Prepare Yourself for Ramadan
Ramadan is right around the corner. It's the time of year when we reflect how quickly the previous year has passed. Let's prepare ourselves for what's ahead, and gear up for an intense revival of the heart and spirit. Fasting allows us to be aware of our actions, practice patience, and perform acts of goodness.
The ways below will help you get ready for this blessed month - a time when good deeds are multiplied.
1. Create a Ramadan Countdown
Hang up your Ramadan calendar. By counting down the days to Ramadan with family and friends, you can build excitement and buzz around its arrival. It helps you start the month with a positive mental attitude focusing on reward and forgiveness, rather than worrying about hunger or thirst.
2. Seek Knowledge About Ramadan
To experience Ramadan to its fullest, take out 15-20 minutes everyday to learn about the month -- its history, benefits, and obligations. Whether you read a book, watch You Tube videos or scroll through blog posts, it is essential that you learn to not only reap the most rewards from the month, but to fulfill your obligations in a way that is most pleasing to Allah (swt).
3. Make a Ramadan Plan
Set realistic goals for yourself. Assess your time, and ability to set goals that you'll consistently achieve every day. It is best to add a new goal in Ramadan that you can continue doing once the month ends. This could be as simple as giving a dollar in Sadaqah every day, praying two extra sunnah after Isha salah, reading Quran for ten minutes, or memorizing a verse from the Quran. No matter how small the act, consistency is key.
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace, and blessings be upon him, said, “Take up good deeds only as much as you are able, for the best deeds are those done regularly even if they are few.” [Sunan Ibn Mājah 4240 Graded Sahih by Al Albaani]
Plan everyday in advance by adding one or two new acts of worship and Allah (swt) will bless you InshAllah.
We've all done deeds we are unhappy with. To seek Allah ( swt's) mercy and forgiveness, recite the following dua:
Rabbanaa zalamnaa anfusanaa wa 'in lam taghfir lanaa wa tarhamnaa lana kuunanna minal-khaasiriin (رَبَّنَا ظَلَمْنَا أَنفُسَنَا وَإِن لَّمْ تَغْفِرْ لَنَا وَتَرْحَمْنَا لَنَكُونَنَّ مِنَ الْخَاسِرِينَ): This dua means: "Our Lord, we have wronged ourselves, and if You do not forgive us and have mercy upon us, we will surely be among the losers." (Quran 7:23)
Also, recite Astaghfirullah (أستغفر الله), a few times a day. "Astaghfirullah wa atubu ilaihi" means: (I seek forgiveness from Allah and I turn to Him in repentance.)
5. Research Ramadan Food Ideas
Now is the time to research healthy Ramadan food ideas. Follow food bloggers and Instagrammers, while researching the nutritional value of certain foods. Jot down recipes in your notepad or digital notepad. Explore different recipes and food pairings to discover what suits your nutritional requirements, tastes, and preferences.
6. Practice Gratitude
Before embarking on Ramadan, it is vital that we thank Allah (swt) for all His blessings, and that we are provided with the opportunity to witness another Ramadan. A time of the month that will allow us to fast, pray, and seek Allah (swt's) immense mercy.
May Allah accept all your good deeds, forgive your shortcomings and allow you to experience the blessings of this beautiful month.
Allahuma Balighna Ramadan!
