As-salamu `Alaykum Wa Rahmatu Allah,
Dear BIS Family,
As we prepare to welcome the holy month of Ramadan, it is important to ensure that we are spiritually and physically ready to receive the blessings of Allah (SWT). The month of Ramadan is a time of unique blessings and spiritual nourishment that can bring guidance, peace, and tranquility to Muslims, especially in these challenging times. Therefore, we must organize our time and strive to qualify ourselves in advance to obtain the blessings of each day and night of Ramadan.
Islam emphasizes self-preparation before any form of worship, responsibility, or activity. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) set an excellent example regarding self-preparation. He spent one month every year contemplating the creation of Allah (SWT) in the Cave of Hira before he was appointed a prophet. After his appointment, he continued his self-preparation by practicing night prayer, reciting the Quran, and practicing patience, among other activities. In Islam, we must precede all our actions and sayings with a sincere intention for the sake of Allah. This intention preceding every action is called spiritual preparation, which is fundamental for the validity and acceptance of our worship, such as Salah, Zakah, Hajj, and other actions and duties. Muslims must also prepare themselves physically and spiritually, such as making Wudu before entering Salah or making Ihram before performing Hajj. Similarly, before fasting in Ramadan, we need physical preparation, such as calculating the phases of the moon and ensuring physical health, in addition to spiritual preparation (Niyah/intention).
Therefore, self-preparation is crucial for all worship and religious occasions in Islam. We must be mindful of our self-preparation for the upcoming month of Ramadan and the divine opportunities for communication and closeness with Allah (SWT) that this blessed month brings. Following the footsteps of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his righteous followers, we can learn the best ways to self-prepare for the upcoming month of Ramadan.
Here are some tips for self-preparation for the upcoming month of Ramadan:
1. Make constant supplication: Pray to Allah that this month reaches you while you are in the best of health and safety so that you can fast and do all your acts of worship with ease and enthusiasm. It is reported that the Prophet (PBUH) used to say from the beginning of Rajab in his prayers: “O Allah, bless us in Rajab, bless us in Sha`ban, and bless us in Ramadan.” (Ahmad)
2. Show thankfulness and happiness with and within your family and community: When the month of Ramadan comes, you should be grateful to Allah and show happiness. The Companions of the Prophet (PBUH) used to greet and congratulate each other on the start of Ramadan.
3. Have a written plan and sincere determination: You should make a good plan for the whole month about how you will manage your days and evenings during Ramadan. Plan special schedules for your work and your responsibilities. Have the sincere intention and determination to take full advantage of this time, and intend not to commit any sin or anything wrong. Keep in mind the famous Hadeeth: “Verily, deeds are based on intention.”
4. Repent to Allah for all shortcomings: Make sincere repentance to Allah so your relationship with Him is strong and alive and be aware that the path of closeness to Allah is paved with obedience and submission to the Will of Allah. It was narrated that the servant of Allah might be deprived of doing good deeds because of committing sins.
5. Settle whatever problems or conflicts between you and others: Seek the forgiveness of those you may have offended or trespassed on, especially your relatives, friends, and partners. This is so your relationship with the servants of Allah will be connected and fruitful. And be aware that the forgiveness of Allah will not descend upon those who harbor animosity or hatred for others, as narrated in Saheeh Muslim.
6. Learning about the rules of fasting and the merits of the month of Ramadan: This is so that you will be motivated to maximize and increase your efforts during this month while avoiding anything that may invalidate it. Learning about the fasting of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is recommended to better prepare yourself for this blessed month. The more you know about the rules of fasting, the more successful you will be in fulfilling its spiritual and physical benefits.
I pray that Allah blesses us and helps us obey Him during this holy month and beyond, making it the best for us.
Sincerely,
