Ramadan Preparation Tips

Ramadan is arriving soon with lots of opportunity to gather blessings. Muslims are really excited for this spiritually filled month. Every Muslim pray for the arrival of this blessed month with health and passion so that one could get maximum benefits and reward through "Ibadah". In this regard, Ramadan is one of eagerly awaited month of Islamic calendar.

Are you prepare for Ramadan Kareem?
The preparation of the Holy month before its start also helps in enjoying the month in a better way and experience the true essence of it with minimal hassle.

•  First of all, buy all necessary grocery items  relater to Ramadan ( especially based on Sahoor and Iftar) before Ramadan, so you can spend maximum time in reciting Quran and other "Ibadah" during the holy month. As a result, you will more focus on your religious rituals and spiritual development. 
• Each individual in the family, even kids, should write their shopping list. 
• As far as the food items are concerned, you must prepare some meals to be stored in the freezer.
• Strictly examine your sleeping habit. In Ramadan, you will need a sufficient time for making, serving and taking "Sahoor" than you will be ready for Fajr prayer.

• Sunnah fasts of Shaaban (the month before Ramadan) will surely help to prepare for Ramadan.
• Spend less time on internet, games or social media websites. Reduce watching television and music.
• Prepare the family for the new spirit of Ramadan. 
• Engage your kids in creative activities that remind them of Ramadan.
• Organize your CD collection to make it easy to select and to play Quran and Dua recitation, so as to enhance the spirit of the month gradually.

• Plan ahead for the time you are spend at home in order not to lose the balance between your responsibility as a parent to supervise the children's studies, or professional tasks and domestic work. So that you fully pay attention on religious practices such as reading Quran and praying Salat.
• Plan ahead if your daughter needs a hijab to accompany you to the mosque. If possible, get shoes for the kids that are easy to tie when they leave the mosque. Do you or the kids need prayer rugs for prayer? Plan transportation to the mosque and back home.
• Prepare as much cooking as you can before Ramadan. 
• Prepare some vegetables and store them in the freezer to have them ready when needed.
• If you soak dates in milk and eat them for Iftar, pit the dates before Ramadan.
• Chop onions, garlic, ginger and store them in the freezer to have them ready when cooking during Ramadan.
• You can make and freeze vegetable stuffed rolls, sambosas, fritterz, kebabs, boiled chick peas, red and white beans and many food items for Ramadan to save time and energy.

You has several benefits if you take advantage of this time, that is before starting Ramadan preparation is super easy and relaxing.

• You will be able to taste the food that is going to be served.
• You won't be engaged in some acts of extra or additional worship so you'll have more time for cooking.
• You won't have guilt feelings for after "Isha" not going to the mosque for "Taraweeh" salat, if you pray there.
• Prepare your kids before Ramadan that they have to help you more in housework and in setting the table and preparing the Iftar. 
• Relate your kids' action with the notion of Sadaqah and good deeds. Remind them that the reward of their good deeds is multiplied during Ramadan. 

In order to take full advantage of this holy month, we need to prepare ourselves spiritually, mentally and physically. 

Pray that we all get the best blessings of Ramadan. (Ameen)

WELCOME RAMADAN ! WELCOME BLESSINGS ! (In Sha ALLAH) !!!

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Ramadan and the Workplace

It is really hard going without food and water in extreme weather conditions for long hours. But if there is Ramdan fasting than it feels nothing difficult. Due to your strong faith on Allah Almighty and by done it right; in fact increase your physical health and brain function and maintain your mood.

Usually in Muslim countries, there is no worry or tension during Ramadan but in case of non-Muslim nations or communities then initially take the following steps because during Ramadan, it is our job to maintain balance between our work (Professional life) and "Ibadah"(Prayers).
There are some tips and ideas that we can do to maintain or even improve our performance during Ramadan. Here are some of them:

• Talk to your management (Senior Officer) that you will avoid social team events, such as staff meals and other extra-work activities during Ramadan. 
• Discuss to support and raise awareness amongst colleagues about Ramadan.

• Support fundraising activities. 
• Balance your work day. Proper scheduling is a must during Ramadan.
• Reserve the morning hours for meetings, intellectually demanding work or tasks that require concentration, and save the routine tasks for later in the day. 
• It is better to let your colleagues and managers know that you are fasting because may  be they forget sometimes. 
• It is best to create a dialogue with colleagues or managers about any adjustments you may need. 

• Explain that during this time working through lunch hours, finishing earlier and coming into the office earlier may be preferable during Ramadan. 
• If you feel your energy is getting low then try going to the bathroom and washing your face. 
• Hang or paste a poster for the Muslim prayer schedule and Iftar while Ramadan.

 

• When fasting, employees certainly cannot smoke, drink coffee/tea, or eat snacks to avoid getting sleepy while working. To avoid cravings, better to leave the place where people taking their meal or food.

