By Haroon Balogun

O you who believe! Observing fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become  pious. (Q 2:183)

As the beautiful month of Ramadan approaches, some Muslims are still in a state of unpreparedness. In this part of the world, many of them have no blame though due to the harsh economic condition. Quite a lot live from hand to mouth without any hope of the next meal. But all the same, we still have to give glory to Allah who is the Disposer of our affairs. Against all odds, many of us are still wont to the fire brigade approach, living un-done what we ought to have finished long before now. Our preparation ought to have started some few months back and not now that we are in the twilight of Ramadan.

Giving some thought to the unique concerns that Muslims face during the  month of Ramadan, it is pertinent first and foremost check our health status, make necessary corrections and get physically and medically ready for the exercise.

Most importantly therefore,  It is crucial, then, that Muslims take the time to to their health and other concerns before the month even starts.

Moderation in eating: Some erroneously believe that a few weeks before Ramadan, they have to eat voraciously to make up for the period of fasting. This is antithetical to the teachings of the Prophet. One hadith says: “No human ever filled a vessel worse than the stomach. Sufficient for any son of Adam are some morsels to keep his back straight. But if it must be, then one third for his food, one third for his drink and one third for his breath.” (Ahmad, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nasaa’I, Ibn Majah ) Besides, by controlling what we eat now, it will help us a great deal in our quest for sound health and enable us to worship more everyday during Ramadan.

Change your sleeping habit: If you are an individual who is used to sleeping throughout the night, it may be wise to change your sleeping patterns in order to ensure that you don’t miss your suhoor as well as attaining the benefit of Qiyaamul-Layl.

Control your tongue and character: We must start controlling our tongues now. Bad habit can not be controlled in an overnight process. We must make a start now so that by the time Ramadan comes, we would have achieved the necessary changes in our manners and characters. Let us begin to feel that Ramadan is here and ensure that everything we do falls within what is permitted during the month.

Dua/Superrogatory prayers: Endeavour to always perform some superrogatory prayers, (nafil). We should start now by observing all the daily supperogatory prayers. This will enable us to get accustomed to observing the Sunnah and Nafils in Ramadan and even increase them during the month. By increasing our voluntary worship, we can also give more attention and concentration to our regular daily salat and thus, gain closeness to Allah. Making Dua: What better time than now to get into the habit of regular communication with Allah through Dua.

By the time Ramadan arrives, we would have already gotten into the habit of making the long and intense dua during this blessed month especially while fasting and in the later part of the night during Tahajjud. Charity: Ramadan is a time for generosity and giving. It is a time we think about the less privileged and also show gratitude to Allah for everything He has given us.

Ramadan is a blessed month, and the rewards for charity are in multiple. Therefore, we should set aside part of our wealth to fulfil this act of ibadaah. It will not be nice if we are caught in the web of ill preparation and found wanting in this profitable act.

We pray Allah to give us the grace to witness this forthcoming Ramadan, observe it and grant us the strength and ability to maximise the rewards therein. O’ Allah save us from the punishment of the hereafter. Amin.