RAMADAN IS COMING...

We are a few days away from Ramadan 2017 and for billions of Muslims around the world, this is a most beautiful time of year. Over the next 6 days lets focus on how to get our homes prepared for the season.

First, what is Ramadan and what does it mean for Muslims? Ramadan is the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. During the entire month, it was worshiped by all, who through fasting abstained from eating and drinking during the day time from Sun rise until after the Sun sets in the Western skies. After dark, all eat and drink until the sun rises again the next day.

The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar calendar which means the observer takes this time to reflect on the year with a goal toward self-improvement. Yes! That is beautiful but it is not easy. This is a time of discipline... a time for increased prayer... a time for increased charity... a time to spend valuable development with family and friends and most importantly is a time for peace.

Because this is a time when so much is focused upon, wouldn't it be ideal to simplify this month of Ramadan through preparation and planning? To make this one of the most fulfilling Ramadan seasons, let's prepare by taking time to simplify our lives. Who knows... you may even continue to carry these practices throughout the rest of your year or lifetime... because isn't Islam a LIFESTYLE?

Here are a few tips to Getting Your Home Ready for the Ramadan Season...

DE-CLUTTER, CLEAN & ORGANIZE...

Let's start with cleansing our home... not just cleaning but cleansing. The word Ramadan comes from the arabic root ramida or ar-ramad, which means scorching heat or intense heat. When something goes through intense heat it is becoming purified. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to go through a purification. This is the Islamic equivalent of the Christian concept of Baptism. Just like we do a spring cleaning for our homes Ramadan should be a time of cleansing the home. Our homes are our sacred grounds from the outside world. It is a place of refuge where we go to rejuvenate and to recharge. This is the most important environment that we spend time in daily, therefore it should be a place that is purified and ready for Salat, meditation, reading and family time. The first step to take toward cleansing is to de-clutter our home of items that could fall into four categories...

1. I haven't used it in a year.

2. I haven't looked for it in a year.

3. It is not an important document or of sentimental value that should be kept or archived.

4. It is outdated or outgrown.

Ramadan is a time of Charity. A time to give to those who might have less than yourself. This is a perfect way to start pulling together those items (not the outdated ones) that could be appreciated and actually used by someone else who is in need. Put those items in a box or nice gift bag. Store them in your closet so they are already packaged and ready to give out during the month of Ramadan.

In addition, doesn't it feel wonderful when you come home to an environment that is free of clutter?

When it is time to make Salat, time to meditate, time to be still, time to read the Quran, time to cook...it would be less stressful if you were in an environment that is free of clutter and reflects cleanliness.

Apart of de-cluttering is then organizing what you have. A place for everything and then everything in it's place. Find inexpensive yet fun containers to store your items, making them accessible but placed out of sight. Then, find pieces like this blanket holder or decorative ladder to display everyday used items like your prayer rug. This allows you to have an easy to reach place for your prayer rug but also allows you to display it as a piece of art. This is how you incorporate your personality into your home through form and function.

BURNING SAGE...

After you've de-cluttered, cleaned and organized your home now let's cleanse the energy in your home through the process of burning sage. This will aid in clearing stagnant or negative energy in your home. Even though we are careful of whom we allow into our sacred space called home over a period of time there will be energy that we or others can bring into our home. The burning of sage leaves or if you prefer essential oil will help combat negativity, clear the energy in your environment and help you to start anew.

Too learn more on how sage can help combat this negativity, clear the energy in your field, and help you start anew - read more here.

ADDING INSPIRING HOME DECOR...

Finally, lets add plants to your environment in new places with creative decor that reminds us of our lifestyle. I love this crescent moon planter from Urban Outfitters. Even if you already own plants, adding one more helps to purify your air and brings life into your home.

(Photo Courtesy of Urban Outfitters find it HERE)

And lastly, I am swooning over these additional creative decorative items that can also be added in our home which again reminds us of our lifestyle. The symbol of the crescent moon..... Love Love Love them!!!

I hope these ideas will help to get you started in your process of getting your home ready for the Ramadan season. Do you do anything special to prepare for Ramadan? I would love to hear from you too. Please leave a comment below to share what you are doing to get your home ready for Ramadan season.

DWELL: Getting Your Home Ramadan Ready

RAMADAN IS COMING...

DE-CLUTTER, CLEAN & ORGANIZE...

Until next time...

Thank you for reading!!!