♥ Welcome Ramadan ♥

Yippee!
Ramadan has begun and even though I managed to catch a cold a few days ago and therefore need to get well before starting to fast I am still very excited! Besides fasting and it's huge ability to boost our spirituality, there are plenty of moments and chances for everyone of us to purify and strengthen their iman in this holy month! So let's see what my "good-intensions-compilation" looks like...

Mission: Make the most out of Ramadan

(InshaAllah - إن شاء الله)

1. Try to respect basic deeds such as:

•   performing Salat (prayer)  
•   making Du'a (personal act of worship, prayer, call upon God)
•   trying to be kind and nice to people (try smiling once in a while!)
•   making 1 charitable act a day (try to figure out more creative ways to help than to donate money - especially if you do not have any!)

2. Do some extra for the sake of Ramadan:

• wake up during Fajr to eat the pre-dawn meal (Sahur, if you are fasting) and stay up to read a portion of the Qur'an before and after Fajr.
• visit your local mosque or community regularly (and experience Iftar, breaking fast together).
• do some meditation in the evening, such as tasbih, listening to Quran, painting, reading, playing music or any other way of Dhikr (remembrance of God).
• Take care of your body. Drink a lot of water during the nights of Ramadan! Fasting is effective when you avoid overeating at iftar but eat enough and nutricious food in the morning to manage the days duties and stay healthy. If you are not fasting, try to purify your body by alternative methods, f.e. eating more healthy, doing sports etc.
• Try to focus on "inner beauty" and the "detox of everyday-life". Spend quality time with family and friends instead of watching TV on your own. Walk or bike instead of taking the tram or traveling by car. Write a post on The Forenoon instead of scrolling infinitively on Facebook!
• Slow down :)

For more tips on how to have a spiritual and successful Ramadan, check out the links below!

Productivity? Go to www.productivemuslim.com ...
Spirituality? Go to www.muslimahanie.com or www.islamicinsights.com

Preparing for Ramadan? Go to  www.ramadanprep2013.com

How to make the most out of Ramadan? Go to www.wikihow.com

Free Printable Ramadan Calendar with Prayertimes (Germany)? Go to www.imsakiye-creator.de

Simple Printable Ramadan Calendar without Prayertimes? Go to www.craftionary.net

Ramadan in the USA? Go to www.usatoday.com 

Ramadan begins around the world. See pictures  www.washingtonpost.com

You like photographing and need a special challenge? Go to www.capturethespiritoframadan.org

I wish everyone a blessed and successful Ramadan! May Allah give us strength and peace to make it a holy month! Salams and Greetings from Cologne Germany ♥