Sometimes saying "No" is more important than saying "Yes."
February 6th, 2025 | Read Online | | | | 7th Sha'ban 1446H | Assalamu'alaikum, | Last Monday, I invited you to identify a special high-intention/high impact project you'll focus on during Ramadan. | You might have thought: "My schedule for Ramadan is packed! I can't possibly add another project" | A vital part of being productive isn't just deciding what to do, but also what not to do. | Sometimes saying "No" is as important—or more important—than saying "Yes." By choosing where to invest your time, focus and energy, you create space for what really matters - especially in Ramadan. | So, take a moment today and write your Ramadan "Do-Not-Do" List. This list can spare you from wasting time and attention on unproductive or draining habits. | How to Decide What Goes on Your "Do-Not-Do" List | Remember that the main purpose of Ramadan is to draw nearer to Allah (SWT) and attain a heightened state of taqwa (God-consciousness). So ask yourself "What can I say NO to so that will… | protect my heart? Whether it's the shows you watch or the social media you consume, guard your spiritual state by being mindful of how certain activities affect your heart and thoughts. protect my tongue? Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized guarding our speech - especially when fasting. If certain conversations, gossip, or online debates distract you from the Ramadan spirit, resolve to say "No" to them this Ramadan. protect my time? Every "Yes" has an "opportunity cost." Freeing your time from less meaningful tasks allows you to enhance your worship, reflection, and family connections.
| Negotiating Family and Social Commitments | Speaking of protecting your time, in recent years, there's a growing trend of elaborate iftar parties, suhoor festivals, and Ramadan 'tent' nights that have taken quite a toll on our Ramadan focus. While it's a blessing to share meals with others, and many of these events are well-intentioned, however they do risk overshadowing Ramadan's core purpose of worship and reflection. | Discuss with your family how many events you're willing to attend this Ramadan, then set boundaries and decide together before you start receiving invitations. | If you choose to attend an iftar or suhoor gathering, make sure it doesn't distract you from acts of worship like taraweeh or qiyaam. | Setting boundaries doesn't have to be harsh. When declining invitations or setting boundaries you can follow this 3 simple steps: | Express gratitude: "Thank you so much for thinking of me" Share your intention: "My family is trying to make it to taraweeh every night, and we're kindly declining invitations…" Offer alternatives: "Could we meet…[set a date after Eid]?"
| By being proactive about your social schedule, you'll reduce last-minute stress —rather than feeling obligated. | Negotiating Commitments at Work | Don't forget that Ramadan is also a chance to reassess your work. Have an honest conversation with your boss or team about your workload. Discuss which projects you can: | Delegate. Defer until after Ramadan, or Delete if it's not necessary.
| Many workplaces are open to adjusting schedules and workloads during Ramadan. By discussing what you will and will not work on, you protect your energy for worship and make time for your special Ramadan project. | Your Turn: What Will You Say No To This Ramadan? | Take a moment now—grab a pen or open a note on your phone—and list out what you won't do this Ramadan. Writing these "No's" will clarify what you can and cannot commit to during Ramadan. | Sincerely, | |
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