Make it easy to get spiritual
I like to create an environment that will make it easy for me to succeed in my spiritual goals. To do this, I pull out the Quran, along with any other Islamic books that I’d like to read off of inaccessible shelves, or any boxes and put them where they’re easily accessible.

My favorite spot is keeping some books on my bedside table so that I can start a routine that will include more reading and reflection. I’ll do the same for my children’s Islamic books so that they can see them more and be encouraged to read them along with me.

Get reading
Along with making my surroundings optimal for increased spiritual reflections, I will also start to incorporate some daily reading and some extra Dhikr into my routine to get into the practice of spending more time in worship. It’s important to do this before Ramadan starts, because it will help to prepare me for success inshaa Allah.

RAMADAN READY HOME DECOR

Our home is our safe haven and place of rest. I believe we need to try our best to make this place truly special, especially for Ramadan. Here’s what I do to make it magical:

Clean up and Declutter the House

This one is important. You need a clean canvas to really get artistic. Since the weather is getting warmer and spring cleaning is due, I’m going to make sure that it’s all out of the way before the Ramadan energy drop hits!

I’m storing away any decor items that aren’t needed, and bringing out the Ramadan decoration bin. Same goes for winter clothing articles (I’ll leave out a jacket and sweater, because you never know with D.C. weather!)

One Room at a Time

Everyone goes about this differently, but I like to decorate one space at a time. I start with my porch entryway, then my formal living room, followed by the fireplace, dining room and kids play room. Breaking it down like this just helps me with creating a consistent style throughout the house – plus it’s a lot easier than doing it all at once!

Ramadan Kids’ Activities

The main purpose of doing some preps beforehand is to reduce the stress throughout the month when I am running low on energy, and to create special activities that will up the fun factor of the month, while giving my kids learning opportunities.

I get the children involved in some of this prep work as well, so that they can feel included and also build up excitement. Here’s what I’m setting up for the kids before the month begins:

Books!

I take out Ramadan and Islamic books for the kids to read and for me to read to them.

Sadaqa jar and Gratitude box 

Creating this jar will get them excited to give back to those who need it. We’re also making a gratitude box to reflect on Allah’s blessings.

Tent/Mosque

I’ve DIY’ed a spot to be a reflection area for the children to pray, read, and participate in Qiyam. I’ve also decorated the rest of kids’ play room for them to spend time in. There will be more details (and pics!) for this special space coming up soon!

• Good Deeds Advent Calendar

Making each day special and full of Hasana (in shaa Allah)!

• Moon sighting

We’re making paper telescopes and reviving the Sunnah of sighting the moon. The older kids will learn about the phases of the moon.

• Crafts

I’m setting up crafts in advance. We’re planning to do salt dough ornaments, paper lanterns, and paper stars and moons. We’ll also be preparing Iftar bags, making cards to distribute to friends and family, and baking cookies before Eid.

 

Food

We fast in Ramadan. That means we’re generally eating less, and nothing throughout daylight hours… But is there another time of the year when there’s more food talk and preps?!

We all want to enjoy our meals in Ramadan, but we also don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen all day while fasting. To simplify meal preps throughout the month, I do some of the work beforehand. Here’s what I do:

Meal Plan for Suhoor and Iftar

This simplifies life a bit and creates some predictability. The other advantage of having a plan is that it will make it easy to plan grocery trips (especially with how things are at the grocery stores these days!)

Cook and Freeze

For the days leading up to Ramadan, I try to cook and freeze whatever I can. Some good options include shami kebabs, samosas, lasagna. Many meat curries will also freeze really well. I’ll also buy some frozen foods that can be used on the days when things are too hectic to make a meal.

Healthier Eating

To get the full benefits of fasting, it’s best to stick to wholesome foods. Since only two meals a day are being consumed, we have to make them count! We do like to indulge a couple of times a week during Ramadan and have treats, but it’s definitely not a daily occurrence.

Traditional Foods

Food is a huge part of culture. This is why I like to incorporate foods that my husband and I grew up eating in Ramadan into our meals; to pass down the tradition to our children.

It also brings a huge feeling of nostalgia when we sit down together and eat or drink something that our parents served us during Ramadan. It’s all about the warm memories in Ramadan – Making them and reliving them!

I hope you enjoyed!

MAY YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HAVE A VERY HAPPY, AND BLESSED RAMADAN!