Islamic New Year Goals and Giving

Muharram is one of the four most sacred months mentioned in the Quran. It marks the beginning of a new Islamic year. Traditionally, the month is observed with great reverence all over the Muslim world. It is not customary to celebrate the new Islamic year. However, it presents a real opportunity for believers to reflect on their current spiritual state, consider the past year, repent of mistakes, and make a faith-related plan for the new year.

The life of the world is temporary. We should always remain thankful to Allah (SWT) for all our blessings and keep preparing for our afterlife. For believers, this life is not even a shadow of the afterlife, Allah (SWT) has promised. But to succeed in the afterlife, we must act according to Allah’s (SWT) will, while we have time. In this article, we will discuss how to plan your Islamic New Year goals & giving to start earning maximum spiritual rewards for the year.

How to Set Islamic New Year Goals to Maximize Blessings

Start with Sincere Intention (Niyyah)

The concept of ‘Niyyah’ has a central importance in Islam. Intention builds the foundation for a good deed. It keeps us mindful of what we are about to do and also plans accordingly. While making the Niyyah, make sure that your efforts are directed towards pleasing Allah (SWT), and not for the sake of worldly gains. The following hadith clearly tells us that:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended. So whoever emigrated for worldly benefits or for a woman to marry, his emigration was for what he emigrated for.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1)

Islam also recommends remaining discreet about committing good deeds. Therefore, while making an intention to commit good deeds, it is important to remain cautious. The following Hadith clearly warns against self-aggrandization:

The Prophet (ﷺ) said, “He who lets the people hear of his good deeds intentionally, to win their praise, Allah will let the people know his real intention (on the Day of Resurrection), and he who does good things in public to show off and win the praise of the people, Allah will disclose his real intention (and humiliate him). (Sahih al-Bukhari, 6499)

Follow the Prophet’s (ﷺ) Goal-Setting Model

Following the Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ) is the surest way to succeed for any Muslim. Although he didn’t prescribe any particular goal-setting model, we can construct one from his Sunnah. After starting with a sincere niyyah, we must work on our goal with complete sincerity and dedication.

Tie Goals to the Five Purposes of Shariah (Maqasid)

While setting up your annual spiritual goal, keep these five essential purposes of Shariah in mind. They cover most of our spiritual and temporal pursuits. You can build your plan around each of these five purposes and see your spiritual life grow:

Seek Allah’s (SWT) Help Through Dua and Tawakkul

We must always be mindful that despite putting in efforts, we still may not succeed in executing our plans perfectly. Make your sincerest and best efforts and leave the outcomes to Allah (SWT). Even if you don’t succeed, don’t be disappointed and keep seeking Allah’s (SWT) help through consistent prayers, supplications, and a firm belief in Allah’s (SWT) infinite wisdom.

The Quran tells us:

“But among them is he who says, “Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire.” (Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:201)

The following Quranic verses tell us about the power of believing in Allah’s (SWT) kindness and power to provide:

“And will provide for him from where he does not expect. And whoever relies upon Allah – then He is sufficient for him. Indeed, Allah will accomplish His purpose. Allah has already set for everything a [decreed] extent.” (Surat Aţ-Ţalāq, 65:3)

Track Progress and Repent Quickly If You Slip

Anyone can make mistakes. Throughout the year, we make many discretions. Spiritual progression requires consistent self-scrutiny. Therefore, it is a good idea to think about your deeds every night before sleeping and repent for all the discretions. Allah (SWT) is forgiving and most gracious. The Quran tells us:

“Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah . Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Surat Az-Zumar, 39: 53)

Sample Islamic New Year Goals for 1448 AH

• I will make the best effort to say all my prayers regularly and recite the Quran every day.
• Besides reciting the Quran, I will try my best to understand its message.
• I will memorize 5 Surahs of the Quran and add them to my daily adhkar.
• I will also learn more about the life of the Prophet (ﷺ) and read authentic biographies about him.
• I will spend more time with my family, especially with my parents and children.
• I will follow the eating and dietary routines mentioned in the Hadith and maintain frequent daily activity.
• I will make sure that I give Zakat on time and give regular Sadaqah, helping philanthropic causes.
• I will practice gratitude every day for all my blessings.

Transparent Hands: A Perfect Choice for Your Islamic New Year Giving

Transparent Hands has been providing free healthcare to thousands of underprivileged Pakistani patients since 2014. We have an impactful Maternal and Child Health (MCH) programme that is focused on saving lives. We also offer a wide range of surgeries, including cardiac, gynecological, urological, pediatric, orthopedic, ENT, neurosurgery, thoracic, general, and oncology procedures, along with treatments like Hepatitis C therapy, chemotherapy, angioplasty, and more. We also arrange regular medical camps in low-income areas, where we provide free medical checkups, diagnosis, and medicines. These camps are professionally managed by expert doctors and our dedicated team.

Transparent Hands is a Shariah-compliant organization, and we work under the guidance of a Shariah expert. You can give your Zakat, Sadaqah, and other donations to us with complete confidence, because accountability and trust are our hallmark features.

The start of the new Islamic year gives us all another opportunity to do more good and save more lives. With your support, we can expand the reach of our services and help an increasing number of needy patients return to their lives. Donate now and start your Islamic year with many blessings!

Reviewed by

Mufti M Zubair Nadeem

Shariah Consultant