PREPARING FOR LAYLATUL QADR

1. Is there a need to prepare for Lailatul Qadr?
In order to answer this, let us define what the word PREPARE means?
Simply, put it means to make ready or fit, to bring into a suitable state, to make one ready
For e.g. when we want to prepare a meal, or go out for an event, we must have a GOAL in mind.
As in what is my end result, the final dish or my final destination where I wish to end up.
And as per the subject under discussion i.e. “Preparing for Lailatul Qadr” our GOAL is to take full benefit/make full use of the BOUNTIES & RAHMA that Allah (swt) bestows opens us in this night of LAYLATUL QADR.

It is important that we first understand the significance of LAYLATUL QADR in order that we know what sort of ‘ingredients’ are required for our preparation to reach the Ultimate Goal which is earning the pleasure of Allah (swt)

2. What is Laylatul Qadr therefore?
You are all aware of its importance so I will just briefly re-run through it.
In surah AL Qadr Allah (swt) clearly states: "Surely We revealed it (the Holy Qur'an) on the grand night. And what will make you comprehend what the grand night. The grand night is better than a thousand months. The angels and Gabriel descend in it by the permission of their Lord for every affair, Peace! It is till the break of the morning." (97:1-5)

Allah (swt) is inviting all the believers for a Divine feast; the invitation which has been brought by the messengers. Allah (swt) is the host, his most favorite angels are the servants and the believers are the guests. The table is spread with Divine blessings containing all sorts of rewards and favors. Though the eyes cannot see them nor the ears hear them not the human hearts imagine them, yet the bounties are all kept in readiness to be awarded to the guests in accordance to her actions.

Lailatul-Qadr is a blessed night because the Almighty brings down during it goodness, bliss, and forgiveness for His servants. It is a feast which has come with a message that shows one the way to achieve happiness in both the worlds. Laylatul Qadr is a feast for the spirit, a feast of worship and prayers.
Ahadith indicate that the fate of every believer for the coming year is decreed on this night.
When our Prophet (saw) was asked how man could enjoy the favors and good grace of proximity to, and mercy of, Allah (swt) he quoted Nabi Musa’s (as) supplication:

“Oh My God, I seek proximity to You; He (Allah) said: Proximity to Me is for him who stays awake on Laylatul Qadr
“Oh My God, I am in need of Your Mercy; He said: My Mercy is for him who shows mercy to the poor on Laylatul Qadr
“Oh My God, I am in need of the passport to cross the bridge; He said: that is for him who give alms on Laylatul Qadr
“Oh My God, I am in need of the trees in Paradise and their fruits; He said: that is for him who seeks forgiveness on Laylatul Qadr
“Oh My God, I seek deliverance from fire; He said: that is for him who remembers Allah on Laylatul Qadr
“Oh My God, I seek Your good pleasure; He said: that is for him who says a two rakat prayer on Laylatul Qadr
On another occasion Nabi Musa (as) said: “Oh My God, are You far away that I shout to You, or are You near that I whisper to You?” He said: “O Musa, I am sitting together with you!”


3. What do we therefore have to remind ourselves about Laylatul Qadr? That it is:
• A unique once in a year opportunity to do a life times worth of activity.
• Full of long lasting blessings
• The night of unsurpassed grandeur when the absolute Grand God revealed the Grand qur’an through the Grand Wahy - Jibraeel into the heart of the Grand Holy Prophet (saw)
• A once in a year occasion for influencing our future destiny - “QADR” - taqdeer. The Masumeen have explained to us that god in his infinite wisdom had planned the system of the universe in such a way that every persons destiny will be determined on a yearly basis in the angelic spheres through the agency of the imam of the age. Who is the leader and focus of the whole spiritual world) this gives MANKIND a unique opportunity to influence his own future (gains, loss/health/sickness, richness/poverty/ etc by performing certain acts, e.g. dua salat, sadaqah, jihad, acquiring knowledge, quran recitation etc.
• The night when the whole multitude of angels and the great spirit (ruh) descend on earth, greeting and praying for the believers and conveying messages to the Imam of age.

