According to the Islamic lunar calendar, Ramadan is the ninth month. It is a month of fasting, prayer, service, community building, and spiritual growth. Fasting during Ramadan is one of Islam's five pillars. The followers of the Prophet ﷺ prepared for Ramadan six months in advance. So, if we want to make the most of this Ramadan, we must have to prepare today! Fasting, as we all know, is more than just fasting from food; it also includes forgoing filthy speech and sexual cravings. Fasting encourages us to be aware of our activities, be patient, be moral, and improve our taqwa (God-consciousness).
Importance Of Ramadan In Islam
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ received the Quran as a word of guidance during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to reflect on the lessons of the Quran and strive to follow its commandments since they believe it is Allah's word. Ramadan is a time to give and be thankful. Muslims are encouraged to give generously to those in need this month and to express thanks for their benefits. As a result, community and solidarity bonds are formed, and compassion and empathy for others are developed.
The Prophet ﷺ said, 'According to Allah, every good deed of Adam’s son is for him except fasting; it is for Me, and I shall reward (the fasting person) for it,' 'Verily, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to Allah than the smell of musk.' (Bukhari)
Fast the White Days—13th, 14th and 15th of each Islamic month:
Abu Tharr Al-Ghefari said: 'The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, Oh Abu Dharr! If you fast three days of every month, then fast the 13th, 14th, and 15th (these are called Al-Ayaam Al-Beedh, the White Days).' (Sahih)
When is Ramadan 2024?
Because there are 12 lunar months superimposed on 12 solar months, Ramadan moves back around 11 days per solar year. The first day of fasting is expected to be March 11, 2024, yet due to varying interpretive schools among Muslim communities, some may deem the month to begin a day earlier or later than this date. Similarly, the holiday honoring the conclusion of fasting, often known as Eid al-Fitr in the United States, might fall on different days depending on family, cultural, or interpretive preferences.
The spiritual significance of Ramadan
The spiritual meaning of Ramadan is to teach us how to control our inner and outer desires for the sake of Allah. It is an excellent time to reflect and expand our spiritual knowledge of Islam to bring discipline and balance into our lives. It is the ideal time to purify our souls, bodies, and thoughts. Furthermore, being thirsty and hungry during the day makes us more conscious of how poor individuals feel daily. The difference is that we may take comfort in knowing that as the sun goes down, we will be able to have a full, substantial supper, whereas those in need do not have that luxury.
'Know that consideration and patience are from Allah, while haste and carelessness are from Satan,' said Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
'Anyone who fasts and engages in self-evaluation in Ramadan will find heaven.' Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
Activities, Prohibited During Ramadan
In conclusion, no unclean behaviors are permitted during the daylight hours of Ramadan. Although it is often assumed that Muslims stop eating and drinking during the day, the rules for Ramadan go well beyond this. Muslims, for example, are prohibited from swearing, lying, fighting, arguing, or engaging in sexual behavior during the daylight hours of Ramadan. Instead, this is the moment to purify our brains and deepen our relationships with Allah (SWT).
Time for Eating During Ramadan
During Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating or drinking anything during daylight hours. Suhour is eaten before dawn, and Iftar comes after sunset. Eid ul-Fitr is a holiday that marks the end of Ramadan. A special celebratory dinner is cooked for the festival, as it is the first daylight meal in a month.
Ramadan Celebrations
Ramadan is primarily a month of religious observance rather than festivity. The event occurs after the month and is known as Eid al-Fitr. Celebrations during this include gift exchanges and gatherings to consume sweets.
Preparation For Ramadan
Spiritual Reflection:
Ramadan preparation begins with a period of spiritual reflection, where participants consider the significance of fasting and its role in developing faith.
Voluntarily Fasting:
It will prepare your body for long periods without food or drink. You could fast on Mondays and Thursdays, as per Sunnah.
Mental Preparation:
Mentally preparing for Ramadan involves setting intentions, establishing goals for personal growth, and mentally committing to the discipline of fasting.
Physical Readiness:
Ensuring physical readiness includes adjusting sleeping patterns, gradually reducing caffeine intake, and adopting a balanced diet to sustain energy levels during fasting hours.
Quranic Recitation:
Devoting time to reciting and studying the Quran helps deepen spiritual connection and prepares the heart and mind for the blessings of Ramadan.
Charity and Giving:
Preparing for Ramadan involves embracing the spirit of giving by engaging in acts of charity, supporting those in need, and purifying wealth through Zakat.
The Messenger ﷺ said,
'Allah is in the aid of His servant as long as His aide is in the assistance of others.' (Muslim)
Planning Meals:
Planning nutritious and balanced meals for Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking fast) helps maintain health and vitality throughout Ramadan.
Seeking Forgiveness:
Preparing for Ramadan involves seeking forgiveness for past transgressions, resolving conflicts, and purifying the soul to fully embrace the blessings of the holy month.
These are just a few suggestions for how to get ready for Ramadan more effectively. Remember that we should prepare ourselves before anyone else. We ask Allah SWT to hear our prayers and provide us all the ability to make the most of the time. Above all, we ask Him to grant us access to the auspicious month and many more for years to come.