"من صدق العزم،رزق الحيلة"
This is a saying my Qur’an teacher often reminds me of whenever I procrastinate or try to find excuses not to do a task, because I am “too busy”. It translates to “The one who is sincere in their will to do a task will be guided to and eased into the path to complete it”. I often return to this saying as a personal reminder that sometimes I am the obstacle that is hindering myself from completing and achieving certain tasks. Keeping this mindset helps me persevere in whatever task I do.
With the blessed month of Ramadan approaching, this is the time to boost our wills and get ready to make the best of it. Ramadan is an excellent time to start new, healthy habits and let go of harmful ones. However, it is essential to start preparing intentionally for it to get the best out of it. In this piece, I will share with you some boosters to prepare for Ramadan and keep your energy up throughout the blessed month.
The companions of the prophet Muhammed (PBUH) used to prepare for Ramadan months in advance. Such preparation was first by asking Allah (SWT) to allow them to witness Ramadan and asking Him to accept it from them. Even though we only have a short while left, there are still ways to prepare and begin the month with strength and intention.
Here are 10 steps/nudges to keep in mind:
1.Make up missed fasts
If you have days to make up from the past Ramadan due to traveling, being sick, etc., fast those days as soon as possible. Doing so should help you get back into the habit of fasting and, more importantly, fulfil your duty regarding the previous Ramadan.
2.Draft a Ramadan plan
Draft a schedule for your Ramadan activities, how many Quran khatmas (completion) you aim for, where to go for taraweeh prayers, which programs to watch online or attend in the mosque, and so forth. You can tweak this plan once Ramadan starts based on what works and what does not work well for you.
3.Prepare your Duaa’ list
Start preparing your duaa’ (supplication) list for yourself and your loved ones. This allows you to take time to reflect and think of all those things you want to ask Allah (SWT) for. Do not limit yourself to Dunyah requests only and do not be humble in what you ask for. You are asking the Most Generous, so keep that in mind.
4.Coffee lovers, this one’s for you ☕
Coffee lovers! It is wise to start managing your coffee intake to be able to reduce those headaches that hit in the first couple of days in Ramadan. Remember that decaf is always an option (wink wink).
5.Decorate your space
Decorations! Preparing your environment, whether at home or work, can get you in the Ramadan spiritual zone and boost your energy to keep you going. For me, the decoration process puts me in the mood to welcome those Ramadan vibes.
6. Set aside money for charity
Try to save up some money, even a little bit, to be able to give to charity and help others during this blessed period, and remember that the Prophet “PBUH” was the most generous during Ramadan, and he was described as being more generous than “the blowing wind” as narrated by Ibn Abbas.
7.Resolve lingering conflicts
Persevere to resolve any issues with family, friends, or co-workers and work on those grudges that might have been building up over time. Remember how peaceful you will be when you sort these issues out.
8.Plan to volunteer
Volunteer! Plan for where and when you will volunteer, as this is one of the best times to help others and yourself. As Sh. Adnan says, be selfish about Akhirah (afterlife) by being selfless in this Dunyah. You are doing your best to get the best in the afterlife by being your best self for others in this life.
9.Seek spiritual boosters
Just like those ginger and turmeric shots that you take during this chilly season, get some boosters from attending talks and halaqahs about Ramadan to energize your heart and help you mentally and spiritually prepare.
10.Add a joyful touch
Lastly, try to come up with an enjoyable activity that you look forward to in Ramadan, whether you do it on your own, with friends, or family.
I want to end this piece by sharing an activity I have been doing for years with my friends. I create a jar with my friends’ names and another with tasks to do, and I pick one from each daily during Ramadan and make a video to share with my friends so that we all make duaa’ for one of them and do an act of kindness together, even if we are far from each other. Sometimes, this act of kindness is feeding a stray cat, making a dessert for a neighbour, or calling a friend or relative to bring happiness to their hearts. Think of something that will make you feel refreshed and better connected to Allah, yourself, and others to make this Ramadan a new beginning. Last but not least, do not forget to renew your intention and be ready for the many blessings that are heading your way.
1 Sahih al-Bukhari 3554, Book 61, Hadith 63.