4. Do we than still need to PREPARE OURSELVES FOR LAYLATUL QADR after knowing its significance?
Yes, Let us imagine for a moment that we are invited for a special feast by the president of our country, who also tells us in advance that he is going to reward us with magnificent gifts as per the way we present and behave ourselves during the feast - What would we do ?
After the initial euphoria, we would leave no stone unturned to present themselves in the best possible manner. Preparations of what to wear, how to get there, what will I speak with the president, If I have to go through his secretary what will I say to him, what sort of gifts will I take with me, what sort of conversation with I have with him, all this and more will be thought about, rehearsed and re-rehearsed. Correct me if I am wrong!!

All this ‘tension’ in honor of an invitation from the President of a country. Lailatul Qadr is an invitation form the President of all Presidents, The Supreme One. Do we need to make preparations for this night?

Undoubtedly, we must start our preparations way ahead of time, after all going by human fitra, there is more than profit that can be got from this feast of Lailatul Qadr unless out of sheer carelessness we end up amongst those negligent and idle ones, who do not achieve anything except tiredness, loss and eternal doom, who will gain nothing except regret and cry out aloud on the day of Reckoning:
"Ah! Woe upon me! In that I neglected (my duty) towards Allah."

5. What sort of Pre-preparations are needed before the advent of this grand Qadr?
Jibrael was asked; "What has the Almighty Allah done on this night with the wishes of the believers among the nation of Muhammad (pbuh)?" He answered, "The Almighty Allah has looked upon them on this night and forgiven them, all of them, except the following:
“One who is addicted to drinking, One who severs his ties with his kin, and One who is a trouble-maker."

We have been advised to beseech Allah (swt) during the whole year before the arrival of the Night of Power,
to keep us alive for this night,
• To bestow upon us the towfiq to remain vigilant during this night and pray for blessings and forgiveness.
• To bless us that we are able to do the best of deeds on this night
• To comprehend fully the importance of this night which is superior to one thousand months.
• To pray that we can become one of the favorites of Allah (swt) and be blessed with His love, learning, nearness, union, pleasure, together with health, happiness, and welfare;
• To yearn and act so that Allah (swt) be so pleased with us in such a manner, that after this night He would never be displeased us again.
• To pray that our Aimma esp. the Imam-ul-Asr be pleased with us & intercede on our behalf


6. How to Prepare oneself for The Night of Power (Lailatul-Qadr).
(I) Preparing Mentally
• Strive to keep Allah (swt) at the fore of one’s mind the whole night long.
• All the Ibadah done should be recited in the state of being completely awake, aware, conscious, and with a live heart
If one feels that one will not be able to concentrate then start reciting from now "We are from Allah and towards Him is our return.” - Holy Qur'an (2:156) for it is considered as a tragedy if one can not in this night receive the divine grace in supplications
"Their prayers ascend upwards and reaches Allah, their words are accepted, and Allah loves to listen to their prayers the way a mother likes her own child."
Is not it shameful that the prayers which ascend upwards should be recited from the tip of the tongue, while the heart and soul remain occupied in worldly affairs?

Many a times, one feels that one cannot ‘properly’ perform a certain ibadah and so decided to forgo it. One should not do listen to this ‘waswas’ instead, one should perform it & more, for acceptance lies in the Hand of the Mercy of Allah (swt).

(ii) Preparing Physically
The other preparations to be done for this night are,
• for worshipping in this night a suitable place, dress, and perfume should be arranged in advance (comfortable dress which does not distract us)
• paying alms during this night - to the people who really deserve financial support
• Follow the translation of the duas in order to understand what you are reciting for lutf is only got when one knows what one is reciting.

