Ramadan has always been a period of self isolation and connection for me, I don’t consider our current situation as a deterrent for things being any different this year, therefore I am just sharing with you what I usually do to prepare myself for Ramadan.
- Welcome Ramadan with eagerness, excitement and fervour, as you would welcome an old friend whom you haven’t met in a long time.
- Create a gratitude list to acknowledge Allah’s immense favours in your life.
- Check and review your Ramadan goals list (I usually have mine ready a month in advance, so I find now is a good time to review them).
- Have your Dua’a list ready, your personal du’aas, from the Qur’an and Ahadeeth as well إن شاء الله. (One of my addition this year is ‘Prayers of the Pious’ by Omar Suleiman)
- Do not focus on food. Ramadan, is not about eating, let there be no fuss about what to eat. Keep your meals simple, so you don’t end up spending hours in the kitchen.
- It is the best opportunity to disconnect from everything worldly matters as much as possible and connect with the purpose of your existence. Learn something this month that would get added to your account of good deeds إن شاء الله.
- Find opportunities to give as much Sadaqah as possible in whatever capacity you are able to إن شاء الله.
- Last but not the least, health is wealth, stay hydrated to be able to achieve everything on that list إن شاء الله.
That said, I would like to add that sure this Ramadan is different, but it is exactly the way Allah سُبحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ has meant for it to be. Focus on the fact that we are stepping into the Month of Mercy and by the will of Allah everything will unfold exactly as it is meant to unfold, and the outcome will be the best for us, whatever it may be.
We’re exactly where we’re meant to be in this time and space الحمد لله.
May Allah سُبحَانَهُ وَتَعَالَىٰ accept it from all of us this year and may He allow us to gain valuable lessons from this experience that will stick with us for a lifetime آمين يا رب.
Seema Umm Rayyan, is a Spiritual Connection and a Creative Journaling Coach, She accompanies women in their journey, exploring contentment, so they may discover a deeper connection with Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala.
