7 things-to-do-before-Ramadan.

The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur'an was revealed, a guide for men and clear proofs of guidance and distinction; therefore, any of you who is present in the month will fast in it; and whoever is sick or traveling, then (will fast) an (equal) number of other days; Allah wants comfort for you, and He does not want you to have difficulties, and (He wants) you to complete the number and exalt the greatness of Allah for having guided him and that you can give thanks. - Quran 2 [Al-Baqarah]: 185

Glorified and exalted is Allah, who has spared our lives up to this moment. May his blessings continue to pour out on our beloved Prophet, peace be upon him. There is no doubt that Ramadan is rapidly knocking on our doors, so we pray to Allah to keep us in faith and health until then. In fact, we know Ramadan well: the blessings, virtues, and opportunities of it. Hence the need for us to make preparations to be among those who will make the most of it.

The countdown is less than 45 days, so the time is right. Therefore, we hope and pray to witness the period of mercy in well-being, goodness, and steadfastness. When it comes to pre-Ramadan preparation, people often fall into two categories: the overexcited and the unprepared. What often moves you forward is the mood of Ramadan. In this piece, we take a look at 7 things that will get you in the mood for Ramadan ...

1. Depart with good intention: Intention is the most important aspect of any act of worship. Make sure you fast solely for the sake of Allah. To seek his pleasure, earn his mercy and high places in Jannah. Say to yourself: "This will be the best Ramadan of my life" and give whatever it takes.

2. Pay for the missed fast: make sure you don't have a "carry-over" from last Ramadan. If you do, try to pay within the few days left. One of the beauties of this is that it puts you into fasting mode right before Ramadan starts. If you were sick or traveled in the last Ramadan, a woman of birth age, or a nursing mother, you have probably missed a couple of days. So take a moment to ponder if this has been made up.

3. Go for a medical check-up: make sure you are in medical condition to embark on the feat. Ramadan is a wonderful month that comes with rigorous activities and you don't want to miss out on the rewards. Treat your ailment while we ask Allah to grant you strength, healing, and complete well-being.

4. Make plans and preparations: Sometimes people think that preparing for Ramadan is about stocking up on groceries at home. Poor me! It is certainly good, but the best preparation is at-Taqwah, which is godliness. Build your schedules around solar energy, stop the illegal gaze, false speech, and other vices. Don't wait until Ramadan before quitting bad habits, start now.

5. Keep company with the Quran: This is when Ramadan comes that some people dust the Quran off the shelf, which is not ideal. "Angel Jibreel used to meet the prophet (PBUH) EVERY NIGHT IN RAMADAN to study the Holy Quran carefully together" [Bukhari]. Now is the time to engage more with the Qur'an and take advantage of the great reward.

6. Get in the habit of getting up for Qiyamu Layl: It is time to stand longer at night with your humbled head on the ground. This will help complete the tarawih with Imam in the mosque and allow you to do more in the corners of his room. Now is the time to get comfortable with teary eyes, asking for Allah's help and forgiveness.

 

7. Discipline yourself: start practicing abstinence from the things that will undo your fast. One of the things that we often take for granted and affect our reward while fasting is lies. Allah's Messenger, peace be upon him, gave a stern warning about this. "He who does not abandon falsehood while he is fasting, Allah does not need fasting from him." Therefore, avoid falsehood as best you can now. Prepare to do more good, and strive to learn more and implement it.

May Allah make this our best Ramadan.

Ameen!

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