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HOW TO PREPARE FOR RAMADAN
22th March 2023
Ramadan is an important month of Fasting and Spiritual reflection for Muslims worldwide.
“O ye who believe, Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you so that ye may ward off (evil).”
Qur’an 2: 183
Here are some tips to help you prepare for Ramadan:
1. Start Fasting Gradually: If you are not used to Fasting, it’s a good idea to start gradually a few weeks before Ramadan begins. You can start by skipping breakfast and then work your way to a full day. The months before Ramadan are called ‘Rajab and Shaban.’ They are also holy months, and it is recommended to fast for some days in those months for huge rewards. Therefore, fasting in the months of Rajab and Shaban will earn you huge rewards and give you the necessary practice without pressure for Ramadan fasting, which is compulsory. SAHIH BUKHARI: 2840 Book 56, Hadith 56. “Indeed, anyone who fasts for one day for Allah’s pleasure, Allah will keep his face away from the (Hell) fire for (a distance covered by a journey of) seventy years.”
2. Make a Plan: Decide your goals for Ramadan, such as reading the Qur’an, attending Tarawih prayers, and giving more to charity. Make a schedule for how you will accomplish these goals. "Indeed, those who believe, do good, establish prayer, and pay alms-tax will receive their reward from their Lord, and there will be no fear for them, nor will they grieve."
Qur’an 2: 277
3. Set Realistic Goals: While it is important to aim high, it’s also essential to set realistic goals. Don’t try to do too much at once, as it can lead to burnout and disappointment. “Regarding voluntary acts of worship, the Prophet encouraged his companions on many occasions to limit their extra worship so that they could take care of their duties to their families and maintain their health.
Abdullah ibn Amr reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said to me, “O Abdullah, I am told you fast all day and pray all night.” I said, “Of course, O Messenger of Allah.” The Prophet said:
Do not do so. Fast and break your fast, pray in the night, and sleep. Verily, your body has a right over you, your eyes have a right over you, and your wife has a right over you.”
Source: Sahih Bukhari 4903, Grade: Sahih
4. Stock Up on Groceries: Ensure you have enough food and supplies to last throughout the month, as many stores and restaurants may be closed during the daylight hours. During Ramadan, it is customary to extend acts of charity and generosity. Many families invite guests to break their fasts at Iftar and necessitating increased food supplies. Sharing food during Ramadan is considered a highly meritorious act, offering the opportunity to reap immense rewards. Therefore, it is recommended to avail oneself of this chance to serve others and earn blessings by inviting them to join you at Iftar. “SAHIH BUKHARI - Volume 2, Book 24, Number 498: Narrated 'Adi bin Hatim heard the Prophet saying: "Save yourself from Hellfire even by giving half a date-fruit in charity."
5. Forgive and Forget: Embarking on the Holy month of Ramadan with a clear conscience and a purified soul is paramount. One way to achieve this is by seeking forgiveness from our Creator and those we may have wronged. Engage in sincere repentance and strive to improve oneself while making amends with others and offering forgiveness to those who have wronged you. With a renewed commitment to righteousness, we can begin this auspicious period with a clean slate and a heart filled with peace and tranquility. “Do not let the people of virtue and affluence among you swear to suspend donations to their relatives, the needy, and the emigrants in the cause of Allah. Let them pardon and forgive. Do you not love to be forgiven by Allah? And Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.”
Qur’an 24: 22
6. Increasing Your Acts of worship: Increasing your acts of worship in the weeks leading up to Ramadan is essential. This can involve praying regularly and on time, offering extra prayers (Nafilats), giving more charity, and reading the Qur'an. Additionally, it is crucial to eat a healthy diet that helps your body adjust to fasting during Ramadan. Reducing your refined sugar and carbs intake and increasing your protein and vegetable consumption can be beneficial. By training your body and mind to eat healthily and engaging in acts of worship, you can reap the tremendous blessings of Ramadan. “Recite what has been revealed to you of the Book and establish prayer. Indeed, ˹genuine˺ prayer should deter ˹one˺ from indecency and wickedness. The remembrance of Allah is ˹an˺ even greater ˹deterrent˺. And Allah ˹fully˺ knows what you ˹all˺ do.”
Qur’an 29: 45
7. Pray To Allah: It is recommended to supplicate to Allah for the opportunity to reach the Holy month of Ramadan. And once the month arrives, praying for acceptance of your deeds is also essential. And protection from temptations that may diminish your rewards. Additionally, make a sincere intention to fast the entire month. “When My servants ask you ˹O Prophet˺ about Me: I am truly near. I respond to one’s prayer when they call upon Me. So let them respond ˹with obedience˺ to Me and believe in Me, perhaps they will be guided ˹to the Right Way˺.”
Qur’an 2: 186
In conclusion, preparing for Ramadan involves not just physical but spiritual preparation. It is time for reflection, prayer, and acts of charity. You can make the most of this month by understanding the significance of Ramadan, making a schedule, starting Fasting gradually, staying hydrated, planning meals, reducing caffeine intake, and increasing acts of charity and spiritual activities. Ramadan is a time to strengthen your connection to Allah, connect with your community and strive towards self-improvement. May this Ramadan be a blessed and fulfilling experience for all who observe it, In Sha Allah. Amin.