ramadhan checklist
June 8, 2016When you’re having such a good time with your loved ones, do you ever wish suddenly that when we all “go” one day, we’ll still be together laughing like this in heaven? Except it’ll be a gazillion times more amazing? It gives me goosebumps thinking about it and when the thought of even one of us not being in heaven, makes me really sad. Even if we dislike someone so much, we would never ever wish for them to be burned in hellfire. If you do, something is umm wrong with your heart… or maybe you’re watching too many scary movies. Whatever it is, we know death is real. We see people around us leaving us one by one, and one day, it’ll be us. Scary, but we might as well remind ourselves because what determines our afterlife is our actions in this life. And lucky for us, God is still giving us time to fix anything that needs fixing.
I was thinking about Ramadan as a month of purification and doing my checklist of what I want to achieve this Ramadan and reminders to myself.
– pray on time
– refrain from talking bad / saying bad things / hearing bad things
– terawih prayers every night, doesn’t matter in mosque or at home if I get back late
– quran reading every night – I’m hoping I can khatam one round this month
– bring my telekung bag everywhere
– stay in wudhuk as much as I can so it’ll be easier to pray in between work and shoots
– be cheerful and happy throughout the day – because Muslims are happy people, even when tested and hungry
– do lots of sedekah
– cook for Dean as much as I can – before I sleep so I don’t have to wake up so early before sahur to cook for him – would probably mix up salt and sugar hehe.
– find children’s books about religion – need to start teaching Daniel and Mariam about Islam – not sure how to start!
– see our parents as much as I can – buka together etc
– less pasar ramadhan, more healthy cooking for family
– wear looser clothes
It’s going to be really tough to keep to all of these, but I’m going to treat this as a guide. If I can’t on certain days cos I have to work late or cos I’m too tired with the kids, I’m not going to beat myself up over it. God knows all our intentions. But I will still try my best anyway! Ramadan only comes once a year and already, 2 days of it have passed so quickly.
On the first night of terawih, I had such a long day. We almost missed our flight from Jakarta and ran to the gate, walked all over KLIA2, took an ERL to KLIA where we parked our car (don’t ask, long story), picked up the kids from the grandparents and rushed home to get ready for terawih. Dean and I did 23 rakaats (I almost gave up and did 8 because I was so tired) and I swear to you, my legs were so wobbly that I felt so numb that night. You know I’m honest so I’m just going to say it to you; I was thinking mann why does this Imam read sooooo long, I’m so tired! It was so horrible of me to think that way and I immediately stopped when I heard the Imam’s voice shake into tears when he was reciting the Quran in one of the rakaats. Oh my goodness, there I was complaining about my legs when everyone else was khusyuk, immersing themselves in the meanings of the Quran and how it can move even the toughest of us to tears. I said Astargfirullah immediately. The Imam’s heart is so filled with love for Allah swt, that I found this to be so so inspiring.
When you think about it, Islam is so beautiful. Everything it teaches us is a good thing; be good to your parents, don’t steal, don’t lie, don’t be provocative, don’t cheat, protect women. It’s only us that makes it so complicated with our “but’s” and trying to outsmart the religion with logic. When really, Islam is so logical. Look at the Rukun Islam as an example. Besides having the ultimate reason which is loving Allah swt, I also think the pillars of Islam is so relevant in current times:
Syahadah – logic: so we are reminded of our Creator, we feel protected that He is watching over us especially when we’re stressed, this is really calming.
Prayers 5 times a day – logic: meditation, break of calmness in between our hectic day, light exercise and stretch to wake us up throughout the day, keeping fit
Zakat – logic: help others, an act of humility, learning to share
Fasting in Ramadhan – logic: detox, cleansing our body from junk, refreshing our intentions and deeds, letting ourselves feel the pain that the ones in need feel in hopes it will change us for the better
Hajj – logic: learn what our Muslim warriors had to go through, open our eyes to meet other people around the world, learning to share and live with others even for a short period of time.
I’m loving our religion. I have a looooooooong way to go to understand more about it, but I’m going to try my best to adhere to all of God’s wants of me. Sometimes I really feel silly that I never wore the hijab sooner. I mean, nice hair, God, nice hair, God… really, is it even a debate? Till now, I still love my hair and sometimes I think this outfit would look good with my hair in a high bun (haha) but really… in life, we know we can’t pick and choose to have everything we want. Same goes with religion, look at it in totality and just believe that everything has a reason. We always want God to give us the best, but when He asks something of us, we turn here turn there to find “logic” in ways that suit us. But then, we would never question the good things He gives us. Such hypocrites, us human beings. That’s us, flawed in so many ways but God sees our intentions in wanting to improve everyday. That’s why we can never judge others. We do not see what God sees.
