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A very special person once said to me… Plant the seeds during Rajab, Nourish the crop in Sha’ban, Harvest the blessings come Ramadan. 28 years on, I have never forgotten this saying during the holy months.
Preparing for Ramadan is more than a mere countdown; it’s about sowing the seeds that will blossom into a garden of blessings, resonating with the timeless wisdom found in the Qur’an and Hadith. The words, “He leaves his food, drink, desire for Me. Fasting belongs to Me and I reward for it” from Bukhari, echo the essence of Ramadan’s spiritual significance. Reflecting on the Sahabah’s (RA) practice of preparing six months in advance, we find inspiration to follow suit.
Understanding that habits shape a lifetime, our focus is on incremental changes, aligned with the Prophet’s (ﷺ) guidance: “The best deeds are those which are consistent even if they are small.”
Starting small, with the intention of consistency, is the key. Utilizing pockets of the day for spiritual upliftment allows for increased blessings, protection from sin, and a connection with the Divine. Establishing a spiritual standard and prioritising well-being sets the stage for lasting change.
A Mindful Ritual Begin with mindful wudhu, visualizing sins washing away with each cleansing act. Remaining in a state of wudhu fosters mindfulness, impacting actions and speech positively, creating an environment of spiritual awareness.
By prioritising your timely prayers will help you focus & establish a connection with Allah (swt). Taking a moment before each prayer to stabilise your breathing, clear your mind, and set your intentions as this enhances the experience.
Incorporating sunnah and tahajjud prayers builds a fortress around the soul, providing additional spiritual nourishment. Dhikr, Salawat, and Istighfar: Sustaining the Soul Engaging in consistent dhikr (remembrance of Allah), salawat (invocations of blessings upon the Prophet ﷺ), and istighfar (seeking forgiveness) throughout the day becomes a shield against spiritual ills. These practices, when woven into daily activities, ensure a constant connection with Allah. Cultivate Your Relationship with Allah: A Personal Conversation Devoting time to converse with Allah about hopes, dreams, worries, and fears strengthens the relationship. Using Allah’s names for specific needs, such as Al-Razzaq for sustenance or Al-Waduud for improving relations, deepens the connection and reliance on the Divine. Qur’an: A Source of Guidance Reading and reciting the Qur’an daily, even if just a verse, creates a habit that can significantly impact one’s spiritual journey. Listening to recitations, exploring tafsir (exegesis), and participating in Qur’an-related activities foster a love for the words of Allah. Reflections and Mindfulness: Detoxifying the Soul Amidst the noise of life, reflection and mindfulness become vital. Assessing distractions, avoiding excessive indulgence, and filtering content contribute to spiritual growth. Spending time in deep reflection, pondering on blessings and the wisdom behind existence, nurtures awe and gratitude for Islam. Muhasabah: Self-Evaluation Regularly evaluating oneself, recognizing strengths and areas for improvement, and seeking forgiveness contribute to spiritual growth. Holding oneself accountable leads to enhanced self-awareness and a deeper trust in Allah’s plan. Intentions: The Power of Purpose Good intentions act as the roots of worship, ensuring that deeds are fruitful and beneficial. The ripple effect of positive intentions extends into one’s life and the lives of others. Visualizing intentions as planting a tree, the goodness cultivated becomes a source of blessings for oneself and others. In conclusion, the power lies in developing discernment, striving for self-improvement, and positively impacting those around us. May Allah grant us the ability to sow the seeds of spiritual habits, purify our souls, and live to see another Ramadan, inching closer to Him with each passing day. Ameen.
To advertise with British Muslim magazine, our website and email newsletters, email Robyn
Having problems with your subscription?
Email:
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To contact the editor email
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To advertise with British Muslim magazine, our website and email newsletters, email Robyn
Having problems with your subscription?
Email:
[email protected]
To contact the editor email
[email protected]
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