Ramadan Crash Planning

Crash planning for Ramadan can still be done effectively, after all each ready-to-fast Muslim is a superwoman or superman. Just be proactively aware of the important areas that need attention during the blessed month and make sure you develop the right amount of commitment and passion.

The Month of the Qur'an

Most unfortunately, in some households, the Qur'an is a come and go thing - like seasons. For instance, when Ramadan season arrives people may begin to hunt for the biggest copy of the Qur'an in their house, set on the highest shelf for religious respect, and surrounded by artistic Islamic artifacts. If you are not one of those unfortunate ones, good! Your focus should not just be on reciting the words in a monotonous, super fast manner. But, you should be working to beautify your recitation, correcting your Tajweed (pronunciation), and the understanding of the meaning (tafsir) of the Qur'an. This is the month of the Qur'an after all - high time of understanding its importance.

Worship & Remembrance of Allah (Ibaadaat & Dhikr)
Ibadaat are the core of this month, that is dedicated acts of worship. Learn about the obligatory practices (the fard), develop Sunnah habits, passionately indulge into nafils, and add quality to your prayers by acquiring high levels of concentration.
Our Creator is always super close to our hearts, but it needs a special connect to establish His link with our soul. Work on that link through adhkar (words of remembrance) and dua'a (supplication). Itekaaf is the act of isolating oneself in solitude for the purpose of worship and remembrance of Allah (swt). While men can perform an advanced level of itekaf and take to mosques for the purpose of isolation of ten days or less, the ladies can do so at home. I was looking up the criteria of itekaaf and to my joy I learned that dedication a slot of time for undisturbed worship is also itekaaf. So, clear a space in your room or a quiet corner of the house and allot time - even more than one small slot during the day - to perform itekaaf.

Iftar and Suhoor Menus
I am a home-groomed lady, unlike those who race for free food wherever they find it. I like cooking suhoor and iftar at home so it is healthy and hygienic and I waste less time in commuting and gossiping with who all that may come by. The menu; therefore, should be planned beforehand and some good stocking up done in the pantry so as to avoid rushing for groceries during the month.

Break the Habits
I am a Chai addict, that needs to level off. Because, 2 cups of tea is all I am going to get in Ramadan per day - one at suhoor, one at iftaar. Folks who smoke - need to level off (who does that, by the way? - good Muslims don't). Some ladies have a love for text messaging or gossiping away about what not on the phone. Cut that out. Internet is a time waste, unless you're writing the Ramadan Diaries *sheepish grin* (or, working on something productive). If you're fond of television and movies - cut those out.

Set the Routine
Ramadan, for some folks, is the second name of over eating and dosing off. Keep in mind your eating habits, sleeping habits, and exercising habits. There should be a balance so none is overdone.

Happy crash planning!