As-Salaamu alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakaatahu!

Ramadhan is literally around the corner now, less than 3 weeks! So I figured there couldn't be a better time for me to share a few tips for preparing for and getting the most out this blessed month ahead of us, in sha Allah.

First of all, I highly recommend you pick a day next week and block out a few hours (at least 2) for that day and devote it planning your Ramadhan. Do it now - don't worry, I'll wait. If you're a real planner girl, then your planner is not far from you! Hehe!

Of course, this will be done with your husband or family or even the kids!

In a previous post, I listed some things that we should do leading up to the days before Ramadhan. If you missed it, read it here.

During these few hours (bring snacks!), you'll be making a few lists and plans for things that need to be done before Ramadhan and help you decide how you'll want to spend your days...

1. Have you sorted those clothes and shoes that you haven't worn in a while? Go through your things and decide what will be given to charity and donate them. Don't put them in the corner of the house - make sure that they actually go out the door! Whatever is not salvageable, dump it.

2. Go to the grocery store and get all the necessities you'll need for the month, such as food items, water, gas, etc. Vitamins, supplements, craft items/ stationery and personal care items should also be included. You may have to go out to the market once or twice during the month to get fresh fruits and vegetables. Another alternative is to freeze them to save you time, but I personally prefer them fresh from the market.

3. While you are out, be sure to purchase Eid clothes for you and your family (if you need to!) as well as Eid gifts. Ramadhan is not the time to be shopping for these things. It is quite possibly the biggest time-consuming task that unfortunately many people still do. Be selfish with your time; you need every minute of Ramadhan.

4. If your sleep/wake schedule is out of whack, start readjusting your sleeping habits from now so that you are refreshed when Ramadhan comes, and it becomes easier for you to wake up for Tahajjud. Make sure the kids sleeping habits are readjusted as well!

5. Don't fast after the 15th of Sha'baan. You don't want to wear yourself out before Ramadhan or become exhausted halfway through it.

6. Reduce or cut out television, and yes this includes YouTube. In case you haven't realised we have a lot of preparation to do. Besides, it's a huge waste of time, kills our brain cells, makes us lethargic and lazy, causes our brains to release dopamine, affects our grades, work, perfor -

It's bad.

(But in sha Allah, we can get through this *deep breath* together.)

7. Instead, you can engage in creative activities with the kids. Create a list of things you'll need for these activities and gather or purchase them (refer to #1).

8. Ensure that all the books you'll be reading this Ramadhan including du'a books, and that your playlist for the lectures and Qur'anic recitations is organized.

9. Create a chore and laundry schedule. Get everyone to chip in if possible, so that you don't have to tire yourself out doing all of it alone.

10. Create a meal plan for the entire month. This way you know exactly what to buy at the store (Refer to #1 again). Prepare healthy, wholesome and filling meals that is quick and easy to put together and will keep everyone energetic throughout the day (and night). 

Avoid fried foods, fizzy drinks, breads, etc. that will have you feeling lazy after a few hours. If you have no idea what you can prepare, then take some time to look up a few quick recipes. Pinterest is your friend.

11. If you plan to host any Iftaar(s) at your home this Ramadhan, then consider having them when you are exempt from Salaah and fasting (due to menstruation, etc.). While it's not necessary that you do, there are some benefits such as being able to taste the food before hand and avoiding that awkward moment where everyone's face is like:

I'm kidding. You're probably an awesome cook!

12. Exercise. Nothing strenuous. A light walk, floor exercises, squats, pilates or whatever you need to keep fit in sha Allah.

13. And finally, learn or relearn those du'as and dhikr that we are encouraged to utter during Ramadhan eg. Du'a when breaking and commencing fast.

Important! Don't wait until the last week or few days before Eid to get all of this done. The chances of anyone getting through it within that space of time is slim. And if you can, you'll be sick or exhausted before Ramadhan. And no one wants that.

So as soon as you can, get these things out of the way. I would love to hear how you got through and what other Eid preps you have to do or any that I missed!

I pray that Allah allows us to witness this blessed month, put barakaat into our time preparations and make us better at the end of it than we were going in. Ameen! 

Love & Du'as,

Umm D.

DISCLAIMER: I do not claim any of the photos seen in this blog post as being my own or taken by me.