In sha Allah, by this time of next week, we would have been in the glorious month of Ramadan (May Allah count us among those that will witness and benefit from abundance mercies and rewards He bestows on the month-Ameen).
Part of the bpreparation for Ramadan is to highlight good deeds that can be done during the month with the aim of drawing maximum benefits from this Glorious month. So, one is expected to set a routine or timetable.
Below presentation adapted from Darul Ihsan Humanitarian Centre, South Africa offers a practical and suggested routine that one may adopt in Ramadan. This guide is to help one develop and maintain some form of consistency in the month but not limited to numerous righteous deeds that can fetch you great rewards during the month.
1. Eat Sahri
Partake in the early morning meal (Sahri). This is a Sunnah practice that contains abundant blessings and rewards. The Prophet (May peace be upon him) said, "Eat Suhor, because in it, lies great blessings" (Bukhari, Muslim).
2. Observe Tahajjud
Plan your time in such a way that you are able to perform 4-8 Rakahs of Tahajjud and make Dua during this time. The Prophet (May peace be upon him) said "The Dua in the darkness of the night (after performing Tahajjud) is readily accepted by Allah" (Tirmdhi).
3. Observe Fajr
Perform Fajr Salah with congregation at the Masjid and recite morning Adhkars. Participate in the lesson or talks conducted in the Masjid with the intention to seek beneficial knowledge and practice. Engage in Dhikr till sunrise.
Perform Ishraq
Avoid sleeping immediately after fajr and engage in Quran recitation. Perform 4 Rakahs Ishraq after sunsine. One may then sleep thereafter.
Sunnah of Duha and Zawwal
When the sun is brightly up, perform 4 Rakahs Duha and after Zawwal, perform 4 Rakahs Sunnah of Zawwal
Dua at the time of Zawwal
Take a few moments to make dua at the time of Zawwal as this is also recorded as a time of acceptance.
Observe Zuhr
Perform Zuhr in congregation. If possible, allocate few minutes to engage in Quran recitation. Participate in any educational program taking place (like Tafseer). Have a short rest with the intention of the afternoon sleep which is Sunnah (Islam is beautiful).
Observe Asr
Perform Asr in congregation. The time between between Asr and Magrib is very valuable especially for recitation of Quran. If possible, remain in the the Masjid till Magrib. The time close to iftar is a time when duas are accepted. Attend Tafseer. Sisters should you use this time to prepare what we are going to eat in Iftor
.Observe Magrib
Observe Magrib in congregation. Before or after meals, read from virtues of Ramadan or other useful literature. Prepare for Ishai and Tarawiyy.
Observe Ishai
Make sure you perform Ishai and Tarawiyy in congregation.
After Tarawiyy
Avoid wasting time and hanging out with friends e.t.c. Read your Quran