How To Prepare For Ramadan

In preparation for Ramadan, I wanted to share my Ramadan tray which was inspired by Iman from @imanblogs. I first saw this idea on her Instagram last year but we were halfway through Ramadan at the time. I still went ahead and set one up but in the end, I didn’t end up using it as much I had hoped. So this year, I gathered everything early so I could begin using it as soon as the month begins. Here is what it includes:

1. Janamaz- Prayer rug

2. Hijab- Scarf to use for prayers

3. Tasbih- Prayer beads

4. Quran- This is a new Quran I purchased last year and was really excited for. The previous Quran I was using was smaller in size and I wanted something that had a larger font and when I saw this one at the masjid I know I had to order one for myself. It’s a perfect size and I love the quality of the pages. It is also a rainbow Quran which I like. 

5. Dua Notebook- This is another idea I got from Iman @imanblogs. A couple of months ago she shared how she was going to be writing down any duas she came across in a notebook so that by the time Ramadan rolls around, you have a notebook full of duas to use. I thought that was a great idea and started off by writing down the specific ones for Ramadan and a bunch of other duas that are my favorite.

6. Al-Maqasid; Nawawi’s Manual of Islam- I purchased this book over 10 years ago since I was interested in learning about the specifics on performing prayers, fasting, giving zakat and more. At the time I didn’t realize that it was based on the Shafi madhab but regardless, it has some really great information.

7. Sunnah Book- This is another book I have had for ages and it is one of my favorites. It is similar to the previous book but it provides you with the sunnah of what to do upon waking up, sunnahs of dressing, giving gifts, eating, and more.

8. OSM Daily Du’as Book- I received this book as a gift about a year ago and it has about 30 duas. It’s set up in a way where each page has the dua in Arabic on the top and the English translation below. It’s a really fun and colorfully illustrated book.

Inshallah, I am looking forward to using each of these items this year. What are you doing to get spiritually and mentally ready for Ramadan?