[#TransformedByTheQuran] The ProductiveMuslim Ramadan Campaign & Competition

Dear ProductiveMuslim readers around the world,

The time for our Annual Ramadan Campaign and Competition has come!

This year, we launch the #TransformedByTheQuran campaign!

We have truly been moved by all the submissions we received from productive Muslims around the world last year. We asked you to share with us how you stay productive in Ramadan…and you proved to us that we have One Amazing Ummah!

This year, we want you to inspire us and inspire the world even more.

What could be a better source of inspiration than The Noble Qur’an? This Book was, is, and continues to be, a major source of spiritual, physical, personal and social healing and productivity for those who deeply ponder on its meanings.

What is #TransformedByTheQuran?

Since Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an, Muslims around the world will embark on their beautiful journey of reading and reflecting on this Noble Book in its entirety throughout the month.

This year, ProductiveMuslim wants to encourage Muslims around the world to not only read, but act productively upon the beautiful inspirational messages of the Qur’an.

We all know that there is much more to the Qur’an than a few verses that get misquoted and/or de-contextualized in some media outlets every now and then. So, it is time to reclaim the narrative and show the world how this Book transforms people’s thinking and actions, beautifully and positively.

How the competition works

Like last year, we want you to grab your phone/camera and capture something productive you’re doing that is primarily inspired by a verse or a number of verses you have been reading from the Qur’an. We also allow written pieces of around 500 words accompanied with a relevant original photo you’ve taken.

The main criterion is: show us how the Qur’an inspires you to be more productive spiritually, physically, personally or socially. How did it transform you or transform the way you think, act and speak for the better?

Some examples

• Socially: you could show us how specific verses inspired you to launch projects or initiatives at workplace/school/neighborhood that are of much benefit to people.
• Spiritually: you could show us how the Qur’an helped you find peace, meaning, healing and positive attitude towards life.
• Personally: you could show us how the Qur’an helped you with your personal development, health, fitness etc.
  

So, read, reflect, act and inspire us!

Guidelines

• The materials you send must be original.
• Videos shouldn’t exceed 4 minutes in length.
• Photos can be sent individually or as part of a photo essay (no more than 10 photos per photo essay).
• The piece of writing shouldn’t exceed 500 words, and must be accompanied with an original, relevant photo.
• Mention the verse(s) that helped transform the way you think, act, speak, behave etc.

Send us your story through the below submission form or via this link here.

Deadline

All submissions must be received before the 30th of Ramadan.

Submissions will be reviewed, and the winner will be announced by 16th of July.

Prize

Top submissions will be showcased on our blog and social media.

The top winner will receive a free copy of The Productive Muslim Book and a poster from The Productive Muslim Online Store.

Online campaign

To help keep the competition thriving throughout Ramadan, we are launching the hashtag #TransformedByTheQuran.

Even if you don’t wish to take part in the competition, you can still encourage your family and friends to share reflections on how the Qur’an inspires you and helps transform your life using this hashtag.

We now leave you with a few posts by our team members on how they were #TransformedByTheQuran

“I recently went through a heartbreaking and painful miscarriage. I was deeply saddened by this; I was confused, in shock and denial. Every morning it was a struggle getting out of bed; I didn’t want to see anyone. To be honest, I couldn’t imagine ever being able to overcome this trial. I felt like I lost everything, and then I remembered the beautiful verse in the Qur’an,

“But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah Knows, while you know not.” [Qur’an: Chapter 2: Verse: 216].

When I saw this verse, I continued to read it over and over again. It was as if an immense feeling of comfort hugged my body tightly, alhamdulillah. This pregnancy that I loved so much could have been something that was bad for me, and this saddening miscarriage could be a good thing for me, and Allah knows best. After reading this verse, I slowly began to regain my strength. I was able to move beyond this trial and transition back to my daily routine grateful and hopeful.” #TransformedByTheQuran

“Qur’an taught me that when others greet me, I should reply with a more generous and welcoming greeting, because every little act counts: “And when you are greeted with a greeting, greet [in return] with one better than it or [at least] return it [in a like manner]. Indeed, Allah is ever, over all things, an Accountant. ” [Qur’an: Chapter 4, Verse 86] #TransformedByTheQuran

“Qur’an disciplines me; it asks me to never eavesdrop, never talk about anyone badly behind their back…even if what I am saying is true, “And do not spy or backbite each other.” [Qur’an: Chapter 49, Verse 12]. Qur’an guided me to not annoy others with a loud voice “… lower your voice” [Qur’an: Chapter 31, Verse 19]. #TransformedByTheQuran

“My grandmother constantly reminded us not to stamp our feet too loudly on the ground, for it too is a creation of Allah. Now, as an adult, the wisdom of an old woman brings to mind the Quranic verse: “And do not walk upon this Earth exultantly.” [Qur’an: Chapter 37, Verse 17]. Alhamdulilah, because of my gran, my siblings and I have become conscious of the way we walk upon this earth.” #TransformedByTheQuran

“Qur’an educated me to ensure other people’s rights by noting everything down, whether big or small so that I never fail them and they never fail me. Qur’an instructs me to be cautious with rights and duties. “O you who have believed, when you contract a debt for a specified term, write it down. And let a scribe write [it] between you in justice…And do not be [too] weary to write it, whether it is small or large” [Qur’an: Chapter 2, Verse 282] #TransformedByTheQuran

“I remember reading Five Sneaky Behaviors Only Weak Managers Encourage. Today, I came across my superior reminding politely a colleague that she is very sensitive when it comes to speaking about anyone behind  their back, and she does not encourage this even in the slightest. First, whenever we get such assurance that this is how things are managed, how good and confident we will feel working in our office? I know that her action stems from the verse:

“O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.” [Qur’an: Chapter 49, Verse 12]

This whole situation encouraged me to never speak about people behind their back. This helps us to be trustworthy people. This also helps us achieve peace and truly enjoy a sense of honesty in all aspects of our life.”  #TransformedByTheQuran

“Whenever I talk to my friends, I can hear my mind whispering that they have some other intentions, mostly negative and against me. Sometimes, when they call me to share their achievement or happiness, I feel like they are taunting me. Then, I remember this verse: “O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin… And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.” [Qur’an: Surat al-Hujurat, 49; verse 12]

I then say ‘Astaghfirullah’, and seek refuge in Him from evil whispers from Shaitaan, as Allah says, “Indeed, those who fear Allah –  when an impulse touches them from Satan, they remember [Him] and at once they have insight.” [Qur’an: Chapter 7, Verse 201]

Immediately after, my mind corrects me and gives me a good interpretation which is positive. Alhamdulillah, nowadays, I make excuses for others, better than getting hurt by negative assumptions. This practice has increased me in tolerance and patience. I feel like I have the best of friends and relatives and silatu-rahm (kinship ties) is pleasing and easy for me. Our Lord, let not our hearts deviate after You have guided us and grant us from Yourself mercy. Indeed, You are the Bestower. Ameen.” #TransformedByTheQuran

Now tell us your story. How did the Qur’an transform you? Share your story with us here.