Tips on Preparing for Ramadan
Maximizing the Benefits and Overcoming the Challenges of Shaban
Aug 6, 2009 Amina Cisse Muhammad
Shaban, the month that precedes Ramadan, provides an excellent opportunity to get ready for the Ramadan fast, Qur'an reading and other special observances like the optional Tarawih prayers. Outside of Ramadan, there was no other month in which Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)* fasted more than in Shaban. His optional fasting during Shaban was his way of welcoming and preparing for Ramadan.
Unfortunately for many, Shaban passes without any modification in their daily habits and routines. This can prove to be detrimental while striving to fulfill the obligations of Ramadan.
Preparing for Ramadan in the Words of One Hafiz (Memorizer) ul-Qur'an
Ihsan Muhammad traveled to Senegal, West Africa in 1987 at the age of 12 to study the memorization of the Qur'an at the African American Islamic Institute (AAII). An institute of Nasrul Ilm (helping to disseminate knowledge), AAII was established in 1988 by the late Shaykh** Hassan Ali Cisse to support the education of American Muslims.
After completing his studies in 1992, Hafiz Ihsan returned to Atlanta, GA where he is presently teaching Qur'an as the director of Nasrul Ilm Atlanta.
Hafiz Ihsan had this to say about his community's preparation for Ramadan:
"The Atlanta community has instituted the [optional] fast as a group on Mondays and Thursdays for two years now. When Shaban comes around, we get really excited because, although we try to keep in 'fasting shape' throughout the year, Shaban is the intensive training right before you get in the ring... and the ring is Ramadan.
"Speaking from personal experience and observation, Shaytan (Satan) is busiest in Shaban about the business of involving people in the worst of habits - stressing them out, distracting them, isolating them from their friends, severing family ties, creating marital discord - so that when Ramadan comes, instead of being on a wild shopping spree racking up on all types of good actions to help them throughout the rest of the year, some people are on 'auto-pilot.' Ramadan passes them by without their having done anything to reap its special boon and benefit.
"It is related that Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) once prayed for God to destroy those who allowed the first ten days, then the second ten days, and then the final ten days of Ramadan to pass without having done any good to rid them of their sins, gain them God's mercy, or save them from the hellfire. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) replied, "Ameen" (Amen, or "Oh, God, respond to what we have just prayed").
"Everyone should be extra-vigilant at closely scrutinizing themselves this month!"
Getting in "Fasting Shape"
God-willing, implementing the following practices in the weeks prior to Ramadan will help curb your appetite during the Ramadan fast:
- Drink more water and other fluids while gradually reducing the amount of food you eat at each meal.
- Avoid eating meals, particularly heavy meals, at night.
- Consume more fruits, vegetables, and other high-energy foods and supplements, and less meats and starches which require more energy to digest.
- Do your best to observe the optional fasts on Monday and Thursday, or the 13th, 14th, 15th of Shaban (highly recommended practices of Prophet Muhammad - peace be upon him).
Better utilizing your time now through these efforts will make it easier to get into the Ramadan routine:
- Get up and retire a few minutes earlier each day. This will make it easier to get up for the pre-dawn meal (sahoor) during Ramadan.
- Reduce the amount of time you spend on leisure activities like television-watching, computer use, and socializing so you have more time to get a headstart on reading the Qur'an.
- Offer optional prayer whenever possible, and ask God to grant you a prosperous and hassle-free Ramadan.
- Buddy up with your spouse, parent, friend or other practicing Muslim(s) to provide one another support in any areas that are particularly challenging.
If you don’t want to fall prey to the risk of losing out on Ramadan's tremendous blessings, be sure to take advantage of the remainder of Shaban and prepare yourself for this magnificent time of year.
Notes:It is customary in Islam to invoke peace and blessings on Prophet Muhammad and all the prophets when mentioning their names.
*
**Shaykh refers to a highly-esteemed Islamic scholar.
Sources:
- "Muslims Prepare for Month of Fasting."
- Visit Footsteps to Wellness for more information on preparing healthy Ramadan meals.
Hafiz Ihsan Muhammad of Nasrul Ilm Atlanta
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