The blessed month of Ramadaan is fast approaching and I'm sure you must be getting ready for this special time of year. I love Ramadaan, it has such a different feel about it. The month is so peaceful and is filled with a spiritual light that you just cannot experience at any other time of the year.

I know you've probably filled your freezer with all sorts of delicious goodies to break your fast with, but what preparation have you made to grow spiritually this month? After all, spiritual growth and nearness to Allah are the primary aims of this month.

Here are some suggestions based on Ahaadith by our beloved Prophet (S.A.W)

Allah Ta'alah increases the reward for our good actions in this month. If we perform an optional act then we will receive the reward of an obligatory act, and if we perform an obligatory act then our reward is increased 70 times.

Ramadaan presents a wonderful opportunity to perform optional nafil Salaah (prayers) that you may be too busy for at other times of the year.

Whenever possible, try to cut down on the number of commitments and tasks you have to do so that you have the time to perform all the optional prayers and for the recitation of the Quran.

Try to complete at least 1 complete recitation of the Holy Quran in this month. If you don't understand Arabic, keep an authentic translation of the Quran nearby and as you read the Arabic try to understand what Allah is telling you through His book.

Our Beloved Prophet Muhammed (S.A.W) has said that "This is the month of patience, and the reward for true patience is Jannah (paradise)." So many of us love to complain about how hard the fast is, especially on those long and hot summer days. But resist the urge to complain and be thankful to your Creator for this opportunity to fast and for the table laden with food at Iftaar.

Nabi (S.A.W) also advised us to read the Kalimah and to make Istighfaar as much as possible. And we should also ask for entry into Jannah (Heaven) and refuge from Jahannum (Hell).

Also keep in mind that if you employ Muslim workers, that you should lighten their workload and give them time to complete their obligatory prayers etc.

Over the next 3 weeks the articles I will be writing will all be focused on this blessed month and how to make the most out of it.

And please don't forget to include me in your prayers as well. May you and your family have a blessed Ramadaan.