We’re less than two weeks away from Ramadan, and we’ve got to outline an accurate plan for the holy month, lest it pass without managing to seize the chance of salvation that Allah has availed us through it, grasp the blessings of its days, or gain the reward of it.

 “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.”- Quran (2:185)

This is how we should live up Ramadan, and this is the Sunnah we should revive, the purpose of Ramadan, wherein the Quran was revealed, as a guidance and clear proof for people. This is the aim we should revive through the 30-day Blissful month.

Dear Brothers and Sisters, we’re less than two weeks away from Ramadan, and we’ve got to outline an accurate plan for the holy month, lest it pass without managing to seize the chance of salvation that Allah has availed us through it, grasp the blessings of its days, or gain the reward of it.

So have you came up with one?

What are the things you should make up your mind about before Ramadan?

1- First and foremost thing you should do is setting your intention to make this Ramadan a unique experience, not like previous Ramadans, let them be fruitful for you or not. Determine to live it up, fully, not just by fasting, but decide, now, to attain its reward to the fullest and grasp its blessings to the utmost. Make the best of the month.

2- Decide on a nearby mosque where you shall pray Qeyam, or night prayers. And if not, make a deal with your family, relatives or friends, to pray together every night in congregation. This will help you commit to Qeyam prayer and earn you the reward of whomever you encourage to pray with you.

3- Make a reading plan for Ramadan. Decide on some religious book to read during Ramadan, of course this is besides your daily portion of Quran recitation.

4- Prepare a list of names of your relatives and family members whom you shall send Ramadan greetings to, whether by calling them (which is much preferable) or by sending cards or greeting messages, with the intention of reviving ties of kinship.

5- Plan for a family gathering at least once or twice during the month, in which you can bring together those whom you haven’t got the chance to see throughout the year, again with the intention of reviving ties of kinship. And make sure that the plan for the gathering would engage your guests in acts of worship and much Dhikr (remembrance of Allah).

6- Try to get done with any additional work or studies before Ramadan to save more time for a much needed spiritual retreat during the holy month and supererogatory acts of worship.

7- If you do not pray Sunnahs much regularly, start committing yourself to praying Sunnah prayers (supererogatory prayers) before Ramadan. During Ramadan, the reward is doubled many folds, plus it’s a good chance to incorporate new positive habits into your life.

8- It’s also good to prepare yourself physically during the coming few days. Either by fasting Monday and Thursday (fasting is recommended during the month of Shabaan anyway) or by lessening the quantities of food you eat, to warm your body up for the dusk to dawn fasting.

9- Plan to send greetings to everybody, let not any personal situation with any person, a colleague, a friend or a family member, stop you from acting as per the education of the Prophet (peace be upon him). In the end, Muslims are brothers.

10- Try to get done with the round of Quran recitation you have in hand now, so as to start a new one with the commencement of Ramadan.

11- Get connected to a charity organization or two, or a poor family, through which you can channel charity money and aid during Ramadan.

12- Fellow Muslimahs: If you’re not already wearing the Hijab, buy one headscarf or two, or even borrow one, and plan to wear it during Ramadan, with the intention to continue wearing it after the month. Do not fear people’s opinion if you failed to keep it- rather think of the positive consequence if you managed to keep it. And as strong and pure as your intention will be, Allah will aid you to keep it on after Ramadan.

May Allah guide you to His straight path, accept the best of your deeds and duas during Ramadan, and ever after. Amen! Amen! Amen!

Wassalaam,
Maha Youssuf
maha@muslimtribune.org

Posted on: July 7, 2012