Awakening the soul in Ramadhan

In the Muslim lunar calendar, Ramadhan is one of the most anticipated months by the Muslim Ummah. Long before the sighting of the crescent that marks the beginning of the fasting month, Muslims in many parts of the world begin their mental, spiritual, and physical preparations. One common expression of this early preparation is the observance of several days of optional fasting during the months of Rejab and Sya‘ban, in anticipation of the more demanding spiritual struggle of Ramadhan. For the many blessings of Ramadhan, to the vast majority of Muslims worldwide, Ramadhan is seen as a madrasah (school) that visits them every year. It teaches, trains, and disciplines them in many ways. It reminds them about the importance of time management, moderate food consumption, punctuality in carrying out their five daily prayers, reading of the Holy Qur’an, and many more good habits.