01/24/2021
Unbelievably is almost here, we are approximately 85 days away bi'ithmillah. If we haven't yet, we need to start getting ready before it’s too late. When will it be too late? It’ll be too late on the first day of Ramadan!
We can’t go from a life of doing just the basics of Islam to suddenly fasting and making extra prayers and reading Quran all day long overnight. If we try to do that, most of us will burn out within the first week.
So instead of waiting until Ramadan is upon us, take these simple yet productive steps to prepare ourselves for the best month of the year, in shaa'Allah!
Start Now!
There’s no reason to wait until Ramadan to start fasting. You can start right now. There are certain days of the week and certain times of the month when it’s preferred to fast.
Begin fasting on and . If you can’t do both days, then choose just one of them and stick with it.
You can also fast on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of the month. Of course, we’re talking about the lunar months. Encourage your friends to fast and break fast with you specially all new Muslims in your circle.
Start Reading Now!
Many Muslims have the intention of reading the entire Quran during the month of Ramadan. The vast majority of us don’t make it all the way.
If you’re tired of falling short year after year, then you should get into the habit of reading the Quran now. Don’t wait until Ramadan. If you begin reading a little bit every day now, you’ll be more comfortable with completing a full juz on a daily basis when Ramadan comes.
Try reading a little bit of the Quran after Salaatul Fajr (the Dawn prayer).
If you’re not already doing so, read Surat al Kahf (the Chapter of the Cave) every Friday.
Try reading the Quran at the masjid as well as at home. This way, you’ll be comfortable reading the Book of Allah no matter where you are.
Start Making Now!
One of the best things about Ramadan is making the nightly Taraweeh prayers. But I’m sure you’ve noticed how things change throughout the month.
Usually, when Ramadan starts, there are a lot of people showing up at the Masjid for Taraweeh. By the second week, that numbers has gone down by two thirds. Then it shoots back up again during the last ten days (or the last seven).
Don’t get caught in the same routine again. If you get into the habit of making prayers now on a regular basis, you’ll be better equipped for these long prayers when Ramadan comes.
Just a few tips on making Tahajjud:
Start slowly! Don’t start off making 40 rakat (units) of Tahajjud and wear yourself out after a couple of days. Just do what is easy for you, even if that is only two rakat.
Take this time to practice your Qiraat (Quran recitation).
Make ! Supplication in the middle of the night is especially beloved by Allah.
Last but not least start Giving Sadaqah Now!
Of course, good deeds performed during Ramadan are worth much more than those done during the rest of the year. That’s why many Muslims try to increase their good deeds during this month.
(voluntary charity) is another good deed you can do. But you don’t have to wait until Ramadan. Begin giving Sadaqah immediately and it’ll be even easier to do so during Ramadan.
In shaa'Allah, these tips will help you prepare for Ramadan. Don’t worry if you can’t do them all. Just do what’s easiest for you and it’ll be easier when the big month comes. Also don't forget to make up your days, time does not pause or stop for no one...
May Allah subhana wa taa'la grant us all sound minds, unshakable faith and good health to reach the blessed month of Ramadan, ameen.