• Avoid anger. As empty stomach, thirst, less sleep, low blood sugar or low energy level can cause irritation and results in anger. Don't be hyper or panic, just REMIND YOURSELF! that "I are fasting in Ramadan!".

• Be patient. Take your time. Give yourself a break; it is better to do after some time than quit it. Breath deeply! Relaxed yourself. 
• Stay calm and quiet as much as possible, in every situation.

• Remember! The act of knowing is knowing what to ignore. So, try to forgive your fellows and forget  their ignorance and mistakes.
• Speak less! Avoid gossips, as well as hang out with your friends or colleagues. It will make you tired. 

• Avoid argues and unnecessary explanations. The more you talk the more you feel hunger.
• Walk slowly rather than fast in your routine life because speed may cause you thirsty. 
• Stay away from social media, if it is only for enjoyment or time killing. As you know that in Ramadan every second is precious and valuable. Collect as much blessings as you can during this Holy month. You can spend your time in "Dikar" as much as you can.

 

• Talk to your officials and try to convince them to allow those who are fasting to take a nap for a moment during lunch break, which is likely to be spent on praying or sleeping because they don’t have to go out to eat lunch. In fact, getting sleepy is inevitable for those who work indoors and in the air-conditioned workplace. 

•  Get enough sleep. Employees with enough rest can maintain work productivity during Ramadan. When drowsiness cannot be defeated by coffee or snacks, there is no other way than to close the eyes for a moment. 
• Many health experts say that body movement will reduce pressure on your spine, send oxygen to the muscles and increase blood flow to the brain. With increased oxygen intake in the brain, it will make you more fit when fasting. 

• Don't engage yourself in extra activities or unnecessary entertainment.
• Eat only healthy foods or healthy drinks at "Sahoor"or "Iftar". 

Remember, the first week of fasting at work is the toughest. But by using these tips, and finding solace in prayer, you will sail through the month ahead.

If it is done properly, not only you can maintain the work productivity, but you can also increase it during Ramadan.

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Ramadan and Neighborhood

Sharing is a blessing ! Ramadan is a great opportunity to share.The Holy month of Ramadan Kareem is full of blessings and mercy that showers upon Muslims from Allah Almighty.
When a Muslim hears about the arrival of Ramadan, the first thing a Muslim needs to do is to achieve the purpose of Ramadan, that is the blessings of this Holy month.
In Quran, Allah has mentioned that the purpose of fasting is to make a person more pious ("Muttaqi")

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: "He is not a believer who eats his full meal while his neighbor remains hungry by his side." (Baihaqi)

"By Allah, he has no faith (the Prophet (SAW), (repeated it three times) whose neighbors are not safe from his wickedness." (Bukhari)

Islam is a religion of mankind. Islam teaches us about the values of spirituality, generosity and kindness with others, especially our neighbors.

Here are some ideas on how you can share the joy with your neighbors this Ramadan.

• Begin with Dua. Seek help first from Allah is the key success to each and every task.
• Make Dua that Allah give you and your family the sincerity, strength, motivation and wisdom to do this. 
• Arrange Quran and Hadith Classes. Also conduct Islamic Masnoon Duaas sessions, and lessons on various topics related to Islamic lifestyle. This is a great way of informing many more neighbors about Ramadan.
• Though "Dawa"(Islamic Teachings) is a hard work, and it needs preparation, commitment and organization but its reward is endless, not only in this world but also in the hereafter. 

• Put up a Ramadan banner on your door. This can be something handmade or something more formal. 
• If you are residing in a non-Muslim region than print out a fact sheet on Ramadan and stick that on the door to educate readers passing by about the blessed month and what it means to Muslims. 
• Send neighbors Iftar snacks. Write a wish-note with the food that the Holy month of blessed Ramadan is here and you are sharing your joy with them. 
• You can offer snacks that are not just "Muslims" but also "non-Muslims". You can include index cards with the snacks listing all of the ingredients. This will help neighbors avoid food that causes allergies. 

• Give kids Ramadan Mubarak balloons and sweets so that your neighbors' kids also feel the happiness of Ramadan by including chocolate and candy among your snacks. Balloons also add a nice touch, and if you can get some printed which have "Ramadan Mubarak" written on them, they may remember the blessed month even after it has passed. 

• Publish Ramadan information in your neighborhood newsletter. 
• Have a neighborhood Iftar gathering.

