Ramadan: How to Prepare for the Month of Mercy

Ramadan is a month of great significance worldwide, a blessed and merciful month of spiritual contemplation, self-control, and kindness. Throughout this sacred time, we refrain from eating, drinking and marital relations from dawn break to sunset, as a symbol of our devotion to Allah (SWT).

As we welcome Ramadan, here is a list of things you can do to help get into the spirit of Ramadan:

Intentions – The first step to preparing for Ramadan is to set your intentions. You should have a clear intention to fast for the sake of Allah (SWT) and to seek His mercy and forgiveness.

• Increase in good deeds – Leading up to Ramadan, try to increase your acts of worship. This can include reading the Quran, offering voluntary prayers, giving charity, and seeking knowledge about Islam. By increasing your acts of worship, you will be better prepared to take advantage of the blessings of Ramadan.

• Schedule your Ramadan activities – Make a Ramadan plan to ensure that you make the most of this blessed month. You can include a schedule for your daily activities, such as prayer, Quran recitation, and other acts of worship. You can also set specific goals for yourself, such as finishing the Quran, giving a certain amount of charity, or increasing your daily prayers.

• Refrain from bad habits – Prepare your body. Fasting for 30 days can be challenging, so it is important to prepare your body for the physical demands of Ramadan. Try to gradually reduce your intake of caffeine and sugar in the weeks leading up to Ramadan. You should also make sure that you are eating a healthy, balanced diet and getting enough sleep.

• Seek forgiveness – Ramadan is a month of forgiveness, so it is important to seek forgiveness from Allah and from those you may have wronged. Make a conscious effort to ask for forgiveness and to forgive others. This will help you to purify your soul and prepare for the blessings of Ramadan.

Wishing you a blessed and productive Ramdan from the International Waqf Fund.

If you are looking to begin your giving before Ramadan, we are collecting Ramadan Waqf shares and Sadaqah Jariyah.