Just in case you are not missing out on any crucial thing in Ramadan, a small checklist for you. Hope this will help, In sha Allah.
1) Ask Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta'ala) to enable you to reach Ramadan and continue till the end : to get the most out of it as the Salaf used to do.
2) Prepare Eid Clothes (so you don't waste time in Ramadan shopping for them)
3) Prayer Clothes (Buy/ make new ones or wash, iron existing ones)
4) Prayer Place (Dedicate a space in your home for your daily worship - clean,it, and stock it up with all you need for your ibadah) For sisters in particular!
5) Menu! (Plan meals, whose turn it is to cook, and who you will be doing iftar for on different days)
6) Ibadah schedule/ targets (plan your qada, your daily schedule - plan how to fit it in, so that you will fit it in)
7) Du’a List (make a list of who you need to make du’a for during the month so during those busy days you don’t forget any one)
2) Prepare Eid Clothes (so you don't waste time in Ramadan shopping for them)
3) Prayer Clothes (Buy/ make new ones or wash, iron existing ones)
4) Prayer Place (Dedicate a space in your home for your daily worship - clean,it, and stock it up with all you need for your ibadah) For sisters in particular!
5) Menu! (Plan meals, whose turn it is to cook, and who you will be doing iftar for on different days)
6) Ibadah schedule/ targets (plan your qada, your daily schedule - plan how to fit it in, so that you will fit it in)
7) Du’a List (make a list of who you need to make du’a for during the month so during those busy days you don’t forget any one)
8) Donation preparation - prepare the stuff you will donate, The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) was the most generous of people and he was most generous in Ramadan.
9) Plan your invitations (family, friends, inlaws) and send out the invites. Do it in the first two thirds - preferably when you don't have prayer and avoid to accept any invitations the last third as this is the time you need to do more Ibaadah
10) If you are working on a khatm of the qur'an finish quickly so you can start afresh in Ramadan.
11) Tie up loose ends socially. Make up with those you are not speaking to. Get on the good side of parents, in laws and husband.
12) Start cutting down on coffee or tea if you are a heavy drinker. Else at the time of your fast, you will be in great trouble.
13) Prepare children, discuss Ramadan routine with family, discuss excitement and looking forward to Ramadan with those younger people you see.
10) If you are working on a khatm of the qur'an finish quickly so you can start afresh in Ramadan.
11) Tie up loose ends socially. Make up with those you are not speaking to. Get on the good side of parents, in laws and husband.
12) Start cutting down on coffee or tea if you are a heavy drinker. Else at the time of your fast, you will be in great trouble.
13) Prepare children, discuss Ramadan routine with family, discuss excitement and looking forward to Ramadan with those younger people you see.
14) Avoid anything that may diminishes the fast such as, lying, backbiting, cheating, getting angry. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said "Whoever does not give up false statements (i.e. telling lies), and evil deeds, and speaking bad words to others, Allah is not in need of his (fasting) leaving his food and drink." [Bukhari]
15) Do not eat too much after Iftar. If you do that, you will have trouble praying the taraweef, you may feel lazy or sleepy.
16) Pray At-Tarawih with Khushoo. If you pray in the Masjid complete the Salah with the Imam. If you pray at home prolong the Salah as long as you can. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said, "Whoever prays during Ramadan with Iman and seeking reward (from Allah) his past sins will be forgiven".
17) Feed the poor and invite others for Iftar. The Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) said, "Whoever gives Iftar to someone fasting he will have the same reward without decreasing the reward of the person fasting".
18) Try harder the last ten nights especially the odd nights. The prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wassallam) would strive in Ramadan more than he would in any other month and more so in the last ten days.
19) Say this Dua in the nights that Laitul-Qadr is likely to fall on: Allahumma innaka afuwun tuhibbul-afwa fa'fu anni (O Allah you are Forgiving and love forgiveness so forgive me).
20) Ask Allah Subhanahu wa Ta'ala to accept all your good actions during this month.
A important prayer: (It can also be recited while sitting between two prostrations):
“Allaahumma ighfir li wa’rhamni wa’hdini wa’jburni wa’rzuqni wa ‘aafini."
(O Allaah, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, enrich me, grant me provision and keep me safe and sound).
(O Allaah, forgive me, have mercy on me, guide me, enrich me, grant me provision and keep me safe and sound).
With Best Wishes