But I always remember what Mimak told me once; do the wajib first, then the rest. There’s no point doing all the good deeds and being a nice person if even the wajib God asks, you don’t do. Because that will be the first thing we’ll be asked later down there. A lot of us, including me before, always used the “But I’m a generally good person, I’ll be fine…” But I knew deep down that it’s not ignorance, it’s just avoidance and finding “logic” that suited me. I was still defying God even though I knew what was asked of me.
Anyway, deep post, sorry about this. But just feeling a lot of love for the basics of Islam and feeling proud to be a Muslim. Hope this post restored your love for it too 🙂
This blog post is so inspiring and heartwarming.Thank you Vivy. I’ll be taking my exams tomorrow, A-levels. And you are seriously someone that i really look up to! I just want you to know that. Goodnight then!
This post really moved me. Thank you Vivy, and have a blessed and fulfilling Ramadan.
Such a beautiful perspective on understanding our religion. Yes, some people are so caught up in being ‘logic’ and ‘modern’ , or is it ‘progressive’ that they define themselves nowadays .. that we fail to see the beauty of Islam.
I like how you put this, ” I mean, nice hair, God, nice hair, God… really, is it even a debate? ” when He has given us so many..
i cried. T.T thank you kak v for reminding us!
when i read about israk mikraj and how at first our prayers should be 50 times a day and after long negotiations it finally came to only 5 times a day. so bila rasa malas nak solat i always reminded myself we should feel lucky enough. and God really loves us takde pun waktu solat tu di tgh2 masa tido. He even lets us have enough sleep till Subuh time.
have a blessed ramadhan vivy. ure such an inspiration 🙂
salam ramadhan, vivy 🙂 to introduce little kids to islam, at early stage can try setting example of simple things they can learn and follow (and do it everyday, they’re a quick leaner! ^^); like giving salam and returning the greeting, doa makan, recite al-Fatihah to them early morning or at night and story books may be a good idea too. as solat, usually kids love to ‘join’ their parents; be it kena panjat belakang, duduk sujud depan kita etc but they’re actually learning and it’s a good sign they have interest in it ^^
have a blessed ramadhan to you and family.
Thanks for this post. very inspiring.
you may find simple Islamic books for kids at earlylearningshopmy (instagram), http://www.earlylearningshopmy.my (Islamic Nuture) or u may whatsapp 0193154995.
I bought a few for my nieces n nephews.
One of my friend selling Islamic Children Songs set which consist of animated videos, activity book, stickers and mini cards. All in English. You may find her in FB – Iryani Akhwan
Love love love this post, so inspiring 🙂
so inspiring. 😉
Salam, i bought my children’s books about religion here:,
1. https://www.instagram.com/iqra_kidz/
2. https://www.instagram.com/smileysoulstore/
Regarding children’s book about religion, u can follow qaiser darussalam on instagram. They have kelas mengaji too.
I saw you and Dean at the mosque on the first night of terawih. So eagerly want to take a photo with you but you guys looks so tired and I don’t want to disturb you. Later that night, I keep on thinking, if you still can squeeze time to do 23 rakaats terawih with your super busy life. Why can’t I? Terus pasang niat I want to do terawih 23 rakaats as many nights as I can. Allahuakbar, you really inspire to most of us 🙂 Have a blessed Ramadhan!
additional point in yr list Vivy:
ensure aurat fully covered ( long sleve to wrist- a bit labuh shawl and socks maybe 🙂
again just a guide – a small step at a time
I pray for you and yr family and all of us on our way to heaven
not by our perfection in ibadah but by our struggle to be a better muslimah and more by Allah ‘s mercy and love
U are so inspiring vivy! seriously u are not the only one who have debate about covering hair. I feel that way too before i wear hijab.i almost cried reading this post thinking about what if i die today, is it enough of pahala for me to bring me to heaven.thank you vivy..
