By Sarah Schroeder

Has it already been a week of Ramadan? The first week is often described as being the toughest and longest week of the fasting month – but we officially completed it! As we enter the second week of the Holy Month, we should remind ourselves once again that Ramadan is about more than just fasting. It’s about reading, seeking knowledge, and spirituality. Furthermore, it’s about being kind and good.

A good deed goes a long way, which is why ILQ thought of one good deed every day until the end of Ramadan. The spiritual rewards for such practices are doubled during the Holy Month. Have you mastered all good deeds from last week? If you have, why don’t you let us know about your experience in the comments below? Even if you didn’t manage, why not try this week’s beautiful acts of kindness? Remember that every act of kindness is also charity, as Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught!

1. Cook for someone

When someone we love prepares a meal for us, it feels great! Even a simple meal, prepared with heart, lets us know we’re appreciated and loved. For one day this week, why not turn it around and care for someone we love? Rather than taking them out for an expensive dinner, cook something yourself, or prepare breakfast before Fajr prayer? It’s a delicious way to tell someone we care about them.

2. Turn off the tap!

Saving water is a good deed indeed! Helping the environment is highly valued in Islam. Even if you’re not Muslim, you can do something good by turning off taps while you shampoo, brush your teeth, or clean the dishes. Only leave it on when we need to!

3. Meditate

Taking care of yourself and your mental well-being is also vital and shouldn’t fall short on our list. Be kind to your mind – try meditating! If you haven’t heard of mindfulness, it’s about time you find out! Read about it and try it. Ten minutes a day can help calm the mind, find peace, channel our creativity, and quiet the thoughts that occupy our minds. There are even apps designed to help you find mindfulness.

4. Help a friend in need

During this week, listen carefully to your friends. Does someone need help with something? If a friend is moving, needs someone to listen to them, or have a child or pet you could take care of while they get some me-time, be the one to help them out! Whatever it is, whether they directly ask or whether it’s less obvious, try to help a friend this week. It builds trust and lets your friendship grow!

5. Hold the door for someone

Slow down! Ramadan is not a time to hurry. Regain some of the calmness that gets lost in your everyday life. Open the door for someone! Or even a couple of people or a whole group… hold the door open until everyone has walked through. During the hot Ramadan days, people are tired and exhausted, so make things a little bit easier by holding the door.

6. Share your favourite readings and prayers

Do you have any favourite prayers? A favourite book, passage, poem, or short-story? Let this week be the perfect opportunity to share some of those readings with a friend or family member. It’s a great way to bond and share sources of strength, empowerment, and inspiration.

7. Donate blood

The last act of kindness, is a big one. A deed that can save someone’s life. Before you donate blood, it’s important to consider a couple of things so you don’t compromise your own health! Are you healthy enough to draw blood? Are you anemic or have low blood pressure? Are you over the age of 18? Also, don’t donate blood during the hours of fasting. You’re not at your strongest and are at greater risk to faint. If you’re Muslim, drawing blood is also considered to be breaking your fast.

Now, lets get on it to kick-start our second week of Ramadan with kindness! Together we can learn something new, we can grow, and blossom. Be the best version of yourself by completing these acts of kindness, or let us know what good deeds got you through this week! Did you do something good? Have you experienced kindness from others? Let us know, and don’t forget to give us a like and share – it keeps us going!

Follow us on our social media channels: @ILQlive @ILQlive @ILoveQtr ILoveQatar