• Plan some charity tasks with the help of Muslim neighbors or for the relief of Muslim or non-Muslim needy persons (you can also involve non-Muslim neighbors or class fellows or colleague, if the happily contribute with you).
• 

بَّنَا تَقَبَّلْ مِنَّا إِنَّكَ اَنْتَ السَّمِيعُ الْعَلِيمُ وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَا إِنَّكَ اَنْتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ رَبَّنَا وَاجْعَلْنَا مُسْلِمَيْنِ لَكَ وَمِن ذُرِّيَّتِنَا أُمَّةً مُّسْلِمَةً لَّكَ وَأَرِنَا مَنَاسِكَنَا وَتُبْ عَلَيْنَا إِنَّكَ أَنتَ التَّوَّابُ الرَّحِيمُ

Our Lord! Accept [this] from us. Indeed You are the Hearing, the Knowing.. And show us our rites and accept our repentance. Indeed, you are the Accepting of repentance, the Merciful. (Al-Baqarah:127 - 128)

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Ramadan Healthy Food Ideas

Ramadan fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from food and water till "Maghrib" for 30 days. There are so much spiritual, mental and physical benefits of this religious "Ibadah". Fasting not only purifies your soul, it also makes your personal growth positive and balanced. In other words, it is a process of your inner-self grooming that leads you to a disciplined life style.

We can stay energized and healthy during Ramadan  while fasting. By eating healthy food during "Suhoor" and "Iftaar"  tends to a nourished and motivational life style in Ramadan. No doubt, there are amazing health benefits associated with fasting in Ramadan if done properly.

As far as the  physiological effects are concerned, Ramadan fasting includes lowering of blood sugar, lowering of cholesterol and lowering of the systolic blood pressure. In fact, Ramadan fasting would be an ideal recommendation for treatment of mild to moderate, stable, non-insulin diabetes, obesity and essential hypertension.

 Here are some beneficial tips and ideas regarding food during Blessed Ramadan :

• Have well-balanced meals.
• Drink plenty of fluids especially water.
• Cut down on processed foods.
• Break your fast with dates and water.
• Hydrate before eating at the time of Iftaar.
• Have a bowl of soup.
• Eat various healthy salads.
• Eat greens.
• Select the right carbs.
• Choose lean protein.
• Avoid foods high in fat.
• Avoid foods high in salt.
• Avoid foods high in sugar.
• Avoid spices and chillies also.

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Ramadan for Kids

Ramadan is the month of blessings for all Muslims. After sighting the moon of Ramadan, Muslims greet each other "Ramadan Mubarak!" (Blessed Ramadan). As kids always follow their elders, in this regard they are also fully charged with spiritual happiness during Ramadan. Kids also welcome Ramadn very profoundly and excitedly.

 Fasting or "Saum" is the fourth pillar of Islam. Besides it's celebrations,it is important for children to understand the significance of this sacred month and the value it holds.
In Ramadan, fasting is supposed to teach Muslims about patience and spiirital enlightenment. It is the time for Muslims to think about how the poor, needful and homeless suffer without food.

 Ramadan helps Muslims to be more obedient and less greedy. So, make your kids aware of the "added reward" for good deeds performed during this holy month. Tell them why it's unique and valuable time.

They must know that the gates of Heaven (Jannah) are open and gates of Hell (Jahanum) are locked for the duration of Ramadan.
Before starting Ramadan, sit with your kids and dicuss and guid them some goals that they can try to achieve during these precious moments of Ramadan.

• First of all, Muslim kids should receite Quran daily or regularly as Ramadan is the month in which the first verses of Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad( SAW).
• Try to learn a short surah of Quran though it would take many days.
• Learn any short "Masnoon" or Quranic Dua and repeat it in daily routine.

• Take short but healthy meals on your time, avoid junk or unhealthy food. As Ramadan is the best time to make or break a habit; (make a good habit and break a bad habit).
• Avoid bad behaviour such as back-biting, anger, screaming, scolding, shouting, quarreling, snatching etc. You should respect your elders and take care of their "fast".

• Avoid watching too much TV/ laptop/internet, games and avoid music as well.
• Ask them to perform one good deed per day.

• Save a little from their daily pocket money for needy. Also tell them the importance of "Zakat".
• Donate toys, clothes, shoes, stationary items, books etc as Ramadan is the month of generosity and sacrifices.

• Feeding/ sharing a snack with their fellows and poor around them; even they can feed animals, birds and insects.

• Growings plants or plant a tree as it's a "Sadqa-e-Jariyah". 
• Help their mother in prepare food for "Sahoor" and at the time of"Iftaar" especially.

• Dear kids! Clean your room and house as possible as you can or at least remain it clean by placed everything on its place and by not throwing garbage around you except in the dust bin or drum.
• Take part in distribution food packets or plates of food at the time of "Iftaar" in mosque ( Masjid).

• Offer "Salat" regularly on time is a must act.

• At night, go for "Taraweeh" salat in Masjid.

• Convey and share "Hadith" to other fellows.
• It is a time to strenghten family and community ties so never forget to praise and encourage your children for their efforts each day.

After thirty days of Ramadan, there is a three days celebration of fast-breaking called "Eid-ul-Ftr". Muslim kids receive gifts and indulge in treats during the festival. They greet each other " Eid Mubarak!" (Blessed Eid).

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