Ramadan is one of the most important months in the Islamic calendar. It is a time for reflection, spiritual renewal, and purification. As Muslims, we are expected to observe fasting during the month of Ramadan, which requires us to abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from sunrise until sunset. However, fasting is just one aspect of observing Ramadan. There are many other things we need to do to prepare ourselves for this holy month.
In a recent video titled “READY FOR RAMADAN? w/ Muhammad James Sutton,” Muhammad James Sutton discusses his new book, “The Believer’s Handbook for Ramadan,” and the importance of preparing for Ramadan with Saajid Lipham. The conversation also touches on the recent death of a young brother named Ismail and the need to remember that Ramadan is not promised to us. The book is designed to guide English-speaking Muslims on how to observe Ramadan according to the Sunnah and covers topics such as the benefits and rewards of fasting, the history of fasting, recitation of the Quran, standing up at night for prayer, intentions for fasting, and citing the new moon.
In this blog post, we will discuss the set of things we need to do to prepare ourselves for Ramadan, based on the discussion in the video and other sources.
- Increase our knowledge of Islam: Ramadan is a time for spiritual renewal and reflection. It is a time to connect with Allah and seek forgiveness for our sins. One of the best ways to do this is by increasing our knowledge of Islam. We should take advantage of the resources available to us, such as books, lectures, and classes, to learn more about our religion and strengthen our faith.
- Set goals for Ramadan: It is important to set goals for ourselves before the start of Ramadan. We should reflect on our past behavior and identify areas where we need to improve. For example, we may want to increase the amount of Quran we recite, or we may want to improve our relationships with our family and friends. By setting goals for ourselves, we can focus our efforts on improving our behavior during Ramadan.
- Prepare mentally and physically: Fasting during Ramadan can be challenging, both mentally and physically. We should prepare ourselves for the physical challenges by adjusting our diet and sleep patterns before the start of Ramadan. We should also prepare ourselves mentally by reflecting on the spiritual significance of Ramadan and reminding ourselves of our goals for the month.
- Increase our acts of worship: During Ramadan, we should increase our acts of worship, such as recitation of the Quran, offering additional prayers, and giving charity. These acts of worship will help us to connect with Allah and increase our spiritual strength.
- Seek forgiveness: Ramadan is a time for seeking forgiveness for our sins. We should take this opportunity to reflect on our past behavior and seek forgiveness from Allah for our mistakes. We should also seek forgiveness from others who we may have wronged in the past.
- Practice patience and self-control: Fasting during Ramadan requires a great deal of patience and self-control. We should practice these virtues not just during the month of Ramadan, but throughout the year. By practicing patience and self-control, we can improve our behavior and strengthen our faith.
In conclusion, Ramadan is a time for reflection, spiritual renewal, and purification. It is a time to connect with Allah and seek forgiveness for our sins. By preparing ourselves mentally and physically, setting goals for ourselves, increasing our acts of worship, seeking forgiveness, and practicing patience and self-control, we can make the most of this holy month. We should take advantage of the resources available to us, such as books, lectures, and classes, to increase our knowledge of Islam and strengthen our faith. May Allah guide us all and bless us with a fruitful Ramadan.