Thanks vivy for the thoughts. Salam ramadhan 🙂
Such an inspiring post . I’m also struggling in being a good muslim, sometimes i just feel wanna give up bcause i have too many sin and i’m afraid Allah won’t accept me anymore. but then i realize He always forgive everyone that repent and ask forgiveness from Him. if not He won’t give us so many rezeki and blessing. its like if you don’t like someone will you help them ? sama juga dengan Allah, dia sentiasa tolong kita in every way He want because He loves us. Thank you Vivy for the heartwarming reminder 🙂
I love how you put it so beautifully that it seems simple enough to understand Islam.. why Allah makes us do the things that we have to.. selamat berpuasa vy!
i love you Vivy! Selamat berpuasa!
Salam Ramadhan Vivy. So inspiring
I love this post so much because it’s really inspiring and heartwarming. And it’s also a good reminder for me because sometimes I always forgot to think that way.
I have so many things to be improve and this post makes me feel alive and refreshing.
Thanks Vivy for this wonderful post about Ramadhan and our beautiful religion. May Allah bless all of us. 🙂
it does moves me.thanks vivy!
awww Vivy u make me cry…really touching entry this one. Happy Ramdhan Vivy
im your silent reader and hd read your blog ever since the wordpress time and just want to know that i’m so proud of what u have achieved now be it in your career and your journey to be a better Muslim. Have a wonderful Ramadhan, and may Allah grant all of us His Best Jannah.
a complete checklist! thumb up
im your silent reader and hd read your blog ever since the wordpress time and just want to know that i’m so proud of what u have achieved now be it in your career and your journey to be a better Muslim. Have a wonderful Ramadhan, and may Allah grant all of us the Best Jannah.
Assalamualaikum
Awwww… you should read reclaim your heart, book written by Yasmin Mogahed. It is so inspiring. Well, it is to me. And i hope to you toooo (:
Masha’Allah. May Allah grant you and family a home in Jannah and may this holy month be full of blessings for you and your family. ???? have a good day vivy ☺????
Great read – I’m not a Muslim but this can be applied to anyone from all religions. They’re all saying the same message essentially and it’s wonderful to see how Ramadhan is a timely reminder to all of us to be better people. If only the serenity and peace could continue all year around! My Sikh background also preaches a similar message, so it’s refreshing to see how we all have so much in common. God bless everyone xx
Vivy thank you for this inspiring heartwarming post.. 🙂
May Allah bless you and your family always InsyaAllah..
I so love reading this, soo inspiring . you being busy with FV yet still survive with the teraweeh!
about the children books , i love this IG : bukuaulad
They have 4 top selling children books that are really entertaining!
It does. Thank you.:)
“There’s no point doing all the good deeds and being a nice person if even the wajib God asks, you don’t do” i disagree, and it’s entirely up for debate. good deeds are valid, always. no matter how seemingly minuscule it is, no matter what bad deeds accompany it. but i get the message you’re trying to put out there. and i respect that. ramadan mubarak, vivy! wishing everyone a blessed ramadhan. god bless. x
oh sure it does! make me feel forever grateful to be born as muslim. thanks vivy for the great reminder 🙂
thank youuu sis vivy for this inspiring post! so heartwarming.
love your checklist vivy! may Allah ease all your affairs & may Allah bless you always! 🙂
السَّلاَمُ عَلَيْكُمْ وَرَحْمَةُ اللهِ وَبَرَكَاتُهُ thank you for this post vivy…i really need this reminder. I pray you, your family and all of us will be in His jannah and i pray that Allah will strengthen our imaan ????????????
Inspiring! So going to refer to your checklist! Hehe. Have a blessed Ramadhan Vivy &
Family! Hope to see you this weekend at FV’s pop-up store 🙂
awhh thanks vy for the reminder. really touched after reading this post. going to improve myself too. ????
Allah bless u n ur family Vivy. May Allah grant us forgiveness n may we be all reunited in Paradise.
SubhanAllah. Tq for sharing this awesome piece. May Allah guide us to the straight path and pardon all our sins. Allahu Akbar.
Love what you wrote Vivy.so inspiring.Thanks sweetie!!
Good post indeed and very inspiring. If u know me, i’d let u hug me (ewah)
Try bayyinah.tv ☺️
As much as I love your appearance, I am really glad that you have a beautiful heart. Well, inner beauty shines better anyway. (: Ramadhan Mubarak – spread the love <3
Ramadhan mubarak to u..
very nice post.. 🙂 mashaAllaah..
