. Allah (SWT) loves His people and Ramadan is a month of forgiveness so believe in yourself and try your best to please Him.

In a Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira, it is reported that:

Concluding Remarks

The above-mentioned are some of the goals that you should add to your list of Ramadan and must achieve by following the SMART strategy. Ramadan is a very special month that Muslims all over the world observe with devotion and are determined for fasting and doing good deeds. Allah Almighty bless His people and give them great rewards and benefits.