Ramadhaan Preparation

First Taraweeh in just a weeks time-Insha Allah!The excitement mounts and so does the stress,hopes and anxiety..
I always end my Ramadhaan feeling as though I did not take full advantage of this blessed month.Did I recite enough Quraan?Did I perform sufficient Nafl salaah?Was I kind enough to the less fortunate?Did I give enough charity?

One sister put it beautifully:

"This is a month which ALLAH TA'ALA has designated for the revitalization of the soul and one's spiritual ascension after a year full of sin and spiritual retrogression "

This is only posssible if we prepare for it accordingly.

Here are some easy ways to prepare our minds and hearts for the Month of Mercy:

"1. INTENTION TO PREPARE:One of the most essential elements of preparing for the arrival of Ramadhaan is to make the intention for preparation ,for verily “every action judged by it’s intention”(Hadith-Bukhari).
  The preparation begins the day we start practicing humility and patience and learn how to control your nafs (desires) and anger.

2.LET'S DO RESEARCH:Even after years of fasting,many of us do not know the intricate principles regarding Saum.In order to gain this necessary knowledge,we need to consult our Islamic scholars and reliable sources,because " action without knowledge is fitna "

3. INCREASE THE WORSHIP:In this month,one should start increasing one's worship. This will allow us to adjust our routine for the arrival of Ramadhaan. Increase all forms of Ibadah(worship) such as Fasting,recitation of Qur’an, Zikr, Sadaqah(charity) , Nafl (voluntary)Salaah etc.Great emphasis is placed on reciting the glorious Quraan-e-Kareem.A very useful way to ensure one completes a Khatam (entire Quraan) is to read 5pages after every Salaah Insha-Allah.



4. ADJUST SLEEPING HABITS:Ramadhaan teaches us to adjust the way we lead our life. Therefore, before the arrival of Ramadhaan, it is ideal if you start adjusting your sleeping habits. You should start off by going to bed early and rising early. If you are used to this routine, you will not feel sleepy and tired when Ramadhaan arrives.

5. DEFINE OBJECTIVES:Ramadhaan is the ideal month to embark on your journey to fresh objectives. If you are a smoker and want to quit this habit, you should start in this month. If you want to be an early riser, Ramadhaan is the perfect month for you.

 

"O you who believe, fasting has made compulsory upon you as it made compulsory upon those before you so that you may become ALLAH fearing." (Quran:2:183)

 "Whoever fasts and stands for worship in Ramadhaan out of faith and anticipation of reward, all of his previous sins will be forgiven." (Ibn Majah)

In essence, Ramadhaan is the most blessed and rewarding month. Therefore, all Muslims should try their best prepare for this auspicious month of Ramadhaan.Inshaa-ALLAH!"

Some info provided by eislam.co.za