Here are some tips to make the most of Ramadan:

1. Intention: Begin each day with a sincere intention (niyyah) to fast purely for the sake of Allah.

2. Suhoor: Have a nutritious pre-dawn meal (suhoor) to sustain energy throughout the day. Include complex carbohydrates, protein, and hydrating foods.

عَنْ أَنَسٍ قَالَ: قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «تَسَحَّرُوا فَإِنَّ فِي السَّحُورِ بركَة

Anas reported Allah’s messenger (sawl as saying, “Take a meal a little before dawn, for there is a blessing in taking a meal at that time.”

(Mishkat al-Masabih 1982)

3. Fasting : Focus on the spiritual aspect of fasting by abstaining not only from food and drink but also from negative behaviors like gossiping, lying, and anger.

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ ١٨٣

O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you1—so perhaps you will become mindful ˹of Allah˺.

(Surah Baqarah 2:183)

4. Salaah : Prioritize prayers (salah) and make an effort to perform them on time. Increase your devotion through Nafl prayers such as Tahajjud etc

عَن سلمَان قَالَ: خَطَبَنَا رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ فِي آخِرِ يَوْمٍ مِنْ شَعْبَانَ فَقَالَ: «يَا أَيُّهَا النَّاسُ قَدْ أَظَلَّكُمْ شَهْرٌ عَظِيمٌ مُبَارَكٌ شَهْرٌ فِيهِ لَيْلَةٌ خَيْرٌ مَنْ أَلْفِ شهر جعل الله تَعَالَى صِيَامَهُ فَرِيضَةً وَقِيَامَ لَيْلِهِ تَطَوُّعًا مَنْ تَقَرَّبَ فِيهِ بخصلة من الْخَيْرِ كَانَ كَمَنْ أَدَّى فَرِيضَةً فِيمَا سِوَاهُ وَمَنْ أَدَّى فَرِيضَةً فِيهِ كَانَ كَمَنْ أَدَّى سَبْعِينَ فَرِيضَةً فِيمَا سِوَاهُ

Salman al-Farisi told of Allah’s messenger (saw) saying in a sermon which he delivered to them on the last day of Sha’ban, “A great month, a blessed month, a month containing a night which is better than a thousand months has approached you people. Allah has appointed the observance of fasting during it as an obligatory duty, and the passing of its night in prayer as a voluntary practice. If someone draws near to Allah during it with some good act he will be like one who fulfils an obligatory duty in another month, and he who fulfills an obligatory duty in it will be like one who fulfills seventy obligatory duties in another month.

(Mishkat al-Masabih 1965)

5. Quran Recitation : Dedicate time each day to recite and reflect upon the Quran. Set achievable goals for completing its recitation during the month.

6. Charity : Give generously to those in need through Zakat (obligatory charity) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity). Look for opportunities to support charitable causes within your community.

مَنْ فَطَّرَ فِيهِ صَائِمًا كَانَ لَهُ مَغْفِرَةً لِذُنُوبِهِ وَعِتْقَ رَقَبَتِهِ مِنَ النَّارِ وَكَانَ لَهُ مِثْلُ أَجْرِهِ مِنْ غَيْرِ أَنْ يَنْقُصَ مِنْ أَجْرِهِ شَيْءٌ» قُلْنَا: يَا رَسُولَ اللَّهِ لَيْسَ كلنا يجد مَا نُفَطِّرُ بِهِ الصَّائِمَ. فَقَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ: «يُعْطِي اللَّهُ هَذَا الثَّوَابَ مَنْ فَطَّرَ صَائِمًا عَلَى مَذْقَةِ لَبَنٍ أَوْ تَمْرَةٍ أَوْ شَرْبَةٍ مِنْ مَاءٍ وَمَنْ أَشْبَعَ صَائِمًا سَقَاهُ اللَّهُ مِنْ حَوْضِي شَرْبَةً لَا يَظْمَأُ حَتَّى يَدْخُلَ الْجَنَّةَ

It is the month of sharing with others, and a month in which the believer’s provision is increased. If someone gives one who has been fasting something with which to break his fast it will provide forgiveness of his sins and save him from hell, and he will have a reward equal to his without his reward being diminished in any respect.” Some of them remarked to Allah’s messenger that they did not all have the means to give one who had been fasting something with which to break his fast, and he replied, “Allah gives this reward to him who gives one who has been fasting some milk mixed with water, or a date, or a drink of water with which to break his fast, and anyone who gives a full meal to one who has been fasting will be given a drink from any tank by Allah and will not thirst till he enters paradise

(Mishkat al-Masabih 1965)

7. Reflection : Take moments of solitude for self-reflection and introspection. Use this time to evaluate your actions, seek forgiveness, and set goals for self-improvement.

8. Family Time : Strengthen family bonds by engaging in collective acts of worship, such as praying together and breaking fast (iftar) as a family.

9. Healthy Lifestyle : Maintain a balanced diet during non-fasting hours, hydrate adequately, and prioritize physical activity to stay energized and healthy.

10. Gratitude : Cultivate an attitude of gratitude by acknowledging and appreciating the blessings in your life, especially during Ramadan.

11. Community Engagement : Participate in community events, volunteer initiatives, and charitable projects to foster a sense of unity and compassion.

12. Patience and Perseverance : Approach each day with patience, resilience, and a positive attitude, knowing that Ramadan is a time for spiritual growth and transformation.

Remember that Ramadan is a personal journey of self-discovery and spiritual renewal. Find what works best for you and strive to make this month a fulfilling and rewarding experience.