When Muslims travel during Ramadan, especially towards the end of the month leading up to Eid, they might face some difficulties. This is especially true when Muslims have no choice but to travel during the last 10 nights of Ramadan. These 10 nights of Ramadan are very special and doing good deeds during this time is extra rewarding. As Muslims, we really want to make sure we don’t miss out on getting these extra blessings.
Not to worry; with mindful planning and intentionality, it is possible to keep the Ramadan spirit alive and vibrant even while on the move.
Here are some practical tips to help you stay connected to your faith and uphold the traditions of Ramadan while traveling:
Set your intentions to be sincere
Intention (niyyah) is like the starting point for everything a Muslim does. By focusing on the correct intention and understanding its significance, you can make your prayers and other acts of worship more meaningful and valuable. Ensure that the intentions for travelling be in the way of God, such as travelling to meet family with the purpose of strengthening ties (silaturrahim).
Plan your deeds
When traveling, it’s crucial that the deeds be done thoughtfully to maximize the benefit. Consider what specific actions are intended. Whether it’s prayers, reading the Holy Quran, saying the selawat (peace and blessings), remembering Allah (zikir), asking for His forgiveness, performing charity, making dua or any other good deeds. Having a structured plan will ensure that you make the most of your time while on the move.
Consider entering a state of itikaf
Iktikaf is like a spiritual timeout where Muslims spend time in a mosque, focusing solely on connecting with Allah. This act is recommended (sunat) to be performed, especially on the last 10 nights of Ramadan. While it can be a struggle for travellers, there is no minimum time for doing iktikaf. During this time, travellers can commit to doing prayers, reading the Quran, and reflecting on their faith.
“The Prophet used to perform Itikaf every year in the month of Ramadan for ten days, and when it was the year of his death, he stayed in Itikaf for twenty days.” Narrated by Abu Huraira
Take care of your eyes, ears and mouth
As a Muslim, it is important to ensure the eyes, ears and mouth are not associated with haram things. This includes preventing oneself from seeing, hearing or saying things that lead to sin or violate Islamic principles. These parts of the body are considered a pathway to the heart and soul in Islam, so Muslims are encouraged to guard their gaze, refrain from listening to music with improper meanings, avoid gossips and refrain from making hurtful speech. By taking care of these during travel, Muslims can increase their rewards and strengthen their spiritual connection with Allah during Ramadan.
Have the right tools
In this digital age, having apps for mobile devices or tablets such as the Dhikr app and the Quran app while travelling can be really helpful. With these tools, Muslims can remain committed to worship on the go. If not, the tools, such as the prayer mat, telekung for the Muslimah, prayer beads and dua books, can be brought while traveling so that it is easier to perform the act of worship. Make the most of this sacred period and draw closer to Allah during their travels.
Conclusions
Even though traveling during Ramadan presents its own set of challenges, it is possible to maintain the Ramadan spirit with careful planning and dedication. With the actions above, Muslims can ensure that traveling doesn’t get in the way of the blessings and benefits of Ramadan.
