In a matter of a month from now, Muslims around the world will be observing the obligatory fast of the sacred month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a noble month in Islam. It is the 9th month of the Islamic lunar calendar. During this period, Muslims are to abstain from foods, drinks, smoking, sexual activity or ‘sinful behaviours’ between early morning and sunset for 29 or 30 days.
The early Muslims particularly those in the era of Prophet Mohammad (Peace Be Upon Him) usually start preparing for Ramadan immediately the previous one was concluded. They however intensify their preparation 3 months prior to the following one. Therefore, Muslims are encouraged to prepare ahead of the ever busy month of worship. This is the best practice to get ready rather than trying to adjust suddenly to a month of fasting. You need to plan and prepare physically, spiritually, mentally and financially ahead for the month so that it won’t be such a shock to you and your body system.
If you have not started preparing for Ramadan as it’s almost a month to its commencement, you still have the luxury of time to put yourself in order. Below are some tips of things Muslims must do a month before Ramadan. Read and enjoy!
(1) DO VOLUNTARY FASTING BEFOREHAND
One way to prepare would be to fast voluntarily during part of the preceding months. During Shaban, the month before Ramadan, it’s said fasting is not permitted in the second half of the month (starting from the 16th day) – except for those who regularly undertake fasting on some days. So if you already fast habitually – such as on one or two days of the week – it’s a good idea to keep this up in the month prior to Ramadan. But it’s definitely not advisable for anyone to fast on the last one or two days before Ramadan starts. You need to make sure your body is well-nourished and in good physical and mental condition for the month of fasting. The Prophet Muhammad fasted voluntarily in Shaban more than in any other month, saying: “That is a month occurring between Rajab and Ramadan that many people neglect. It is a month in which the deeds ascend to the Lord of the Worlds, be He Mighty and Majesty, and I love for my deeds to ascend while I am fasting.” He also fasted regularly on Mondays and Thursdays, explaining: “Those are two days in which the deeds are presented to the Lord of the Worlds. I love that my deeds are presented while I am fasting.”
So it might be a good idea to try this twice-weekly fasting, especially ahead of Ramadan. Others fast the 13th, 14th and 15th days of every month (these are called Al-Ayaam Al-Beedh, the White Days) so this could be another routine to try getting into.
(2) CUT DOWN ON JUNK FOOD AND EAT BETTER
Another way to prepare is to cut down on any excesses beforehand. Avoid snacks between meals and try to cut out fast food. By sticking to nutritious meals at regular times, you’ll more easily adapt to the two daily meals (suhoor and iftar) that are allowed during Ramadan.
(3) SEE A DOCTOR
If you have any health conditions or persistent illnesses, see your GP to find out if fasting is advisable.Fasting during Ramadan is compulsory for all adult Muslims, except those who are sick, elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic or travelling.
(4) QUIT SMOKING
Fasting during Ramadan applies not only to food and drink but also to smoking. Smoking is an addiction so it can be really hard to give up. One way to offset the stress of trying to stop smoking during Ramadan is to cut down or give up beforehand, easing yourself into the month of fasting more gradually. Hopefully, the prayers and general focus on spiritual matters during Ramadan will help to make it easy not to think about reaching for a cigarette.
(5) CHANGE YOUR SLEEP PATTERNS
If you’re not a devout worshipper, the changes to routine during Ramadan can be hard to stick to, especially if you are a late riser because of work patterns. The first meal of the day before fasting begins- well before sunrise – means getting up especially early. So you could try to adjust the times when you go to bed and get up before Ramadan begins if your work hours can accommodate that.
(6) PRAY AND
RECITE THE QUR’AN MORE OFTEN
Ramadan involves a lot of spiritual reflection – including prayers and recitals of parts of the Qur’an. You could get into the habit now by reminding yourself of key religious texts and performing some additional prayers. Those who recite the Qur’an beautifully, smoothly and precisely are said to be in the company of angels. Those who recite with difficulty, stammering or stumbling through its verses, are said to have twice that reward. Performing a few extra prayers will enable you to be ready for all the additional worship that takes place during the month of fasting.
As we long for this year’s Ramadan, it is our prayer that Allah spare our lives till then, grant us good health and wealth to be able to worship Him in the holy month. May Allah accept all our strivings in Ramadan as acts of worship! Amen.
– Jamiu Abubakar
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