Remembering the Spirit of Ramadan

Thank you again for being a part of the blog this year; I’m already looking forward to next year! The plan is to do “30 Days 30 Inspiring Stories” – stories of ordinary Muslims doing extraordinary things, from around the world and in our own neighborhoods. Ramadan is so much about living an inspired life, about helping those less fortunate, and contributing to the greater good. We’ll try and rouse these sentiments in us through a daily dose of inspiring stories of Muslims doing good.One of the best parts about keeping this blog is to hear from readers around the world about how the blog has motivated them to start their own similar projects. One reader wrote, “Your blog has seriously inspired me to really do a good deed every day. Even though I have it in mind all the time, keeping pace with daily events takes it to the subconscious mind.” This year, she decided to do and keep track of 30 good deeds during Ramadan. "It indeed makes one a different person at the end of 30 days,” she added.  With her permission, I wanted to share her list with you, as I think it can inspire all of us to remember the spirit of Ramadan all year long. Day 1: Try not to miss Fajr prayersDay 2: Gift a strangerDay 3: Stand by your siblings come what mayDay 4: Make someone laugh heartilyDay 5: Be more disciplined #overcome lazinessDay 6: Be a patient listenerDay 7: Begin daily morning walksDay 8: Do not call some friends and annoy themDay 9: Do not argue with a close friendDay 10: Give company to a tired and exhausted friendDay 11: Wake up someone for Sehri everydayDay 12: Give your spare bicycle to a complete strangerDay 13: Contribute a blog for a causeDay 14: Inspire someoneDay 15: Give free hugs to friends struggling with thesis defenseDay 16: Give free relaxing massage to stressed out friendsDay 17: Stop being judgmentalDay 18: Climb Mt Fuji, againDay 19: Cook and shared iftaar with a lab mateDay 20: Attend a social Iftaar with friendsDay 21: Visit new Imambara constructed nearbyDay 22: Dine and cook something special for someoneDay 23: Contribute for a causeDay 24: Pray during Laylatul Qadr nightsDay 25: Surprise a Senior Lab member with birthday celebrationsDay 26: Read at least one juz each for Mom and DadDay 27: Smile back at people you meetDay 28:  Make rakhi for a brother and friendship bands for friendsDay 29: Make someone HAPPYDay 30: Buy flowers for someoneEID: Celebrate with friends... Thank you again for reading. Please do share the blog with anyone who may be interested. Perhaps I can ask everyone to post their favorite entry on Facebook and encourage friends to ‘like’ the 30 days 30 deeds Facebook page.My warmest wishes to all of you. Until next year inshAllah.