Essential Preparations of Ramadan
Ramadan is a very holy month in the Islamic calendar. During this month, every Muslim strives for fasting, reflection and spiritual growth. Millions of Muslims around the world celebrate this month. Every Muslim should take effective steps in advance to prepare for this month. To get the full benefit of it, effective preparation includes both spiritual and physical aspects. For example to prepare food, we have to prepare all the ingredients in advance so that we don’t face any problems at the time .Therefore, we must be prepared for this in advance. Ensures a smooth transition into the month of fasting.
Spiritual Preparation:
The most important preparation for Ramadan is spiritual preparation. This month gives us the opportunity to increase our faith and seek forgiveness. Some important spiritual steps are follows:
1.Strengthening the Relationship with the Quran:
In this holy month, the Holy Book (the Quran) was revealed to the Holy Prophet.
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong).” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185) Spiritual preparation includes reading the Holy Quran, understanding its details, and reflecting on it. A Muslim should set a goal of how much of the Holy Quran he will read in a day, which commentary he will read, and how much he will meditate on it. All of this is essential for preparation.
2. Sincere Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness:
Ramadan is Blessing for Muslims, in which there is a spring of mercy and forgiveness for Muslims. If Muslims repent of our sins before Ramadan arrives, will purify ourselves spiritually because in Ramadan, every deed is rewarded twice and every sin is also doubled. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“O people, repent to Allah for I repent to Him one hundred times a day.” (Sahih Muslim 2702)
If Muslims sincerely repent and seek forgiveness, they can enter Ramadan with a pure heart.
3.Increasing Acts of Worship:
Regularly performing prayers, performing Tahajjud and performing voluntary acts of worship before the month of Ramadan increases the habit of worshipping during Ramadan because it is said that a person becomes accustomed to an action that is done continuously and that habit turns into worship for a person. Therefore, Muslims should engage in the remembrance of Allah before Ramadan and purify the heart from the pollution of sins.
4. Giving Charity (Sadaqah):
Every action in Ramadan is rewarded twice, so we should be more generous in it because Ramadan is the month of generosity because during this entire month, a person remains hungry and thirsty, which makes him feel the hunger and thirst of other people and makes him more generous. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“The best charity is that given in Ramadan.” (Tirmidhi 663)
Before Ramadan begins, specific funds should be distributed among people, and volunteers should work to help the less fortunate so that they too can properly prepare for this Ramadan.
5. Fasting in Sha’ban”:
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban and let us reach Ramadan. The importance of fasting in Rajab and Sha’ban is great. It reminds us of the importance and virtue of fasting in Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to fast in the month of Sha’ban to prepare for Ramadan. He said:
The most beloved of fasts to Allah are the fasts of Dawud: he would fast one day and break his fast the next. The most beloved prayer to Allah is the prayer of Dawud: he would sleep half of the night, stand in prayer for one-third of it, and then sleep for one-sixth of it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1131)
Mental and Emotional Preparation
Mental preparation is very important during Ramadan. It draws attention to an important aspect that is often overlooked.
1. Setting Intentions and Goals:
Having clear goals for Ramadan, such as increasing acts of worship, reading more Quran, and avoiding negative habits, helps in staying motivated. Writing down spiritual goals provides a roadmap for self-improvement.
2.Patience and Self-Control
Fasting requires discipline, and patience. . The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:
“Fasting is a shield; so when one of you fasts, he should not behave in an obscene or foolish manner. If someone fights or abuses him, he should say: I am fasting, I am fasting.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1894)
3.Reducing Distractions:
Spending more time in worship is made possible by dropping distractions like excessive screen time, social media, and pointless activities. Off-putting television and uninstalling needless apps can help one stay mystically focused.
4. Engaging in Positive Company:
In adding to attending religious lectures, debating Islamic knowledge, and close oneself with virtuous people, spending time with like-minded people who encourage good behaviors also boosts interest for Ramadan.
5. Managing Work and Study Schedules
During Ramadan, arresting a balance between work, studies, and religion is critical. Effective time managing without sacrificing worship is made possible by adjusting schedules in advance, warning teachers or employers, and establishing assignments.
Conclusion:
Making the most of this fortunate month requires preparation for Ramadan. A seamless and fruitful Ramadan can be attained by concentrating on the spiritual, mental, physical, and logistical elements. A rewarding experience is influenced by arranging responsibilities, establishing goals, keeping a healthy lifestyle, and establishment one’s religion. Muslims can totally enjoy the benefits of Ramadan, become closer to Allah, and develop self-discipline and spiritual growth if they prepare early.
