Here are some tips to make the most of your Ramadan
Ramadan is expected to begin the night of March 22 this year. Here are some tips to get you mentally and spiritually prepared for fasting and everything in between.
by Guest Writer Durdana Rahman
When I was a teenager I learned this dua during Islamic studies:
“Oh Allah! Bless us during Rajab and Sha’baan, and let us reach Ramadan.” [Tabarani & Ahmad]
When I was younger, I would make this dua thinking nothing of it, really excited for Ramadan to come and experience the whole month of blessings and Baraka. However, as my plate started to get full, getting into my college years, work and career life, then becoming a wife and mother, this dua’ became an affirmation and mental note to preparing our body, mind, and soul for the blessed month.
The reason for this affirmation is that to truly have a fruitful Ramadan, one must plan way ahead. By far, the hardest role I had to take on was one of being a mother. Nothing really prepares you for it, and it becomes so bittersweet. While the role of being a mother is so important and has its own esteem and regard in the eyes of Allah, it can be cumbersome to feed your spiritual side when nothing seems to be going your way. Yet, over the years, I have made a commitment to make small, practical spiritual goals to help my body, mind, and soul, and you can too! With a couple of weeks left here are ways to get prepping.
Prepare Yourself Physically:
As a Muslim momma, whether you are working or not, life is overwhelming. There is rarely a moment to press pause. Mentally allow yourself to take notes every day a couple of months prior. When planning my schedule, I like to make sure my health, my family’s health is up to par.
Schedule checkups: Take the months prior to get health checkups and any special procedures or routine exams out of the way. If there are long-term health commitments, be sure to schedule them after Ramadan if it is not urgent.
Eat healthy: Prepare your bodies with nutrient-rich foods and supplements and don’t go on fast marathons just yet. Save the energy for Ramadan because it is your Fard (obligation). Place small and practical habits to stay hydrated throughout the day and take notes on how you can hydrate after Iftar and all through the night. An extra glass of water makes all the difference in energy and stamina. Also remember the Prophet (S) advised us to take 1/3 water, 1/3 food, and leave 1/3 for air. (Tirmidhi). Allowing ourselves to be aware of when we are comfortably full makes all the difference to get the most of the month of Ramadan. Be sure to discuss this hadith with your family members, so that together you can plan a nutritious but delicious menu to benefit from the month and hopefully have lasting effects in your lifetime.
Plan your shopping and food prep ahead early.: During the month of Ramadan, it can be exhausting trying to whip up fancy meals. Even mundane meals can be daunting. Thus, I try meal prep. Every family is different and has different tastes and demands. Foods like kabobs, lentils, rolls, samosas, appetizer-type foods can all be prepped a couple of weeks or a month ahead. I take the serving bowl that I serve the lentils in and measure out how much I would need every day, then individually bag them in ziplock bags and have them in the freezer. In the mornings during Ramadan, I take out all my frozen items and stick them in the fridge to thaw a few hours before iftar time. This way, I don’t feel like I am cooking the whole day during Ramadan and can make room for ibadah, work and rest throughout the day.
Prep kid-friendly meals: Another note for mothers with little children who don’t fast, try and have fast, ready-made meals for them throughout the day.
Prepare Yourself Spiritually:
Ramadan is a blessed month where we take a moment to reflect on our soul’s journey in this Dunya. While maintaining and acknowledging all the good habits that we have earned and acquired, we must also deeply critique our spiritual behaviors. Ramadan is kind of a checkpoint for our spiritual selves.
Some things we can do to help for this spiritually are:
Create a dua’ list: Take a moment to reflect all of last year and even years prior to that. Utilize a calm moment a couple of weeks/months prior to Ramadan to jot down things we are grateful for, shortcomings we would like to change, and moments of subh (glorifying how perfect Allah is with His creation). I keep a notepad in my kitchen island drawer that is accessible and jot down random notes of gratitude and suggestions for improvement for myself, prayers for family members and friends, etc. When Ramadan comes around, have an organized manner, where you can take moments each day to incorporate these dua’ and zikr, the remembrance of God, throughout the day in Ramadan. Remember Allah is Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful), so even being grateful to Allah to cook a delicious meal for your family is a dua that will change your outlook on how you prepare everyone’s meals. Mentally, it will feel refreshing and by the will of Allah, it will bring you immense Baraka, blessings, in your home.
Strengthen your relationship with the Qur’an in a lasting manner: Ramadan is the blessed month that the Qur’an was revealed. Different times of your lives will help you to understand His Almighty’s Book in remarkable ways. Thus, utilize Ramadan to increase your relationship and understanding. As a mother of young children, I get upset that I cannot read or delve as much as I used to. However, motherhood brings such a special gift, that even one verse if digested properly will reverberate in your conscience for weeks. Always remember, quality over quantity when it comes to the Qur’an. Build practical goals on how to build a lasting relationship with the Qur’an and incorporate the verses in your life.
Islam is a way of life: We want to have the best habits and character and it takes about a month to make or break a habit. A couple of weeks prior, make a note of practical goals and habits you would like to make or break during Ramadan.
Prepare Yourself Mentally:
Organize your commitments and everyday tasks months prior to Ramadan. This point is so important to make the most of your month, especially as a mother.
Organize and Declutter your life: There is so much unknown, so make sure you complete the deep clean of the home, have cooking staples, and complete or reschedule any big commitments you may have so you can focus on soaking the benefits of Ramadan.
BREATHE: Take moments of your day to literally take 5-10 long breaths. Incorporate zikr, the remembrance of God, and visualize your goals and all that you are grateful to Allah for, even if you are having a crazy day.
Remember, Ramadan as a mother is all about planning. Don’t overdo it with the planning but have some form of a plan. “Rajab is the month to sow the seeds; Sha’ban is the month to irrigate the crop, and Ramadan is the month to reap the harvest!” We may be halfway through Sha’ban already but it’s not too late to take advantage of the time remaining. May Allah grant us immense Baraka and a fruitful Ramadan.