Ramadan, the most auspicious month in the Islamic calendar, is quickly approaching! During 29-30 days from dawn to sunset, Muslims abstain from food, water, sexual intercourse, and sinful deeds.
Muslims all throughout the world utilize the month to redevelop or strengthen their relationship with Allah (SWT). Hence, in order to get the most out of it, it is critical to appropriately prepare physically, spiritually, and psychologically.
To achieve this, here are ways to prepare for Ramadan.
- Finish all pending fast
If you did not finish any fasts during the previous Ramadan, now is the time to do so.
With Ramadan quickly approaching, this should be the first item on your mind.
You most likely skipped a fast during the previous Ramadan because you became unwell, became pregnant, began menstruation, or began traveling during Ramadan.
You may forgo fasting on these days, but you must make up for it on other days, as mentioned in Quran 2 verses 184-185.
So now is the perfect time to repay them.
- Set the intention
Setting a pure intention (niyah) for acts of devotion is vital in Islam.
As Ramadan approaches, make the decision to fast solely for Allah’s sake, to please Him, and nothing else.
Forming pure intention also necessitates honestly repenting of all sins that can deprive you of the blessings that come with the holy month.
Recall that having pure aim will assist you in keeping your heart and intellect engaged. You will also receive the best blessings for your actions.
- Get your shopping done
This is one of the most crucial things to undertake in Ramadan preparation.
A few days before Ramadan, you should conduct all of your main shopping, including groceries and everything else that will be required to make the month run well.
This will aid in the promotion of a healthy and balanced diet throughout the month.
Getting your buying done before Ramadan will also allow you to devote your whole attention to the act of devotion during the month and make the most of it.
- Make a Ramadan checklist
Making a list of your goals is a wonderful strategy to enhance your productivity throughout Ramadan.
Make a list of the goals and tasks you want to complete throughout Ramadan. Putting these goals/tasks down provides motivation to complete them.
You can also hang the list somewhere you will see it frequently. Subconsciously, you will be thinking about your goals all the time, making them easier to achieve.
- Create a du’a (supplications) plan
Ramadan is incomplete without offering prayers and saying dua.
Hence, in order to get the most out of the holy month, make a supplication/prayer plan.
You can arrange how you will recite your usual key duas, read specific passages of the Quran, and pray a set number of extra prayers.
You can also hang the du’a throughout the house to remind yourself to say it.
- Visit the doctor
It is critical to include this in your list of preparations. This will assist guarantee that fasting is safe for you.
If you have any worries, seeing your doctor before Ramadan will save you a lot of trouble during the month.
If you are currently on medicine, you can consult with your doctor about how to adjust your schedule to accommodate the fasting day.
- Gather information
Learn about Ramadan, its significance, and when and how to worship during the month. This will assist you in internalizing the month’s significance.
You should also learn about your prayer times, iftar and fajr times, and the nearby mosque where Taraweeh prayers are held.
You might even find and attend any pre-Ramadan programs or sermons to learn more about Ramadan preparation.
Ramadan is a unique month. It has a unique place in the hearts of Muslims as well. May Allah keep us safe until then.
Allahumma ballighna Ramadan
“Oh Allah, allow us to reach Ramadan”
