Renewing Intentions & Embracing Ramadan's Blessings 🌙

As-Salamu Alaikum Minara Family,

We are on our last Jumu’ah before the blessed month of Ramadan InshaAllah, which is why we’re even more excited to bring you this heartfelt newsletter edition speaking on intentions, becoming better and setting our best goals for this beautiful opportunity ahead of us. ❤️

The Beauty of Our Niyyah (Intention)

In the quiet moments before dawn, as the world sleeps and we rise for Suhoor, our intentions align us with our Creator.

Niyyah, or intention, is the silent dialogue between us and Allah (S), a pure, unspoken commitment that precedes all acts of worship.

The Holy Qur'an reminds us, “Any believer who strives in the way of Allah, he will be guided by Allah on the right path.”

Our intentions set the course for our actions, serving as the prerequisite for the acceptance of our deeds by Allah (S).

As we prepare to welcome the blessed month of Ramadan, let's reflect on the beauty of niyyah and the transformative power it holds.

🌙 Tips for Renewing Intentions for Ramadan:

1. Reflect Deeply: Ask yourself what you seek to achieve this Ramadan. Is it greater closeness to Allah? Is it forgiveness, patience, or perhaps a deeper understanding of the Qur'an?
   

2. Set Clear Goals: Whether it's completing the Qur'an, increasing your charity, or improving your Salah, lets be guided by a sincere niyyah.
   

3. Seek Sincerity: Remind yourself that your niyyah is for Allah alone. Cultivate sincerity by focusing on pleasing Him only.
   

4. Make Dua: Ask Allah to accept your intentions, to guide you to the best ways to fulfill them, and to make this Ramadan a means of growth and blessings.
   

5. Embrace Flexibility: While it's important to set intentions, remain open to the ways Allah will guide you through Ramadan.

May our sincere niyyah be a beacon that lights our path to spiritual growth, deeper gratitude, and unwavering faith. 🤲🏼

Curating the Perfect Ramadan Corner 🌿💓

As we welcome the sacred month, creating a serene space for worship in our homes becomes more meaningful.

A Ramadan corner / space that embodies tranquility and time for reflection can make a huge difference to our Ramadan experience.

Why is this important? Your Ramadan corner will serve as your personal retreat for Salah, Qur'an reading, and quiet contemplation. It's a physical manifestation of your dedication to engaging more deeply with your Salah and embracing the peaceful essence of Ramadan.

Tips for Your Ramadan Corner:

• Choose a Quiet Spot: Select a corner of your home where distractions are minimal.

• Make It Comfortable: Include a comfortable prayer mat, cushions for sitting during Dhikr, and perhaps a small table for your Qur'an and Islamic literature.

• Add Inspirational Elements: Consider adding Islamic art, a Ramadan calendar, and anything else that inspires you spiritually.

Creating this dedicated space can significantly enhance your connection during prayers, making each moment spent in worship even more special.

Crafting a Ramadan Vision Board

We’ve all heard of ‘new year vision boards’, right? But with Ramadan being such a symbol of new beginnings and the opening of the doors of mercy, why not create your very own Ramadan vision board! 🎨

This visual representation can serve as a daily reminder of your spiritual aspirations and how you plan to achieve them.

💭 What to Include on Your Vision Board:

• Prayer Goals: Outline specifics like praying on time, incorporating Sunnah prayers, and dedicating time for Dhikr after Salah.
  

• Qur'an Goals: Set a target for daily Qur'an reading or memorization, and include which Surahs or Juz' you aim to focus on.
  

• Character Goals: Identify aspects of your character you wish to improve or virtues you hope to cultivate, such as patience, generosity, or kindness.

How to Make Your Vision Board:

1. Use a poster board, corkboard, or even a digital platform!

2. Collect images, quotes, and anything that visually represents your goals this Ramadan (Pinterest is a great place to find these images).

3. Get creative and make sure it really represents what YOU want to achieve.

4. Place it somewhere you'll see it daily as a motivational reminder of your Ramadan aspirations.

A Ramadan vision board not only keeps your goals in sight but also serves as an inspiration to fulfill them, transforming your intentions into action.

Embracing the Beautiful Journey Ahead

As our hearts feel comfortably heavy, and our souls in desperate need of Allah’s mercy, let these Ramadan preparations we make be a testament to our commitment to growth, reflection, and deeper connection with our Creator.

May our efforts be blessed, and our Ramadan be filled with peace, fulfillment, and spiritual renewal.

We can’t wait to share more insights and inspiration with you throughout this blessed month.

Warm regards and Ramadan blessings, 

The Minara Team 🌙