Ever wonder why many of our plans fail? Well, aside from setting unrealistic goals, the common mistake many of us make is failing to prepare. With Ramadhan being a month filled with significance, joy, hardship and rectification, it’s befitting that we prepare ourselves in as many ways as possible. Preparing mentally, physically and spiritually will go a long way and allow one to reap maximum benefits throughout this blessed month.
Learn About Ramadan
The most superior way of preparing for Ramadhan is by learning about it. Ramadhan is a reward reaping month, and by learning how to spend your time wisely one can feel fully charged to take advantage. Whilst there are many books, articles and videos one could read or watch on Ramadhan, look out for events in your local Mosque, giving you the chance to ask any questions you may have.
Reduce the Intake of Food
As a large part of Ramadhan is focused around abstinence from food and drink, it’s wise to start cutting down on food from now. What’s more, once we’re in the month, it becomes even more important to hold back from overeating at meal times. By doing this, you’ll find that the entire fasting experience will be a lot easier and effective, and it’ll allow you to be more focused and energetic throughout the night.
Spiritual Preparation and Your Mind–set
Ramadhan is a big deal! It can be daunting for many and a huge challenge for the ill-prepared. Commencing certain activities from now such as Qur’an recitation, Tahajjud, frequenting the Masjid, and spending in charity, will allow one to transition into the month of Ramadhan effortlessly. Your mind is something that also needs to be equipped, so it’s a good idea to start thinking about preventing yourself from unnecessary acts such backbiting, getting angry and idle talk, as these actions will only increase your hunger and thirst.
Stay Hydrated
It can be argued that staying hydrated is far more important than the amount of food you consume during this month. This will prevent headaches and a loss of energy. Keep a bottle close by during the evening and take small sips every so often to stay hydrated and focused.
Take it Easy & Take a Break
This is probably the most important point. My advice is, and always has been, find what you’re good at and keep excelling in that. Ramadhan is a month about increasing your good deeds and spending more time with your acts of obedience. But you may find it overwhelming to juggle multiple acts. For that reason, try to find even one act you can do every day and persist. What’s more, if you get tired, it’s completely fine to take a break by taking a nap, reading a book, or going for a walk.
Take Part in Suhoor & Futoor
This should be at the top of the list, but I’ve added it to the end so that it’s the last thing you leave with. These two meals make Ramadhan what it is and are hugely significant for us to take part in, not to mention acts of Sunnah. The only thing to keep in mind is that Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) should be delayed until just before the Fajr prayer whilst one should hasten to take part in the Futoor (breakfast).
By Juber Ahmed
Main image credit Rendy Novantino
The adventurous spirit behind the pages of British Muslim magazine. As the Editor-in-Chief, Natasha leads with a passion for exploration and a pen dipped in wanderlust. With a keen eye for halal travel experiences and an insatiable curiosity for new experiences, she brings readers along on captivating journeys to far-flung destinations. Through her vibrant storytelling, Natasha invites readers on enriching adventures, where every experience is a window into the muslim world.
