Ramadhan Challenge: Transforming the Self Through Worship and Discipline
Sections in this guide
1. Challenge 1: Recite 70,000 Times the First Kalimah – Freedom from Hellfire
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever recites ‘La ilaha illallah’ 70,000 times will be freed from the fire of Hell.” (Kanz-ul-Ummal, 22143)
Goal: Recite La ilaha illallah 70,000 times throughout Ramadhan.
Method:
- Divide the goal across the month – approximately 2,500 times per day.
- Recite in gatherings with family or friends to increase motivation.
- Use a counter or a tally sheet to track progress.
- Reflect on the meaning and increase sincerity in its recitation.
Expected Transformation:
- Increases Imaan (faith) and reliance upon Allah.
- Erases past sins and brings nearness to Allah.
- Grants freedom from Hellfire.
2. Challenge 2: Attend 40 Days of Salah with Jama’ah from the First Takbir
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever prays for forty days in congregation, catching the first Takbir, will be saved from two things: Hellfire and hypocrisy.” (Tirmidhi, 241)
Goal: Pray all five daily Salah in the masjid with Takbir al-Ulaa (the first Takbir) for 40 days.
Method:
- Wake up early for Fajr, ensuring punctuality.
- Arrive at the masjid before the Iqamah.
- Prioritize Salah over distractions like social media or unnecessary outings.
- Motivate family and friends to join.
Expected Transformation:
- Guaranteed protection from Hellfire and hypocrisy.
- Develops lifelong punctuality in Salah.
- Strengthens the bond with the masjid and the community.
3. Challenge 3: Learn 40 Hadith to Rise with Scholars on the Day of Judgment
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever memorizes and conveys forty Hadiths related to the religion, Allah will raise him among the scholars on the Day of Judgment.”
(Tirmidhi, 2658)
Goal: Memorize 40 authentic Hadiths in Ramadhan.
Method:
- Memorize one Hadith per day or 10 per week.
- Write them down and revise daily.
- Teach them to family and friends for stronger retention.
Expected Transformation:
- Deepens knowledge of Islamic teachings.
- Attains the company of scholars on the Day of Judgment.
- Enhances one’s ability to preach and practice the Sunnah.
4. Challenge 4: Stop Sinning with the Body, Tongue, and Heart
Ramadhan is not just about avoiding food and drink, but also about purifying the body, tongue, and heart from sins.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Many people fast, but gain nothing from their fasting except hunger and thirst.”
(Ibn Majah, 1690)
Goal: Identify and completely eliminate sins.
Method:
- Control the tongue – No backbiting, lying, or arguing.
- Control the body – Avoid haram entertainment, music, and indecency.
- Purify the heart – Remove jealousy, arrogance, and hatred.
Expected Transformation:
- Leads to spiritual purity.
- Increases the effectiveness of Dua and Salah.
- Brings inner peace and tranquility.
5. Challenge 5: Achieve a Living Heart through Silent Dhikr
A true sign of a purified heart is that it remains in the remembrance of Allah at all times.
Allah says:
“Indeed, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find peace.”
(Surah Ar-Ra’d 13:28)
Goal: Perform silent Dhikr of Allah’s name 5,000 times per sitting and continue throughout the day.
Method:
- Sit in Muraqaba (silent reflection) and say “Allah” in the heart 5,000 times.
- Practice remembering Allah while sitting, standing, and lying down.
- Increase awareness of Allah’s presence at all times.
Expected Transformation:
- Softens the heart and increases humility.
- Develops constant awareness of Allah (Taqwa).
- Brings immense peace and closeness to Allah.
6. Challenge 6: Perform Salatul Tasbeeh – Erase a Lifetime of Sins
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“If you can pray Salatul Tasbeeh daily, do so; if not, then once a week, if not, then once a month, if not, then once a year, and if not, then at least once in a lifetime.”
(Sunan Abu Dawood, 1297)
Goal: Perform Salatul Tasbeeh at least once in Ramadhan.
Method:
- Pray 4 Rak’ahs of Salatul Tasbeeh, reciting the Tasbeeh 300 times in total.
- Best times: After Tahajjud, before Jumu’ah, or any time except during Makruh hours.
- Focus on deep repentance and purification.
Expected Transformation:
- Forgiveness of past sins.
- Brings peace, barakah, and nearness to Allah.
- Strengthens Salah and Dhikr habits.
7. Bonus Challenge: Sadaqah and Helping Others
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Sadaqah extinguishes sin just as water extinguishes fire.”
(Tirmidhi, 614)
Goal: Give Sadaqah daily – even if it is just one coin or a small act of kindness.
Method:
- Give money, food, or clothes to those in need.
- Smile and show kindness to everyone.
- Donate to Islamic causes for long-term rewards (Sadaqah Jariyah).
Expected Transformation:
- Increases barakah and sustenance.
- Erases sins and softens the heart.
Conclusion: Ramadhan – A Life-Changing Opportunity
Allah says:
“Indeed, those who purify their souls have succeeded.”
(Surah Ash-Shams 91:9)
Final Action Plan:
- Choose at least three challenges to complete this Ramadhan.
- Track your progress with a checklist.
- Encourage family and friends to join.
- Make sincere Dua for Allah’s help and acceptance.
May Allah grant us the strength to complete these challenges and make this Ramadhan a turning point in our lives. Ameen.
This Ramadhan Challenge is a roadmap to spiritual growth, self-discipline, and closeness to Allah. By embracing these challenges, we can transform our lives and emerge from Ramadhan as better Muslims, purified in heart and soul.
