The Islamic Holy Month of Ramadan is right around the corner! Every year, Muslims worldwide observe a month of daily fasting which is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. However, Ramadan is not just the month of fasting, but a time for introspection and charitable deeds. Ramadan encourages Muslims to feed their souls and gain the inner strength to get closer to Allah (SWT). This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on April 2nd. As this date rolls around, we wish nothing but a blessed Ramadan to our fellow Muslims!
This Holy Month serves several spiritual and social purposes. A plethora of responsibilities are involved in the preparation of Ramadan. In this article, I will discuss some of the tips and tricks my family has taught me to prepare for the month of Ramadan. Whether you are a new Muslim seeking first-time advice or simply searching for inspiration to improve from the past, I hope this article can offer some guidance!
Preparing Your Mind & Body
During this month, our goals include becoming closer to Allah (SWT) and connecting to our communities. One way to prepare your mind is to have a planner or checklist. A Ramadan planner is helpful in providing you with a boost in motivation. Making lists and writing down goals provides structure for the month. I recommend this especially to my fellow college students who are fasting without their families this year. It can be difficult to juggle prayers, food preparation, quran readings, and school assignments all at once. Having a to-do list can help with feeling overwhelmed. Here, I have provided a free digital planner available for you to download and/or print! https://drive.google.com/file/d/1hQh-1TkqnHJ6r_zczZMZEZyeHnt_mnnm/view?usp=sharing
There are helpful ways to prepare your body for the 30 days of fasting. As a coffee drinker, one of the best tips I have received is to gradually cut out caffeine from my diet–prior to the start of Ramadan. Otherwise, there is risk for caffeine withdrawal which is not the best way to start the Holy month. Instead, I recommend switching to decaf coffee/tea which can provide the same comfort and habit of coffee without the caffeine buzz. Another important recommendation is to begin food preparations. Plan fresh, hydrating, and healthy meals. Avoid purchasing salty/high sodium foods. Prior to grocery shopping, decide what meals you will want to enjoy for Suhoor and Iftar. This will allow you to buy in bulk. Stocking up provides a solid foundation for the first week or so of food preparations. This will limit the amount of times you will have to go to the grocery store during the month.
Join a Community and Acquire Quran Copies
Attending your local Mosque/Masjid is an amazing way to encourage yourself and others. It is helpful to surround yourself with our Ummah because they can provide you with great advice and support. Another piece of advice I recommend is to get a nice copy of the Quran with translation and transliteration. It means so much more when you understand and absorb what you are praying for. My favorite English translation of the Quran is the Majestic Quran which is available on Amazon.
Clean, Clean, Clean
In my family, cleaning and organizing the house is a large responsibility in preparation for Ramadan. This means top-to-bottom interior and exterior cleaning of the house. Ultimately, this is to give us a calm and soothing environment in which we are able to focus on our prayers. Cleaning and organizing can mean different things for everyone. Personally, I recommend replacing old bed spreads with new ones, wearing new clothes, and replenishing hygienic products.
As a college student, I have found it difficult to find modest clothing that is also appropriate for outdoor activities and attending classes. Luckily, the fashion industry is evolving and brands are catering to Ramadan with new collections. For example, Farfetch recently launched 35 exclusive capsule collections releasing in April and May. In this collection, they offer modest silhouettes and loose-fitting clothing. Mango’s Ramadan edit features dress & suits, kaftans and palazzo pants that can be translated into both the school and Mosque/Masjid setting. We adore this inclusivity!
Overall, the ways in which you choose to celebrate Ramadan is subject to your health and other abilities. What matters most is that we support and encourage others in their journey. We wish you all the blessings of the holy month! May this Ramdan bring joy, health, and abundance to you.
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