Four Tips to Prepare for Ramadan 2023

Ramadan 2023 is just around the corner. How can we make the most of this blessed month? What can Muslims do to seek Allah’s pleasure during this holy month? How to prepare for the special moments during this month? We plan to share 4 important tips to prepare for Ramadan 2023.

According to the Islamic Hijri (lunar) calendar, Ramadan is the holiest and most revered month for Muslims. Muslims firmly believe that it was during this glorious month that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the divine message from the angel Gabriel when he came to earth.

It has its charm and flavor to be ready for the auspicious month. However, modern life has become so chaotic and disorganized that we have lost sight of the customs of our Prophet (peace be upon him). He (peace be upon him) did indeed plan for the blessed month. Besides, it is quite logical to do so. Here are some Ramadan recommendations to keep in mind if you want to improve your mind, heart, and spirit, and above all, seek the pleasure of Allah.

Four Tips for Ramadan 2023

1- Pray in Ramadan 2023

We’re not talking about the required prayers here. However, if you have fallen behind in your obligatory prayers over the past year or two, now is your chance to catch up. On the other hand, if your prayer count is on track, you should take this opportunity to perform Nawafil. The benefits of making Nawafil are too numerous to list here. Suffice it to say that if you start praying Nawafil regularly now, it will be much easier for you to continue in Ramadan 2023!

2- Never Miss Suhoor

Suhoor, which replaces breakfast, is the first meal you are advised to eat before dawn. As such, Suhoor is one of the most important meals you can have to get your day off to a good start. A well-balanced Suhoor meal not only nourishes your body but also gives you all the minerals you need to be productive throughout the day. We recommend extending the Suhoor time by 40-50 minutes before sunrise to keep you on track.

This will give you enough time to eat a hearty meal and drink plenty of water, reducing the chances of feeling hungry or thirsty during your fast. Just set an alarm or ask a family member to get you up early so that you can eat Suhur on time

3- Get Enough Sleep

Your sleep cycle suffers the most during Ramadan due to constant attempts to stay awake to avoid missing Suhoor and working until Iftar. Your sleep pattern is ultimately disrupted by these lifestyle changes, resulting in daytime migraines and sleep deprivation.

For this reason, establishing and sticking to a sleep schedule is essential to maintaining good health and physical activity throughout Ramadan. Simple ways to do this include taking short naps before lunch or at midday, limiting screen time to two hours before bed, and avoiding heavy late-night meals.

4- Eat Light Portions

The urge to overeat around Iftar is usually because you were not allowed to eat or drink during the day. However, this only increases the strain and stress on your digestive tract, which now has to work harder, resulting in problems such as stomach pain, indigestion, and discomfort.

You don’t need to increase your portion size to make up for missing meals while fasting. It is advisable to eat healthy meals and maintain the original portion size.

This will help to prevent a spike in blood glucose levels and ensure that you only consume what your body needs. It is also advisable to eat your Iftar lightly. Serving your iftar in two portions is an easy way to do this:

Dates, water, and juice for a light Iftar at dusk.
A full iftar after Maghrib prayers, with foods rich in protein, carbohydrates, fiber, minerals, and vitamins.

Closing Remarks

Ramadan is a wonderful time for spirituality, introspection, and connecting with the Almighty as well as with our loved ones, close friends, and the Muslim community at large. Although it is difficult to fast for a whole month, the reward is immensely HUGE.

So whenever you feel tired, thirsty, or hungry, just remember that you are fasting for the sake of Allah SWT. With the above Ramadan fasting advice, you should be well prepared for the auspicious month ahead, equipped to deal with any difficulties, and able to make the most of these holy, priceless weeks. I wish you and your family a happy Ramadan!