Ramadan is fast approaching. I’ve often asked and been asked by others, “How have your preparations been going?” We all invariably mean food preparations. A month in which the doors of heaven are open and the devils are chained; a month which contains a night better than a thousand months and all we prepare for is iftar.
I have decided this year, there will be little focus on food and that’s not just because husband wants to go on a diet. Ramadan is not only a month of fasting, either. There are many forms of ibadah (worship) we can perform during this time. This is what I hope to achieve this Ramadan inshaAllah:
Being better prepared mentally
I admit that sometimes I worry about the month – how will I cope? The lack of sleep, the lack of food. I’ve mentioned previously that I’m quick to get angry especially when I’m tired and haven’t been eating properly. Though I worry about it I find my tolerance levels only grow during Ramadan, alhamdulillah. This time I’m not going to focus on the negatives. There *aren’t* any negatives!
Reading more Qur’an
Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed to our beloved Prophet Muhammed (peace and blessings be upon him):
Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful. [2:185]
Doing more acts of sadaqah
Narrated Ibn ‘Abbas:
Allah’s Apostle was the most generous of all the people, and he used to reach the peak in generosity in the month of Ramadan when Gabriel met him. Gabriel used to meet him every night of Ramadan to teach him the Qur’an. Allah’s Apostle was the most generous person, even more generous than the strong uncontrollable wind (in readiness and haste to do charitable deeds)
Keeping my mouth shut
We all know lying and backbiting are sins, but somehow it’s worse when we commit these when fasting.
More prayer
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Allah’s Apostle said: “Whoever establishes prayers during the nights of Ramadan faithfully out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards (not for showing off), all his past sins will be forgiven.”
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May Allah accept all our good deeds during this blessed month.
