In the name of Allah, Most Gracious, Most Merciful; All praise and thanks is due to HIM, Lord of the Worlds. May HIS peace and blessings be on the father of Qaasim – Muhammed Ibn Abdullah and his household, companions and all who tread in his steps till the last day.
First, an explanation of ‘Plan, pray and play,’ as contained in the title. Planning is an essential part of the Muslim life, but we plan and Allah plans and HE is the best of planners. Ramadan more than anything needs a plan. Spontaneity will likely breed inconsistency and fatigue.
Pray, when we make our plans, we turn to Allah in prayer seeking that HE guides us through the good parts of our plans and shields us against the not so good part.
Having done that, when Ramadan kicks in, we ‘play’ – play by the rules of Ramadan – which rules you must know to play by – refresh your notes, read, listen to lectures, seek clarification where need be. May Allah ease our affairs.
Below are ten plans on welcoming and going through Ramadan if Allah makes us of those that witness the period. Feel free to make additions and disagree same if need be.
1. Have sincere intentions and get ready to work hard. Make lots of dua (supplication) for an ultimate productive Ramadan.
2. Plan, Plan, Plan. Do a review of last Ramadan and ask where you can improve upon. If need be write down exactly what your goals are and categorize them – example: Crucial, important, average.
3. A key planning point is Qur’an, you should have in place before Ramadan, a concrete/workable Qur'an routine to be implemented, after all, it's the month of Qur'an.
4. Find at least one underprivileged person and help them with material for Ramadan. During the period get actively involved in helping the less privileged, contribute your strength, money and time to helping others. Bring along others to share in the good.
5. During Ramadan, always do a five day minimum appraisal of your Qur’an progression. Check especially for consistency and motivation.
6. Plan your Ramadan days around salah time (masjid for men if possible). Do well to say all optional prayers (12 daily) and make Taraaweeh (post Ishae session) a permanent fixture.
7. Do not play with food. Do well NEVER to miss suhoor (dawn meal) and Iftaar (the fast breaking meal) – do them as instructed by Rasool, example breaking fasts with date and or water etc.
8. "Spoil" your free time with Adhkaar (remembrance of Allah) and or listening to Qiraa'a or Islamic lectures. Helps free your mind from clutter, negative thoughts and meaningless worry. Focusing more on your relationship with Allah SWT.
9. See if your schedules will allow you to go on seclusion or I’tikaaf, it is highly recommended, try to get a taste of it as did advice our beloved Messenger.
10. Master the usual Ramadan specific prayers. Supplications for breaking fast, what to say when someone antagonizes you: "Verily I am fasting. I am fasting. I am fasting." etc.
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