Ramadan Prep: Starts with Mind, Body and Space

The month of Ramadan is near and dear to our hearts. It’s the time when all of us strive to become better Muslims by fasting, and leaving behind bad habits. This is the time we increasing our worship, and help out other more often than usual. Many people prepare for the month by creating freezer meals so they can devote their time and energy to worshipping the creator. While pre-made meals are helpful, there are other things one can do to prepare for this sacred month.

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Home Preparation

Cleanliness is a big part of the Islamic faith, this belief reflects in how we take care of our living space along with our lifestyle. Depending on how much time you can spare of cleaning, you may want to use this time to de-clutter each room in your house. Perhaps, donate the things you are not using so they can go to a better home. However, if your schedule does not allow you to go through each room to de-clutter and organize than you may just want to stick to a semi-deep clean. A semi-deep clean would consist of your daily chores along with attending to neglected areas, such as the ceiling fan, curtains, doors, and baseboards. The idea is to have a dust free and tidy space so your home feels calm and welcoming.

Get in the Spirit of Ramadan

To set the month of Ramadan apart from all the other months is to decorate our homes. Even if you are doing something small such as changing your pillow covers, or putting up a “Ramadan Mubarak” banner can help feel, “festive”. Putting up décor is very important if you have children. Since they don’t fast, it is important to get them excited for this month by creating fun activities for them. Get them involved, do a DIY (do it yourself) project with the kiddos, have them paint and create things to decorate the house with. Maybe make “Ramadan Mubarak” cards to mail out to family and friends.

Space of Devotion: Your little Masjid

Depending on your space you might want to allocate a corner or even a small room in your house for ibadat (worship). Create a place where you have all of your essentials, such as, Quran, tasbeeh, a prayer rug, and hijabs. You can decorate this space or leave it simple; it is completely up to you. The idea is to create a calm, quiet, and peaceful space where you can really connect with your creator. You can also use this area to pray taraweeh with your family (during the pandemic). Praying in the same space as a family for the month of Ramadan will strengthen the bonds with your loved ones. As they say “family that prays together, eats together, stays together” and Ramadan really proves that through the varies blessings the month brings just by praying and eating as a family. This is something we can continue after the month of Ramadan. Depending on your style and preference, you can also decorate this space for Eid as well.

Set Yourself up for Success

Having a plan of action is very helpful whenever you want to achieve something and Ramadan is no exception. Set realistic goals for yourself that you would like to achieve during the pious month. Before you set goals think about, why are you setting these goals? Having a reason will keep you motivated, and increase your chances in achieving your goals. I recommend writing them down and having them visually accessible; doing so will work as a reminder. You can also take it a step further and have a goal set for each week.

Depending on the types of goals you have, assigning a specific time and setting a timer can help you work toward those goals. For example, if you want to read Quran everyday but unable to do so due to work or other responsibilities, then set a timer for 10 minutes and in those 10 minutes really focus on what you are reciting and do it with a pure heart and intentions to reap the rewards. Remember quality over quantity. Of course, the more you recite the better for you but how well you connect with the words of Allah and having a good understanding of your deen will be beneficial in the long run. This is a practice you can transition into your life, outside the month of Ramadan as well. Use this time wonderful time to create new spiritual habits. Lets get that list ready now.

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Remember it is great to appreciate and be inspired by others but don’t compare yourself to others. Do your own thing, work at your own pace, decorate your heart out, or keep it clean and simple. Whatever you do remember the true essences of this beautiful month is about being patient, self-reflecting, and being grateful.