Ramadan is just under 2 months away! It doesn't feel like that long since the last Ramadan so this time around for me it is coming thick and fast. When it comes to the 2-month mark I like to get mentally prepared for the holy month. With a plan in place, I found it much easier to complete
For the last few Ramadans, I have had a plan in place. Having a plan in place has helped me be more organised and I have completed them much more easily and only needed to make up the days I was menstruating.
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ ١٨٣
O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you1—so perhaps you will become mindful ˹of Allah˺
1. Make up last year's fasts (if you have any)—I have 6 I need to make up fasts, and I almost forgot about them until recently, so inshallah, I will be doing them as soon as possible. If you are lucky or amazing, then you would have done this already, but if you're like me and let the year just fly by without realising, this is the perfect time!
This is a perfect way to make up fasts. It's also a time Rasullah fasted.
Usama ibn Zayd (R) said, “I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah ﷺ, I do not see you fasting in any other month like you fast in Sha’ban.’ He ﷺ said: ‘That is a month to which people do not pay attention, between Rajab and Ramadan, and it is a month in which deeds are lifted up to the Lord of the worlds. I like for my deeds to be lifted up when I am fasting.’” [Sahih al-Targhib wa’l-Tarhib]
2. Download Muslim-Friendly Apps to your phone - Now I know we are all a generation of people with their phones, so having these apps on your phone could be very beneficial to you. Here are some of my favourites for having prayer times and the Quran on them.
- Muslim Pro - This app is amazing. It's FREE and it has the Quran, Islamic shows and Prayer times no matter where you are. It also tells you when the fast opens and closes. I also count the amount of fasts I have done on it. They have a paid version too which is ad-free.
- Quran Majeed - I love this to Quran when out and about. It also has the Qilba instlalled.
- Namaz - If you're a revert like me, this is a helpful app to help you learn how to pray correctly. I just love it so much!
4. Get to know the Iftar and suhoor times - I know this is something that sounds small but knowing when they are is a great way to know when it's time to pray and eat. I get a timetable from my local mosque and that way the days are so much smoother.
5. Work out your Zakat - Working it out now is so much easier, you will have less worrying in the holy month.
“And establish prayer and give Zakat, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah.” (2:110 Quran)
6. Try to understand the Quran more - I have been a Muslim revert for 15 years now and even now I don't know everything, I am still learning. Reading the Quran refreshes your knowledge. You can do this by reading the book or on an app on your phone.
” So when the Qur’an is recited then listen to it and pay attention so that you may receive mercy”. (Surah Al A’raf verse 204)
7. Repent to Allah - Life isn't always perfect. It's a good time to repent to Allah just intime for Ramadan.
- "And whoever repents and does good, he surely turns to Allah a (goodly) turning" (Surah 25:71)
8. Make DUA to Reach Ramadan - For me, Ramadan is my favourite time of the year. I feel so much closer to Allah and I learn so much.
“O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Shaban and let us reach Ramadan.” [Tabarani al Awsat: 3939]
9. Pray the voluntary prayers - I do my best to do the 5 prayers a day but doing voluntary prayers gets you ready for the month of Ramadan. Starting now will make it easier to keep it up.
“Indeed, worship in the night is more impactful and suitable for recitation.” [Surah Muzzammil: 6]
10. Take care of your health - Ramadan is long days of fasting and staying up the night worshipping. We have to remember to take care of our bodies. If you have any concerns you should speak to your GP?
Are you excited for Ramadan?
I enjoyed reading about how you prepare for Ramadan and what goes into your traditions. Thanks for sharing, and I wish you a wonder Ramadan!
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