Preparing for Ramadan 2019!

Asalamu Alikum ladies!

It’s been ages since we published our last blog post… but only a week since we released the second episode of our new podcast show.

Ramadan is tomorrow in sha Allah. We have been blessed with another opportunity to repent, get closer and celebrate the holy month of Ramadan once again by the will of Allah.

May we all achieve our goals and allow ourselves to adopt new behaviours that will go beyond Ramadan in sha Allah.

This blog post is going to be a sort of summary of what has been spoken about in the last two podcast episodes.

Let’s discuss Ramadan prep and how one can benefit from Ramadan and it’s blessings to the maximum.

1. Set Goals.

Just as you would set yourself goals for your fitness or education, set goals for Ramadan concerning areas which you feel could be improved. For example, ensure you pray every sunnah salah or learn the basics of the Arabic language. Help yourself by planning an action plan over the 30 days to achieve this goal effectively.

2. Decorate your homes!

I cannot stress how important and influencing this is to your mood when you enter your home after work or school during Ramadan. Even if you don’t have much, just a tiny little change of decorations or candles can make things a whole lot more special.

The company I used this year was www.eidparty.co.uk. I got a whole lot of decorative and fun stuff from them and my house has been transformed thanks to them! They offer a whole range of items ranging from lanterns, balloons, trays, cookie cutters, banners, and lots more fun stuff for many special events including Ramadan, Eid and even Nikkahs, Hajj celebrations and more.

I know Ramadan is tomorrow and you might be thinking it’s a tad bit late to be ordering Ramadan decorations but Its honestly not! Even if you’ve missed out for Ramadan, make sure to stock up on Eid decor items.

3. Plan and Organise Time

Ramadan is special. It’s the month the Holy Quran was revealed. We want to ensure we spend as much time reading the Quran and performing other acts of worship. However, working, studying and being a wife/mother can make things harder. That’s why it's so important to try and organise priorities of ‘life’ and make sure you compromise leisure time for worship time. For instance, compromise time on Netflix for time to work towards your goals and worship.

4. Meal Plan and Prep

Actually applying this concept to Ramadan will change your life. Literally set out a spreadsheet of 30 days and plan your melas for the month. This way you avoid wasting time and money shopping for all sorts during your weekly/monthly shop. I find it helps focus on buying all ingredients on one run rather than every time you’re about to start cooking. Also note that depending on how many people you cook for, you may or may not have to have 30 meals planned. If there’s only two of you, you’re probably only going to end up cooking 15 meals for the month.

5. Suhoor

Watch and research what you eat. As tempting as it is, do not force 2 litres of water and 5 samosas down you because there’s 2 mins left for Fajr. That’s the worst thing you can do to your body before going back to bed.

In episode 1 of our podcast, Waad shares a secret recipe that keeps her going through Ramadan. Try it out!

https://soundcloud.com/coveredwithimene/episode-1-30-days-to-ramadan-with-hafsah-and-waad

6. Represent our Religion

Ramadan for many people who aren't Muslim can be very confusing. Talk about Ramadan and share your experiences with one another. This can be done just by talking about the reasons and benefits as to why we fast during Ramadan. Be proud of your act of worship!

Also make the most out of sharing food and the experience with your neighbours. Muslim or not, love thy neighbour and include them into your Ramadan experience and rewards in sha Allah.

7. Make time for friends and family!

And lastly, spend time and invite your friends and family to share your fasts with one another!

I hope and pray you all have a blessed Ramadan and that Allah grants us all health, emaan and happiness during the holy month.

Ramadan Kareem!