Ramadan Series
3. It is possible that your schedule might not work for you, but that is not an excuse for giving up completely; don’t abandon your schedule, just modify it. Using the previously given example, if you pray dhuhr during your lunch break at work and you cannot fit in reading 10 verses of the Qur’an during that time, you can shorten it to 5 verses and then read another 5 verses at another time during the day. In other words, make sure that you are going back and revising your daily plan if you find something that is not optimal. Instead of decreasing your deeds, though, simply readjust them and budget your time within the day more wisely. Keep the lists everywhere; on the fridge, your desk, the car, kitchen table, computer, etc. Forcing yourself to read it constantly can also help keep you on track and will serve as a constant reminder.
4. The simplest way to make sure that you keep up with your goals is to make it easy for yourself to attain them. If you want to wake up for Tahajjud, keep the prayer mat, clothing, and the coffeemaker close to your bed and sleep early at night. You will not be able to wake up if you are up late doing work on the computer, so reconfigure your work schedule if you have to, and make adequate preparations for your goals. On the other hand, if you are trying not to do something, make it harder for yourself. To keep away from backbiting, simply keep away from such company that facilitates or encourages this bad habit. To refrain from television and music, delete all the songs from your iPod and replace it with lectures; listen to The Noble Qur’an. Of course it will take more than just these precautions to completely refrain from such actions (they need to be accompanied by du’a, sincere intentions, patience, fighting the nafs (self), and hard work), but taking certain steps will make it easier for you to be obedient and harder for you to relapse.