Just a few tips on how to teach ur kids about islam.. it is how my ustaz taught me.
Ask them who made the trees.. who made the sun, the stars.. the moon.. etc.
Answer: Allaah..
Ask them where is Allaah.. He is above the seven heaven, above his arsy.. there nothing like Him.
Only after telling my kids these things ill start teaching them a few simple dua.. like getting out of the house, getting in the toilet, read em together until its stuck in our heads.. ????????
Well.. good luck.. i wish u barakallaahu fikhum..
Salam Ramadhan and thank you for such a meaningful post. Your post is a reminder to me to be more appreciative as a Muslim????
May this Ramadhan be the best Ramadhan for all!
Cried to almost every paragraph I read. Selamat berpuasa Vivy. Can’t wait to go back and try more than 8 rakaat. Inshaallah!!
ramadhan kareem vivy….really inspiring!
Ramadhan kareem Vivy & family, semoga terus istiqomah mencari redha allah swt.
i cried reading this…you are really inspiring us to be a better person in your own way..much love vivy!
Thank you very much for this brilliant post….such inspiring one. It’s so true about
May Allah bless us with His guidance inshaAllah..on the kids..agree with Ms. Sarah’s tips up there..and also just teach the kids to say Bismillah before starting to do anything..everything 🙂
Nice sharing..i’m touched ????jzkk vivy…may God bless all of us who always trying to be better person each day..may Allah grant all of us the highest rank of jannah for our small effort in increasing our iman..n may Allah always protect u n ur family with iman n rahmah in this life n hereafter..keep doing the good things n keep sharing only the good..
Ramadhan blessing everywhereee????????
How I’ve missed reading your reflection posts!! I pray that you’ll continue touching hearts no matter how hectic your life is, in shaa Allah it’ll be your share in the after life. In shaa Allah,we’ll all get to know and love Islam and our Creator a little deeper everyday 🙂
Masha Allah. Thanks for this post, Vivy.
this is inspiring. thanks vivy
LOVE this!
Vivy, I too once struggled with the hijab back then, deciding whether now was the “right time” or not. Now that I’ve worn the hijab, I actually do feel really comfortable. And protected. In this world, all of us have a long way to go, but fret not – as long as you keep your faith in Allah, He will guide you, insyaAllah. Thank you for the gentle reminder! Moga Allah membalas jasa Vivy, amin. 🙂
Although I normally agree with your reflections, I somehow dont agree with how you phrased ”There’s no point doing all the good deeds and being a nice person if even the wajib God asks, you don’t do”. There are times some are given the ”light” to want to do good for others and probably goes out of their way for others even more than you or me who prays five times a day. There are those who do the wajib, go the mosque every day but does not bat an eye to help another human being or refuses to pay the hutang they owe to others. We cant say ” Oh whatever good deed you do wont amount to much if you dont do the wajib” because at the end of the day, the ones who lend a helping hand to others have in a way enriched another’s life and that is something you cannot demean.
For example, someone who may not be steadfast in their prayers may be the one who feeds the poor on a daily basis and helps eliminate hunger than those who go pray until their knees are scraped but has not helped ease the burden of another human being. No one can judge and say ” Oh yeah he/she donates to charity everyday but that all goes down the drain in the afterlife because he/she doesnt do the wajib” Look at the Indonesian actress …Julie Perrez I believe was her name. She wore such revealing clothes but was one of the special chosen ones who passed away in the holy month of Ramadhna. After her death, it was revealed that she always donated to and helped the orphans etc etc .I for one never judge a person by their appearance because I have seen those with Hijab steal another woman’s husband while those with ”free hair” has more principles and would rather die alone than ruin a marriage. Who are we to say whether their good deeds will amount to naught ? A good deed is a good deed. Allah is fair. Pahala can come in many forms ..,Of course doing the wajib and good deeds is ultimately the goal, but everyone’s journey is different.
I hope you are not offended by my post because my message here was to say we cannot discount each good deed even if it is done by someone who may not observe the wajib… Please forgive me if you are irked by my post. I mean no harm.
Anyways, I would like to also wish you a pleasant and meaningful Umrah because I see you are now there in the Holy Land. May we all strive to be better in our spiritual and worldly journey and may Allah be pleased with us because at the end of the day, its HIM that determines. As stated in the Al Fatihah – The Only Owner (and the Only Ruling Judge) of the Day of Recompense (i.e. the Day of Resurrection)