Preparing for the Fasting During Ramadan
Tips and Suggestions on How to Benefit From Holy Month of Fasting
Ramadan is the holiest month on the Islamic calendar. The observation of Ramadan is very different from other regular months. Muslims observe Ramadan with a lot of anticipation, excitement and vigor, trying their best to collect as many rewards during this month as possible. There are many measures that Muslims can take to make preparations for Ramadan, resulting in a month that's even more beneficial.
Making the Intention for Ramadan
There is a saying of the Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him*) that "intention is half the religion." Allah gives reward for the action as soon as the intention for the good deed is made. It is important to realize in one's mind before Ramadan that one wants to begin with the month in the best possible way and fast with complete honesty, praying to God that He gives the strength and health to one for the successful completion of the month.
Objectives for Ramadan
At this point, it is equally important to clarify in one's mind as to what the objectives of Ramadan are:
- Pleasure of Allah;
- Reminding oneself of the gifts that God has bestowed upon one whether it be food, drink or pleasure;
- Coming close to God, realizing His strength and your need to pray to Him and ask Him for help;
- Realizing the need of those who do not possess the same level of luxuries;
- Sympathizing with the pain of the needy, coming forward to help them with food and money;
- Realizing the importance that Islam has given to unity, love and sharing and hence, learning to love the fellow human, and
- Treating this month as a refresher course on how to be a good human being.
Preparations for Ramadan
Once the objectives of fasting are clear in one's mind, it will be easier to prepare for the Holy Month of Ramadan:
- Ensure that one has made up for any missed fasts in the past.
- Prepare a personal action plan. Decide what the goals for the month are and set specific targets accordingly.
- These targets could involve learning an ayah (verse) from Quran a day or if one can manage more verses then let that be the target.
- Pinpoint a weakness (e.g. backbiting or uncontrolled anger) which is standing in the way of being a better person. Make a pledge to work during Ramadan in removing this weakness from one's personality.
- Learn about the various Islamic classes that may be going on during Ramadan about topics of interest (e.g. explanation of Quran.)
- Make a personal dua (supplication) list and include every thing both big and small, for others as well as for one's own self, for this world and the hereafter
- Train yourself to go to bed early to avoid missing Fajr (morning prayer coinciding with sunrise when the fast also begins).
- Pick out Islamic books which may increase your knowledge of the religion which one can read during the month.
- Fish out clothes and items from one's wardrobe or storage that one can donate to those in need. Similarly, one should evaluate one's savings and calculate how much can be donated to others who are less fortunate.
The fasting during Ramadan and the tight schedule which one follows during it makes the month go by very fast. No sooner than it starts, one feels like it is coming to a close. It is best to prepare for the month in advance and then spend the month trying to achieve the set goals and targets. However, if one is unable to make a personal action plan in advance, it is never too late!
* Muslims invoke Allah's blessings every time they mention the Prophets
Muslims Preparing for Ramadan
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