How to Make the Best of Ramadan, even with a “Lockdown” and Corona crisis.

The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful. — Qur’an 2[Al-baqarah]:185

Photo by T Foz on Unsplash

I know there’s a problem, right? Before you start thinking: Oh! What’s the problem? Well, this time it’s not COVID-19; that’s stale but it’s still interlinked with it anyways. Although, we’re still hoping to get out of the situation by Allah’s Will. The novel Coronavirus pandemic has obviously shown us that humans are dispensable and only Allah is the One Who has Power over-all. Now, back to our problem! The problem became obvious when the month of Shabaan crippled in without many of us being aware of it. Some might be conscious, but did we make the best out of it? This is probably one of the most unprecedented times since the last century. For me, it’s the first time I didn’t feel any positive vibe towards Ramadan. The energy and ecstasy for welcoming Ramadan aren’t out there. Everyone’s carried away with the Corona hullabaloo. It seems like we worry more than we care. We’ve missed out on the rewards from Shabaan as a prelude to Ramadan.

There’s still a little bit of time to cover up what we’ve missed. At least, it’s about thirteen more days to go in sha Allah. We can still make the best of these few days to prepare for Ramadan. Here’s a beautiful hadith that establishes the virtue of Shabaan amidst others:

Usamah ibn Zayd narrated: “I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah, I do not see you fasting any month as much as in Shaban.’ He said: ‘That is a month to which people do not pay much attention, between Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which the deeds are taken up to the Lord of the worlds, and I like that my deeds be taken up when I am fasting.”‘ — An-Nasaa’i

So here are ten things to do in preparation for Ramadan with Coronavirus lockdown:

1. Prepare your mind firmly with positivity. Make good intentions, set out achievable goals. Since this year’s Ramadan is most likely going to be under lockdown, you have no excuse. You’ve got the time plan and implement more virtuous deeds.
2. Whatever you intend to do in Ramadan, start doing it right now in Shabaan. The idea is that it warms you up for the bliss of Ramadan. The companions used to prepare for Ramadan like six months ahead of its arrival.
3. Fast a lot of days as this is evident from the sunnah. It takes away the stress of fasting and helps you taste the sweetness of it when Ramadan comes. Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “The month which the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) most liked to fast was Shaban; indeed he used to join it to Ramadan.” — Abu Dawud
4. Rise up to pray at night. Prepare yourself for reaping the benefits of Qiyam-ul-Layl in the blessed month and hopefully witness the night of laylatul Qadr.
5. Read the Qur’an as much as you can. This will as well prepare you for the month of the Qur’an.
6. Give charity and support those who are in need. Most especially in tough times like this, some people have nothing to prepare for fasting. You can support Rafeeqee Foundation’s Food Relief Drive.
7. Seek Allah’s forgiveness and forgive those who have wronged you. Abu Musa Al-Ashari narrated that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Allah looks down on the night of the middle of Sha’ban and forgives all His creation, apart from the idolater and the quarreling (ones).” — At-Tirmidhi
8. Do a lot of good deeds as your deeds are presented to Allah annually in this month. This is as evident from the hadith of Usamah bin Zayd mentioned earlier.
9. Avert polytheism, quit the grudges against your brethren and keep no malice. This will help you in earning Allah’s mercy and forgiveness.
10. Stock up on foods. Staple foods, dietary, meats, dairy, drinks, and snacks. This will keep you away from being distracted from scarcity. If you can, keep enough water in place for water sustains life.

And do not fast into Ramadan!!!

Narrated Abu Hurira-may Allah be pleased with him- the Prophet -peace and blessings be upon him- said “none of you should fast a day or two before the month of Ramadan unless he has the habit of fasting (voluntary) (and if his fasting coincides with that day ) then he can fast that day” — Tirmidhi

With the Coronavirus pandemic and the world remaining at still, the concern of every Muslim is “how will this year’s Ramadan look like?” It’s hard to imagine tarawih without the congregation. However, we need to prepare mentally and spiritually for a lifetime experience like no other. The key thing here is the intention. Set out with a positive psyche and execute your strategic plans. Let’s not panic and grief but keep hope alive. May Allah spare our lives to witness Ramadan and heal the world from this “Corona” menace.

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Yaumul Jum’ah 17th Sha’baan 1441 AH // Friday 10th April 2020.