Preparations for the Month of Ramadan Before its Arrival

Ramadan is one of the most blessed & awaited months of the Islamic calendar. This holy month is full of blessings and mercy that Allah Almighty showers on Muslims. Companions of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) start preparing before the arrival of this holy month. We should also try to prepare ourselves for the start of the month of Ramadan. As we all know that fasting is more than just abstaining from food but from indecent speech and lustful desires as well. Fasting pushes us to be conscious of our actions.

Muslim’s respect and revere this Holy Month from the bottom of their hearts, however, when the month starts Muslims find it hard to adjust with its routine of fasting and excessive prayer and Quran reading. The probable reason behind which is the fact that rest of the year Muslims follow a different routine, and when suddenly a month full of blessings and rewards is upon, they find it hard to change their routine and adapt once at all. 

There is so much importance of Ramadan in the life of Muslims as discussed in many Ayahs of Holy Quran and Hadiths of Prophet Muhammad (SAW). For general understanding, the Ayah of Quran that stresses the importance of Ramadan has mentioned below: “O you who believe! Observing al-sawm (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become al-Muttaqoon (the pious)” (Quran, 2:183). It is clear from this Ayah of Holy Quran that fasting is nothing new or special that was bestowed upon Muslims, rather the earlier nations of the earlier Prophets also kept fast. Fasting is of grave importance for Muslims as it helps them purify their souls and transform to a higher level of piety.

Below mentioned are some ways to get prepared for Ramadan before its arrival so we can take full benefit from this holy month.

• Fast Voluntarily before Ramadan: Fast before Ramadan will help you get used to the routine of fasting so that during Ramadan. In order to gain control over your actions, stomach and desires also you can adjust and synchronize better.
• Create Ramadan Countdown: Ramadan countdown will help to create hype buzz in our mind and among all others who are around us. This will lead to regular conversation and a source of excitement spread related to Ramadan.
• The practice of Reciting Noble Quran: If you have not been a regular reader of the Holy Quran, this is an ideal time to start, and make a habit out of it, so that you can progress faster in Ramadan. Start now to recite Quran and reflect upon it so that you can get closer to Allah Almighty.
• Make the Right Intention: Make an intention that this Ramadan will be a time of great spiritual effort and sincerity. To help turn that intention into reality, make checklists of both daily goals for Ramadan and goals for the overall month before its start.
• Perform Extra Prayers: If you have no missed obligatory prayers to make up, start to pray voluntary Sunnah prayers to prepare yourself for the extra prayers that take place in Ramadan. If you do have missed obligatory prayers, use the time you would give to the Sunnah prayers to make some of them up.
• Get into the Habit of Tasbih: Tasbih is a verbal praise of Allah Almighty which a Muslim does by either reading phrases or words of praise of Allah Almighty. In Ramadan, each and every moment gets sanctified; therefore, to get the maximum reward from the days of Ramadan besides regular prayer a Muslim must do Tasbih as well.
• Give Charity: This world can only be a better place if we help each other. In return, Allah rewards us in both worlds. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “Allah is in the aid of His servant as long as His aide is in the assistance of others.” (Muslim)
• Eat Healthy and Moderately: With less time to eat in Ramadan, we really need to pay attention to what we eat. Now is the best time to research the nutritious value of the food we eat. While we fast, the food we eat before we start our fast or to break our fast needs to provide the optimal energy so we can accomplish our daily tasks and increase our worship.
• Try to Improve your Character: Everyone can be a little bit more kind and work on different aspects of their character. The Prophet (SAW) said regarding this: “The best amongst you is those who have the best manners and character.” (Bukhari)
• Repent and seek Forgiveness: Start repenting and seeking forgiveness from Allah Almighty for all wrongdoings before the start of Ramadan.