The Month of Blessings: A Guide to Preparing for Ramadan

Ali Fahd

As we approach this blessed month, it is essential to remind ourselves of the meaning, importance, and purpose of Ramadan. In this aspect, every Muslim needs to understand the objectives behind fasting and be conscious of its spiritual, social, and health benefits. By keeping these in mind, we can proceed to discuss how to prepare for Ramadan.

Ramadan is a period of fasting and spiritual growth and is the fourth pillar of Islam. In this month, Muslims who are capable are expected to stay away from eating, drinking, or engaging in sexual relations from dawn to sunset. While these principles stand as the foundational guidelines for fasting in this month, it is of utmost importance to abstain from all forms of immoral acts, including lying, cheating, gossiping, backbiting, indulging in anger or hatred, and engaging in any form of harmful behavior towards others. Ramadan is a time whereby the soul is most conscious of Allah because, by abstaining from the basic human necessities, Muslims reflect on the purpose of life and get closer to the sustainer of all existence. Aside from the spiritual significance of Ramadan, it also serves as a period that promotes social harmony and cohesion among Muslims and solidifies their sense of brotherhood. One of the significant advantages of Ramadan is its health benefits. Various researchers who have studied the benefits of fasting have emphasized that these benefits extend to both mental and physical health. However, it is of crucial importance to prepare well for this holy month in order to be a beneficial of its provisions. So, how do we go about that?

1. Spiritual Preparation

Repentance:It is of great importance to know that repentance is obligatory at all times. However, the approach of Ramadan makes it more important because entering the holy month with a sinful mind will be a barrier for us to experience the purity of mind and attain forgiveness. Repentance extends beyond seeking forgiveness for transgressions against one's Creator; it also involves reconciling conflicts and grievances among individuals.

Reading the Qur’an and Making Supplication: The Qur’an was revealed to the prophet Muhammad as a whole in the month of Ramadan. Thus, reciting the Qur’an and reflecting on its meanings is best done this month. As a step towards fulfilling this rewarding deed, it is recommended for Muslims to increase the recitation of the Qur’an before Ramadan. In addition to this, making Du’a for a strong religious commitment and good physical health before the approach of Ramadan is important.   

Preparing the mind and soul for spiritual growth: One of the important things that must be done before Ramadan is equipping the mind with the necessary information regarding Ramadan. Many Muslims observe fasting without knowing its rulings and virtues. Therefore, seeking knowledge to be able to follow these rulings and attain these virtues before Ramadan is of great importance. Having a good intention, abstaining from distractions, and emptying the mind of unnecessary things are also essential aspects of preparing effectively for Ramadan.

Making up the duty of missed fasts: One of the most important preparations for Ramadan is discharging the duty of the outstanding fasts from the previous Ramadan. The missed fasts are to be offered at any time of the year before the next Ramadan. Muslims who missed their fasts, whether because of illness, travel, menses, or any other valid reasons, can make up their fasts right after Ramadan in Shawwal or the remaining eleven months.

2.  Physical Preparation

Voluntary Fast: Starting to fast in the month of Ramadan without preparing the body in advance can be difficult, especially for people who are not used to voluntary fasts. It is important for anyone preparing for Ramadan to take advantage of voluntary fasts and make up for their missed fasts. The Monday and Thursday Sunnah fasting, or Ayyām al-Bīḍ, is a good recommendation in this context.

Eating Healthy: It is important to start preparing for Ramadan by eating healthy foods and eliminating snacks and carbonated drinks. It is also advisable to get used to having a healthy breakfast because it will prepare the stomach for the thirty-day journey of fasting.  

Regulating the Sleep cycle and waking up early:Sleeping according to the Ramadan routine from now on is one of the best ways to prepare for Ramadan. The challenge of waking up early for fajr prayers can be addressed by going to bed promptly after the Isha prayers. As a result, waking up for morning prayers becomes easier. The Sunnah of waking up for sahoor is a vital part of Ramadan. Keeping in mind that throughout the day, you will not be having any food alone is a motivation to get used to waking up early and not skipping Sahoor.

3. Social Preparation

The habit of charity: Charity is an indispensable feature of Ramadan. It brings people together from every segment with a common goal. Even though giving out charity in the other months is very important, the reward of the charity given in the blessed month of Ramadan is more bountiful than the other months. Charity is not only about money; approaching others with a smiling face is also considered charity. Therefore, charity can be done by everyone in society. By this, the brotherhood bond can be strengthened more.

Family Gatherings: We know well that it is hard for families in the current era to come together even for dinner, especially the conjugal families living in the cities. Nevertheless, Ramadan, as a period of love, sharing, and togetherness, brings people together and reunites them. In preparation for Ramadan, Parents should adjust their work shifts and time to be able to spend time with their children in the evening of iftar. They should go to the mosque together with their children in the congregation. This will not only help the children integrate well into their religion but will also provide them with mental harmony and a positive consciousness towards society.

In conclusion, Ramadan is a period where Muslims can improve themselves in different areas. It is wrong to see Ramadan as only some days of hunger and thirst. In contrast, the blessed month should be approached as a time when we Muslims can have a spiritual and deep connection with our lord. Moreover, it is a time to improve our physical and mental health. We pray that this period of love, sharing, and blessing brings about global peace and an everlasting victory to our Muslim brothers and sisters who are in distress.