Ramadan is more than about fasting during the day. It entails deep thinking, increased devotion, and growth. Getting ready in advance will enable one to step into the Ramadan month with an open heart and mind to receive its blessings. Many people go through Ramadan without any spiritual development owing to a lack of preparation. This article provides practical guidance on the best ways to spiritually get ready for this holy month so you will be in a position to get the best from it.
Considering the importance of the Ramadan month has a profound impact.
For Muslims, Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar calendar and the holiest month of the year. It is viewed as a month of self-restraint, supplication, and servitude to Allah. Fasting during Ramadan is deeper than just abstaining from food and drink; it is a means to purify a person, develop a stronger faith, and connect with Allah.
Fasting casts an enormous importance within Islam; just as hajj, zakat, and sadaqah. Performing these acts demonstrates one’s religious commitment alongside contributing to society. All fasting-related actions- including abstaining from food and drink- are a means by which an individual seeks to purify their heart whilst increasing good deeds. This explains the true meaning of the phrase “commercial holy month” as the reward for worship and fasting during Ramadan is multiplied.
Fast with Pure Intentions
Start with dua, make your intentions pure, and allow Allah SWT to fulfill. Allah will listen to those who continuously seek guidance. Focus on the areas which need your attention the most. Self-improvement forgiveness and becoming a better version of yourself is what Ramadan is all about and can only be achieved in this holy month if Allah permits.
Similarly, when one has good intentions, attaining a pure heart is relatively easy. This does come with previously mentioned rules, however, beginning with refraining from food and drink allows the aforementioned to fall in place effortlessly.
There is immense peace that accompanies being able to consistently pray.
Consequently, the first step of preparing will be aiming to seek punctuality with daily prayers, as it is the most effective action before Ramadhan. Due to the five prayers being a struggle for some, Ramadan is the ideal time to overcome them.
Incorporating Sunnah and Nafl to enhance the blessings.
Doing Tahajjud for enhanced spirituality.
If you get into the habit of praying before Ramadan, it will be much easier to do so throughout the month.
Building the Relationship with the Quran
It was said that the Quran was revealed during Ramadan therefore it’s the best time to strengthen the relationship with the book. A lot of Muslims try to cover the entire Quran during this month, but without prior planning, this can be difficult.
To build a good relationship with the Quran before Ramadan:
Start with a few pages each day.
Have a realistic goal for Quran recitation during Ramadan.
Make an effort to understand the meanings by going through Tafsir.
Listen Quran and try to absorb the message.
When you can make Quran recitation a habit before Ramadan, you will find it much easier to keep the same level of practice during the month.
Asking for forgiveness and making Tawbah.
Ramadan is usually to seek Allah’s mercy and repent for the sins you might have committed. To maximize the benefits of Ramadan, consider searching for forgiveness before it begins.
Recite Astaghfirullah often.
Think about the mistakes you’ve made and try to mend them.
Beg Allah to clean your heart and make you a better Muslim.
With the proper intention, you can use the month of Ramadaan to improve your connection with Allah. This means that right before the month starts, your heart should be pure, which will enable you to make the most out of this holy month of Ramadan.
Setting Higher Dua (Supplication) Habits
While every Muslim modestly exercises the power of dua, some take it for granted. This is one of the many reasons why dua is available to all and is to be ideally performed during the month of Ramadan, especially before Ifthar and during Laylatul Qadr, which is the Night of Decree.
To make dua a habit, consider the following:
Drafting a list of the important dua’s you plan to execute during your Ramadan.
Dua should be exercised after every prayer.
Put dua to use while forgiving, blaming, or giving guidance and many other activities.
For the users out there, if dua becomes a habit, then the supplications made during the holy month can be intentionally practiced as well.
Practicing self-control while cutting off bad habits
Ramadan itself is a month in which self-discipline can and should be exercised. Not only are you expected to abstain from food and water, but Ramadan also teaches you restraint from gossip, lying, overthinking, and all sorts of negative activities.
Start controlling:
Your overexposure to social media.
Arguments, conflicts, and negative speech.
Avoid wasting valuable time that could otherwise be spent spiritually.
By practicing self-control before Ramadan, it will be much easier to focus on spirituality once the month starts.
Increasing Sadaqah
Islam puts great emphasis on charity, and the rewards are multiplied further during Ramadan. One way to get into the habit of giving is to be generous before Ramadan begins, Do not wait until the holy month to start getting into the charitable spirit.
Here are some ways to increase generosity before the beginning or even during Ramadan:
Provide ancestral aid of money, food, or clothing.
Assist local community projects or charities.
Spend a few hours at a charitable organization or even a mosque.
This will not only purify your wealth but will also result in more blessings for you.
In Sha’ban, Fast to Get Ready for Ramadan
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would greatly fast during the month of Sha’ban. Forget about Ramadan for a moment, focussing on Sha’ban is so important because it is the month before the holy month. Fasting during this time will help your body ease into recent eating patterns.
If you are not used to fasting, then starting with this is a good idea.
You can try:
- FastingMondaysnday and Thursdays (Sunnah practice),
- The ‘White Days’ or the 13th, 14th, and 15th of Sha’ban.
This will help your body slowly get into fasting, and help your transition into Ramadan.
Building Relationships and Resolving Differences
This is the month when people are more forgiving and willing to unite. If you have family/ friends you have had misunderstandings with, now is a good time to mend them.
Try to move on from judgments and instead, focus on what matters now.
Deepen friendships and familial bonds by organizing Iftar get-togethers.
During Ramadan, a pure heart leads to a more enthusiastic engagement in worship.
How To Set Goals For Ramadan.
- This month has the potential to be significantly impactful for your spiritual development, but only if you set specific targets for each week.
- For instance, you could designate a goal of praying Tahajjud every night or spending a minimum of 10 minutes daily dedicated to dua.
- Have the intention to read one Quran Juz a day and maybe set a target of performing Nafl and Sunnah prayers.
- Keeping track of your goals during Ramadan is beneficial to ensure you stay on target and remain engaged.
- Adjusting One’s Mind For Ramadan.
- Take time to relax and recuperate before Ramadan commences.
- Start by sleeping earlier to ease into waking for morning prayers and fasting.
- Consider reducing caffeine intake to avoid any potential withdrawal effects.
- Improve your eating habits in anticipation of fasting.
- Minimizing screen time can be useful in concentrating on spirituality and prayer.
- With a well-planned approach, adjusting to the Ramadan lifestyle will be smooth.
Conclusion
Just as important as fasting is, preparing spiritually during Ramadan is also important. To improve the chances of Ramadan being a life-changing event for yourself, you can purify your intentions, develop a relationship with the Quran, increase the power of worship, seek self-forgiveness, and build good habits.
Start your pre-Ramadan planning today so you can have the most rewarding Ramadan this year!
FAQs
- What is the most effective way to spend Ramadan spiritually?
Stay focused on self-discipline, Quran recitation, and prayer while avoiding distractions and other bad habits.
- How can I make it possible always to have a strong dua habit?
Start by writing down some important duas, recite them daily, and use special times like before Iftar and during Tahajjud as a reminder.
- What is the reason for recommending fasting in Sha’ban before Ramadan?
Follow the way of the Prophet (PBUH) and help the body prepare for fasting.
- What are the good habits I should maintain after Ramadan is over?
Good deeds, self-discipline, and routine worship like prayers should be done even after Ramadan has ended.
- Which activities should be avoided during Ramadan?
Take a step back from prayers, Quran recitation, and any other form of worship. Avoid spending time on gossip and overeating.