Today is the last day of Rabi' al-Thani 1448. Tomorrow, if the new moon is sighted, a new Islamic month begins. The end of a month is a perfect time to stop, look back and get ready for what comes next – for children and adults alike.
Time Is a Gift from Allah
Allah swears by time in the Quran: "By time, indeed mankind is in loss – except for those who believe, do righteous deeds, advise each other to truth and advise each other to patience." (Surah Al-'Asr, 103:1–3). Every month that passes is a page of our life that has been written. A short monthly review helps us make sure the next page is better.
A 5-Minute Monthly Review (for Everyone)
Sit together as a family and ask these simple questions:
- Salah: Did I pray on time this month? Which prayer do I miss most often?
- Quran: How much did I read or memorise? Did I read every day?
- Character: Was I kind to my parents, brothers and sisters? Did I lose my temper?
- Good deeds: Did I give charity, help someone, or visit a sick person?
- Thankfulness: What are three blessings Allah gave me this month?
Turn Mistakes into Istighfar
Everyone makes mistakes. The Prophet ﷺ used to seek Allah's forgiveness many times every day. A simple phrase for all ages is:
أَسْتَغْفِرُ اللَّهَ
Astaghfirullah – "I seek forgiveness from Allah."
Teach children that saying Astaghfirullah is not only for "big" mistakes – it keeps the heart clean every day.
Set One Small Goal for the New Month
Big promises are often forgotten. One small, clear goal works better. Ideas:
- Kids: memorise one short surah, or say Bismillah before every meal.
- Teens: pray Fajr on time every day, or read one page of Quran daily.
- Adults: fast one Monday or Thursday each week, or learn one Tajweed rule a week.
Write the goals on a sheet and stick it on the fridge.
Watch for the New Moon
The Islamic month begins with the sighting of the crescent. When you see it – or hear that it has been sighted – you can say the Sunnah du'a:
اللَّهُمَّ أَهِلَّهُ عَلَيْنَا بِالْيُمْنِ وَالْإِيمَانِ، وَالسَّلَامَةِ وَالْإِسْلَامِ، رَبِّي وَرَبُّكَ اللَّهُ
Allahumma ahillahu 'alayna bil-yumni wal-iman, was-salamati wal-islam, rabbi wa rabbuk-Allah – "O Allah, bring it over us with blessing and faith, safety and Islam. My Lord and your Lord is Allah." (Jami' at-Tirmidhi, 3451)
Going outside after Maghrib to look for the thin crescent can be a lovely family activity.
Start the New Month with the Quran
If one of your goals is to read the Quran better, Tehfiz-ul-Quran Academy can help. Our certified tutors teach kids and adults one-on-one, online, at times that suit you. Book a 3-day free trial and begin the new month with a fresh start.