Is your heart ready for Ramadan?

Friday Khutbah delivered by Imam Karim Abu Zaid.

Ramadan is fast approaching, evoking excitement and much anticipation about this holy month. The very thought of Ramadan conjures up images of a splendid month of fasting and guarding the soul, highlighted by extra visits to the mosque for Salat-ut-Taraweeh and a general spirit of well-wishing and generosity. And no mention of Ramadan would be complete without referring to the special foods and drinks that are prepared in this month, that have come to strengthen our cherished bond with this time of the year. Samosas, special sweets and drinks all lighten up the dinner table at Iftaar.

With the joys and wonders of Ramadan, sometimes, we also face newer issues such as excessive sleeping and eating, obesity, heartburn, constipation, lethargy, disturbed routines. These are problems that have mushroomed up in recent years due to our own mishandling of this auspicious month and they greatly reduce what we can gain from Ramadan. To help ensure our Ramadan this year is fruitful and fulfilling in all ways, spiritual, physical and even social, here are some general tips and advice.

As Ramadan approaches, prepare yourself both mentally and physically. Make an effort to unburden yourself at work in Ramadan by getting more work done in the preceding month. If that is not possible, then try to reorganize your routine ahead of Ramadan, to ease the transition and to shift the workload appropriately.

Examine your individual routine, or collectively as a family, to plan for Ramadan. In Ramadan, sleeping at night tends to become limited, to make more time for prayer and awaken earlier for Suhoor, so prepare your mind and body by trying to sleep earlier and waking up earlier as well. "Early to bed, early to rise" may be cliché but for Ramadan, it is especially important. This way you'll save yourself from lethargy and 'dark circles' when Ramadan actually arrives. Tick off items on the "pending chores" list. Try to get the kitchen cabinets cleaned out in advance and fix that leaky tap before end of Shaban!

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