Charity isn’t just about financial giving; you can also give to charity by way of donating clothes a...

Charity isn’t just about financial giving; you can also give to charity by way of donating clothes and materials, volunteering your time or even spreading knowledge; however you donate, it is all for a good cause.

There are many things we do to prepare for the Holy month of Ramadan; be it shuffling our daily schedules and routines around to accommodate prayers, setting up events to raise funds to feed the fasting, or simply making plans with family and friends; so many of us know the importance of this auspicious month.

However, many people tell you what you should be doing, rather than what you could be doing. The team at Islamic Help has put together some top tips and suggestions for you to try this Ramadan.

• The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Holy Qur’an was first revealed as guidance for mankind; aim to recite as much of the Qur’an as possible in this month. Many aim to complete the Holy Qur’an within the month. Upon successful completion, you will feel fulfilled and will enjoy the day of Eid like never before
• There are many beneficial duas (prayers) to recite in this Holy month; ensure you research these and recite as often as you can
• Patch up and build any broken bridges with family and friends. Don’t leave any relationship with bad feelings; this is a month of humility to let go of any grudges you may harbour
• This is a prime time to quit any bad habits you may have, such as smoking
• Utilise your time in this month wisely. There is plenty of time during the rest of the year to shop and to socialise; try to seek closeness to Allah SWT in this blessed month and ensure you stay close to Allah SWT after Ramadan ends, too. None of us know if this could be our final Ramadan so make the most of it, for it comes but once a year. To combine both, get together with friends and family and recite together
• Ensure you eat suhoor (morning meal). Many of us avoid getting up due to the time of day or not being able to stomach food at such an early hour, but it has endless rewards and benefits. Not only this, it goes hand in hand with you conveniently being up to pray Fajr salaah (morning prayer) too. Your body will get used to waking up at this earlier time and after the month of Ramadan, you’ll find that you will still naturally wake up for Fajr
• During suhoor, avoid consuming the wrong foods. Avoid fizzy, carbonated drinks and tea or coffee; they will only make you thirstier. Refrain from eating a heavy meal, instead, try to stick to fresh fruit and bananas, whole grains, eggs, toast, oats, and porridge. These foods are designed to keep you fuller for longer and release energy slowly throughout the day
• Reflect on your day to day life; look to make beneficial changes and improvements where you feel they are needed
• Ensure you get enough sleep, but don’t overdo it or you’ll feel lethargic
• Stay indoors on warmer days to avoid dehydration throughout the day
• There are many benefits of eating dates, one of these being that they keep you sustained a lot longer and have many great health benefits. The fast is traditionally opened with dates during iftar (evening meal), so try to have a few during suhoor, too. For more information on the various benefits of dates, see here.

Remember, we should be taking Ramadan as an example for our daily lives, not just for a set month. Look to incorporate better habits and mannerisms, devote time in your daily routine for your Creator and stay generous; poverty doesn’t vanish after Ramadan.

…and, don’t forget, even smiling at someone in the street is a form of charity.