As the sacred month of Ramadan approaches, the anticipation to embark on a spiritual journey and connect with one's faith grows stronger. Ramadan is not just a time of fasting; it's a period of self-reflection, increased devotion, and a chance for personal growth. In this post, we will explore four essential yet simple ways to prepare for Ramadan, each designed to enhance your physical and spiritual state for this blessed month.
First the Du’a to reach Ramadan:
اَللّٰهُمَّ سَلّمْنِيْ إِلى رَمَضانَ وَسَلّمْ لِي رَمَضانَ وَتَسَلَّمْه مِنِّي مُتَقَبَّلا
Allahumma sallimni ila Ramadan wa sallim li Ramadan wa tasallamhu minni mutaqabbala
Allah! Preserve me until Ramadan, safeguard Ramadan for me and accept it from me (receive my deeds with acceptance)
1. Make Up Any Missed Fasts:
Now's the perfect time to consider making up any missed fasts from the previous Ramadan. Winter brings shorter days, providing an opportunity to ease into fasting and heighten mindfulness throughout your day. If you don't have any missed fasts to make up, you can explore fasting on the Sunnah days (Mondays and Thursdays) or the white days (13th, 14th, and 15th days in the Islamic Calendar month) to familiarise yourself with fasting and be well-prepared for the upcoming month. Voluntary fasts are also a Sunnah and have great reward with Allah SWT.
2. Fixing Your Prayers:
Let's delve into enhancing your prayer habits. If you find yourself struggling with the five daily prayers, whether it's timing issues or consistency, now is the time to address those concerns. Prioritise praying on time and regularly, establishing a solid foundation before Ramadan. Reflect on what may hinder your prayer routine, identify barriers, and work on overcoming them for a more fulfilling spiritual practice. Ask yourself ‘what is getting in the way of me praying on time?’ Shop our range of Prayer abayas to make this a smoother process for you.
3. Plan Your Goals and Schedule:
Consider planning your goals and schedule for a successful Ramadan. Take the opportunity to create a schedule in advance, outlining how you want your days to unfold. Be realistic with your goals and schedule, and consider adopting new habits gradually. Testing these habits beforehand ensures they align with your routine, making it easier to maintain throughout Ramadan and beyond.
4. Work on Your Habits Today:
It's time to proactively address your habits. If excessive social media usage, prolonged TV watching, or unhealthy snacking are areas of concern, start cutting down on them now before Ramadan. Addressing habits like foul language is crucial too. Begin adopting the habits you want to carry into Ramadan today. Starting early will make you more prepared for the month, and gradual improvements are often more sustainable than abrupt changes. Take it easy, make small adjustments, and gradually enhance your routine for a smoother transition into Ramadan.
In the upcoming weeks we will be sharing more tips on how to prepare for this blessed month inshallah.