For many people, Ramadan is month that requires preparedness. Some Muslims just “wing it” as Ramadan may not feel like much of a change to daily life while others require some mindful planning for a successful Ramadan.
Balancing daily life with the duties we choose to participate in during Ramadan can be daunting, especially when one’s daily life is already busy or difficult to manage. Here is what Indy Muslims share about what helps them prepare for upcoming Ramadan each year.
House Cleaning, Home Repair Projects and Major Yardwork.
Many people choose to tackle the most rigorous house cleaning and home repair projects before Ramadan so that these tasks require minimal maintenance while fasting for the month. The same goes with yardwork. Typically, lawns cannot go without mowing for a month, but the major work can be done ahead so that all one needs to do while fasting are simple mowing and trimming.
Meal Planning and Meal Preparation
A challenging task throughout most of Ramadan after a long day of fasting is preparing iftar for yourself and your family. There are several things one can do to make iftar mealtime easier.
Prepare freezer friendly meals ahead of time. There are some great recipes that can be prepared, cooked, and portioned into family size or individual freezer safe containers. Meals that have been precooked and frozen can take a little time to prepare but are easily thawed and reheated when you want it.
Examples of precooked frozen meals:
Lasagna, Macarona Bechamel or Baked Ziti Soup, Stew, Curry and Chili Borek, sambusa, samosas Precooked ground beef, cooked, shredded chicken, grilled chicken sliced or cubed Meatballs, meatloaf, kafta kebab, falafel, enchiladas and casseroles
Prepare meals that freeze well that do not need to be cooked ahead of time. There are many meals that can be prepared ahead, uncooked and stored in freezer storage bags so that all one needs to do is open and place in a crock pot to slow cook all day. This preparation is typically around 15 minutes to prepare. Much of this type of meal prep tackles the entree portion.
Examples of uncooked frozen meals:
Chicken with salsa Chicken with vegetables and teriyaki sauce Beef and broccoli teriyaki Thai chicken peanut satay Cilantro lime chicken Cube steaks and gravy Potato soup Gumbo with halal alternatives Beef fajitas Bbq ribs
Batch cooking. This term describes a type of meal preparation in which someone cooks multiple meals that can be stored in the refrigerator and quickly reheated for the days or week ahead. Many people batch cook if they have a surplus of a certain ingredient in the home. For example, when I purchase celery, I typically cannot use it all. When I need it for a recipe, many times I will go ahead and prepare another meal in which I can use the leftover celery. I may use some of it for sofrito, soup base and the leftovers for chicken salad. This way not only am I not wasting food, but I have an additional meal prepared. Whether you are a busy with your work, a student, homemaker or retired, we all can use days when preparing a meal is as easy possible. Since these meals are refrigerated and not frozen, please follow safety guidelines for the amount of time cooked food can be stored.
Mental Preparation
Along with preparing your home, yard and possibly preparing meals ahead, it’s also a good idea to prepare for Ramadan mentally. This type of preparation may be very different depending on the individual. For some, this may look like taking a good look at the calendar throughout Ramadan in order to remember which appointments or commitments are planned throughout and making plans around this. For others, mental preparation may include placing Ramadan decorations to invoke festive feelings. Many of the mosques of Indiana offer pre-Ramadan programs and activities to help us get in the mindset that can help us prepare for Ramadan. Some Muslims travel to visit family during Ramadan and Eid, and this may take some planning and preparing.
Spiritual Preparation
Many Muslims do not require much preparation for Ramadan whether it is housework, meal planning or mental preparation but all of us could use some spiritual preparation. Some Muslims participate in fasting certain days during the month of Shaban to prepare for Ramadan. Some people get a head start on reading Qur’an or review Islamic books. Islamic journaling has become popular for many people. Many people who do not typically journal might start just before and during Ramadan as a way to reflect on their thoughts and feelings. An activity that has been gaining popularity due to technology is to watch video recording platforms like YouTube or social media of your favorite Islamic sources. Many Islamic sheikhs and organizations offer an annual series in which a video is uploaded daily with a specific annual Ramadan theme. Some videos are minutes long but the message in inspirational.
Whether you require some planning and preparing or jump in and “wing it” throughout Ramadan, may Allah make it a blessed and happy Ramadan to all.