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Ready or not, it’s here. That’s right - Ramadan’s no longer around the corner. It has arrived wa Alhamdulilah! This superior month which is filled with phenomenal levels of mercy, blessings and opportunities is now a reality. No longer are we awaiting or preparing for this miraculous occasion in our own ways. It’s time to live it and put our preparation to practice. Join Muslims around the globe and strive to perfect your fast this month using the checklist below as an aid. Make this the best Ramadan ever!
Eat and drink in moderation
Remember we abstain from food and drinks by day, but we’re not supposed to over-indulge in foods and sweets by night to make up for it. Be moderate, remembering the Islamic etiquette of filling 1/3 of the stomach with food, 1/3 with drink and leaving 1/3 with air for comfort
Have Suhoor
Be sure to wake up in the early hours of the morning to have some Suhoor. This meal can be whatever you desire. Remember the Prophet Muhammad PBUH said that there is much blessing and benefit in having this meal – so seek it!
Break your fast on dates and water
The Prophet Muhammad PBUH has taught us to break our fast on dates and water. Dates have special vitamins and nutrients to help revitalize the body. The Sunnah is to eat them in odd numbers.
Recite and learn from the Quran
Allah revealed the first verses of the Quran in this blessed month of Ramadan. Use this occasion to reap the rewards which He promises for recitation from this miraculous book and set goals to learn Surah’s therein.
Give charity
Give charity this month to help the poor and needy. Empathise with them through your hunger and thirst and remember that these feelings are a daily pattern for them in and out of Ramadan. Give as little or as much as you can, remembering to give it purely for the sake of Allah!
Accept invitations
Ramadan is a time when people usually come together. You may receive multiple invites from family or friends. Try your best to accept them and get together with people. It is an encouraged act Islamically to accept invitations. While you’re there try and make the most of them.
Attend the Traweeh prayers
The Traweeh prayers are unique Ramadan prayers which can be performed at the mosque, in the park or at home. Wherever you may be try and pray them in congregation and encourage those around you to join you.
Abstain from all evil or forbidden actions and speech
Remember, fasting during the month of Ramadan is not merely about abstaining from food and drink. To observe a true fast we must also abstain from any evil/forbidden speech and actions. Be mindful of what you say, choosing either to speak good or keep silent. Avoid all haram (forbidden) speech and any unlawful actions so that your fast may be accepted.
Forgive and seek forgiveness
Ramadan is a time when we can seek forgiveness from our creator. We can do this through our worship and supplications. However Ramadan should also be a time in which we strive to seek forgiveness from one another. Don’t just seek forgiveness though, learn to forgive also!
Take part in I'tikaaf
I’tikaaf is when one secludes themselves in a mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan. This allows for pure devotion and worship to surface as all ties with the outside world are cut off and time and energy are directed to Allah alone. Try it, there’s much to gain!
Seek Laylatul Qadr
Laylatul Qadr (or the Night of power) occurs in the last ten days of Ramadan. Allah reveals in the Quran that this night is the holiest night of the year and is “better than a thousand months”. Make the most of the last ten days in particular, increasing your worship and perfecting your fast. If you do and you catch this miraculous night, there will be phenomenal rewards and benefits as a result.
May Allah make this a successful month for us all and accept our fasts Insha’Allah! |
