Kayfa Nuhyi Qulubana fi Ramadan
- Author died
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- Editions
- Mu’assasat Iqra’ lil-Nashr wa-al-Tawzī‘ wa-al-Tarjamah
Kayfa Nuhyi Qulubana fi Ramadan (How We Revive Our Hearts in Ramadan) is a spiritual guide by the Egyptian author Magdi al-Hilali, structured as a day-by-day devotional companion centered on Quranic reflection and righteous deeds throughout the month of Ramadan .
Purpose and Themes
The central objective of the book is reviving the heart (ihya' al-qalb) and increasing faith (iman) during Ramadan, so that uprightness (istiqama) continues beyond the month rather than fading once it concludes . Al-Hilali emphasizes that the primary purpose of fasting is achieving piety (taqwa), as stated in the Quranic verse لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ ("that you may become righteous") .
The author argues that true success is manifested in behavioral change, detaching oneself from worldly obsession (al-tajafi 'an dar al-ghurur), turning toward the hereafter (al-inaba ila dar al-khulud), and actively preparing for death . Rather than treating Quranic recitation merely as a quantitative race to complete multiple recitations (khatamat), al-Hilali stresses deep contemplation (tadabbur), understanding, and emotional engagement with the text .
Structure and Content
Following an introductory section that outlines the goals, indicators of spiritual success, and essential means of heart revival, the book is organized into thirty daily installments corresponding to each day of Ramadan . Each daily entry consists of three distinct elements:
- With the Quran (Ma'a al-Qur'an): A brief thematic reflection on engaging with scripture, covering practical manners of recitation such as reciting with a measured tone (tartil), weeping or cultivating sorrow (al-tabaki wa-l-tahazzun), repeating impactful verses, interacting directly with Quranic warnings and glad tidings, and reciting in quiet settings .
- The Daily Question (al-Su'al al-Yawmi): A reflective question tied to the Quranic portion (juz') or specific surahs associated with that day, designed to be answered by the reader and discussed with family members to foster communal engagement .
- The Righteous Deed (al-'Amal al-Salih): A specific devotional or ethical task suggested for each day, such as sincere repentance and seeking forgiveness, earnest supplication, clearing financial or moral grievances, returning borrowed items, charity, maintaining family ties, visiting the sick, providing food for fasting people (taftir al-sa'imin), observing seclusion in the mosque (i'tikaf), staying in the prayer area until mid-morning (Duha), late-night supplication (sahar), and systematic self-examination (muhasabat al-nafs) .
The book closes with an epilogue (Amma Ba'd) reminding readers that the spiritual gains and habits cultivated through the Quran during Ramadan must be sustained continuously throughout the rest of the year .
Publication
The work carries the subtitle Ma'a al-Qur'an fi Ramadan Yawman bi-Yawm ("With the Quran in Ramadan Day by Day") and was issued in its first edition in 1427 AH (2006 CE) by Mu'assasat Iqra' li-l-Nashr wa-l-Tawzi' wa-l-Tarjama in Cairo .
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