Blessed Ramadan 

Did you know that....?

• Fasting is a forgiveness of sins.
• Ramadan is when the Mercy and Blessings of Allah descend upon us continuously.
• Fasting is purification and a way of feeling closer to Allah.
• The Prophet, peace be upon him, said, “whosoever does not give up telling lies or acting in a false manner, Allah has no need for his giving up eating or drinking.”
• There is blessing in sahur, the pre-dawn meal.
• In Ramadan, the devils and rebellious jinn are chained up, the doors of Paradise are opened and the doors of Hell are closed.
• Fasting is more than giving up food and drink; it is about improving behaviour and refraining from sin; so no lying, backbiting or being rude to others.

Preparing for Ramadan

Before Ramadan starts, it is vital to ensure we are well prepared to take maximum benefit of the month:

• Ensure that you have made up any missed fasts from the previous Ramadan.
• Prepare a personal action plan. Set specific targets and plan your time wisely.
• Evaluate yourself each day before going to bed. How can you improve yourself? What good deeds can be repeated and what bad deeds can be avoided?
• Make a personal du’a list: both big and small, for others as well as yourself, for this world and the hereafter. 
• Train yourself to go to bed early to avoid missing Fajr prayers.
• Read more Islamic books & listen to lectures for inspiration and motivation.
• Go on a ‘technology diet’ – less TV, internet and unnecessary phone calls. Less distraction so more time for Qur’an, prayers, dhikr and charity.
• Plan activities in your community: feed the homeless, do charity work, pick up litter, greet your neighbours.

Getting the Most From Ramadan

The following actions are recommended in order to gain the most from the blessed month of Ramadan:

• Reflect, contemplate and evaluate.
• Make Tawbah, repent, and ask Allah to forgive your sins.
• Pray more Nafl, voluntary prayers, increasing iman and piety to bring more reward.
• Strengthen your relationship with the Qur’an by reading, reflecting upon the meaning and acting on what you have learned.
• Learn a set number of ayahs/surahs every day; see how much you can achieve by the end of Ramadan.
• Go to your local mosque for the five daily prayers and tarawih; join in with the iftar and take part in Qur’anic circles.
• Make du’a: long, deep and sincere. Open your heart to Almighty Allah and make good use of this blessed time and opportunity.
• Charity and Sadaqa – give what you can to others regularly and witness the blessings of your actions.
• Family: spend time with loved ones; even quality time with your family is an act of charity.
• Focus on good works that will move our community forward to becoming a good example to all our neighbours.
• Stop swearing, backbiting and watching anything that is haram.

Find out about Islamic Relief's Ramadan Projects

Find out about Zakat

Find out about Zakat-ul-Fitr

Find out about Fidiya and Kaffara