Ramadan, the month of Rahmah, Maghfirah, and Najat, is around the corner. The Muslim Ummah all around the world eagerly wait for this month. Muslims fast, pray and engage themselves in spiritual deeds, devoting and praying to the Almighty. Ramadan is also a time to spend with family and friends and strengthen a bond with loved ones.
As the holy month approaches, it's important to prepare home to ensure a smooth and peaceful Ramadan experience. A proper home preparation checklist can help you better immerse yourself in the spirit of the holy month, lessen the hassles of work, and, of course, save time.
Organising the home
One of the important things one should do to prepare a home for Ramadan is to declutter. A clean and tidy home is not only more pleasant to be in but also creates a peaceful environment.
The calming atmosphere that comes with an organised home is conducive to worship and spiritual reflection. Start by decluttering the living space and get rid of anything that is no longer needed or used. There are closet or store-room organising hacks available on YouTube that may come in handy, or one can donate unused items to charity or give them away to the needy.
Doing general cleaning
The next tip to prepare for Ramadan is to clean the house deep. It is important to pay special attention and clean neglected areas at home. This can involve decluttering the space, cleaning mirrors, dusting and wiping down the floor. The corners of the house, the closet spaces, and the space under and behind furniture, the windows - should all be deep cleaned at least once for a hygienic environment. Also, it is suggested to get rid of any lingering odour in the house and get it sanitised.
Decorating the house
One of the appealing Ramadan decoration ideas at home is to hang Ramadan lanterns, banners, and other decorations around the house. Some fresh flowers or scented candles to create a relaxing ambience is also a good choice, but ensuring fire safety is essential for this. Also, if there are younger children or toddlers in the house, it is best to not let any decorative pieces lying around that are not child-proof.
Organising the kitchen
It is very important to make sure that the kitchen is very organised and all the dishes and utensils are within easy reach. It may also be a good time to invest in some new cookware or kitchen appliances to make cooking and organising easier.
Stocking up necessary items
To prepare the kitchen for Ramadan, one can start by stocking up on essential ingredients like dates, lentils, chickpeas and rice, sugar, fruits, dates, puffed rice or any staple iftar per the family's liking. These foods are traditionally used in many Ramadan dishes and can be bought in bulk as prices tend to go high during Ramadan.
Planning the meals
During Ramadan, meal planning is key. Planning the meals can help save time. Also, it is important to ensure that there are healthy and nutritious options for iftar and suhoor. It is also a smart choice to purchase some ready-made items, such as samosas or spring rolls, which can be easily prepared for iftar and support local businesses rather than buying from machine-made food chains.
Preparing for guests
It is common to have guests over for iftar, the meal that breaks the fast at sunset. To prepare for guests, one may want to stock up on extra food and drinks for better hospitality. Make sure there is adequate seating and that the area is decorated in a welcoming and festive manner.
Creating a prayer space
During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to spend more time in prayer and worship. This is why many people like to create a special prayer space in their homes. This can be a corner of a room, a dedicated room, or even a small outdoor area. It is good to make sure there is adequate lighting and that the space is clean and free from clutter.
Charity and community activities
Ramadan is also a time for charity and community activities. Consider setting up a donation box in the neighbourhood or the society you live in or participating in a community iftar. Some family activities can also be planned, such as visiting a local mosque or volunteering at a local charity organisation.
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