(iii) Preparing spiritually
• increase ones eagerness for receiving the promised bounties and blessings;
• select worships and deeds which are more in harmony with ones mood
• When one stands for prayer, or any other ibadah, to briefly spare a moment to think about the wisdom of that action/its meaning etc for e.g. Why am I standing towards Mecca? To realize that when I stand on my two feet, it indicates my hope and fear about the acceptance of my worship
• Resorting (Tawassul) to Ahlul-Bait [a] - With persistence, supplicating in a polite and soft manner, with words and content arousing their sympathies, should beseech them for bestowing upon us the grace of being vigilant during this night.
• Crying and Shedding Tears:
that during these nights ones fear, humility, tears, crying, anguish, and lamentation be increased as much as possible. The Learned Scholar Hajj Mirza Javad Agha Maliki Tabrizi (r.a.) in his book (Suluk-i Arifan) Spiritual Journey of the Mystics tell us that One of the best method is that one should tie ones hands around ones neck; should pour dirt upon ones head; should place ones head against a wall; sometimes one should stand and sometimes one should cry; should imagine oneself at the scene of Judgment Day; and the way sinners are rebuked with harshness, then one should imagine and be scared least Allah (the Glorious, the Exalted) orders: "Seize ye him, bind ye him, burn ye him in the blazing fire, and make him march in a chain whereof the length is seventy cubits." - Holy Qur'an (69:30-32)
Then one should cry: "O' Thou are the most compassionate, and Thou Who are the shelter of unsheltered ones!" "Where is Your vast blessing? Where is Your infinite forgiveness? Where are Your love and benevolence?" Ask for forgiveness of past sins in the most appealing manner with a promise to try never to return to the sins again - a TAWBA in every sense of the word Present ones requests before the Almighty with full hope that they will be answered. The Prophet (S.A.W.) when asked what one should invoke Allah during these nights, said: "Ask for your safety (here and in the hereafter)".


7. Recommended Ibadah to be performed on The Night of Qadr:
WE are advised that this night be divided into 3 parts -
1st part to be allocated for Gaining Knowledge - Najhul Balagha, Tadabbur etc
2nd part to be allocated for Meditation (not when you are too sleepy)
One should not forget to select a period for having a private union between oneself and ones Creator and
3rd part to be allocated for Salatul Layl to connect with Nawaafil with Subh prayer

Suggested ways to get the maximum of this blessed opportunity”
1: Imam al- Sadiq (as) quotes “On all these nights, it is recommended that you perform the ghusl twice: once at the beginning of the night, and once at its end”.
When performing the recommended ghusl, to remember that while god likes physical cleanliness, more important He loves inner cleanliness of the heart, from immoral character e.g. jealousy, greed, etc. Thus resolve to clean the soul also by TAUBAH + JIHAD of NAFS

2: When praying 2 rakat namaz of recommended prayers with 7 times surah tawheed, make efforts to concentrate on the message of tawheed and get the heart to believe that truly GOD ALONE is ALL -powerful/All Merciful/Independent etc. therefore we should fear none BUT HIM, hope from none BUT HIM, we should ask from none BUT HIM

3: After the salaah when repeating ISTEGHFAR 70 times try to first be really repentant for serious mistakes done, sincerely ask for forgiveness either by: (a) recalling 70 different sins OR (b) feeling remorseful for 10 sins of the 7 main organs: eyes, ears, tongue, hands, mouth, stomach + private parts OR (c) some particular sins that you may have committed repeatedly OR
(d) recalling the variety of punishments of different sins and finally resolve NOT TO Repeat them in the future, then only can one realistically expect to deserve the reward the HP has promised “Whoever performs this act will surely be forgiven by the Almighty even before here rises from his place".

When opening the qur’an and praying for your needs with the intercession of the qur’an, realize that while the qur’an is a cure for spiritual illness, it only benefits the pious ones and the evil doers are deprived of its illumination. Thus increase the chances for qur’an intercession to work on your behalf by earnestly following the rulings of the qur’an.

While placing the qur’an on the head. Remind yourself that true salvation can only be achieved by always keeping the rules of qur’an ahead of us to follow. The fact that we put the Qur’an on our head is a sign of respect and reverence. We beseech Allah by the thaqalayn - the speaking and the silent Qur'an. - Holy Qur'an (39:56)

As you seek intercession of the Al mighty (bika ya al…) and the 14 infallibles realize that God is limitless Ounces of Mercy and the Ma’sumen pure agencies for the distribution of divine mercy to all creations.

While performing Ziyarah of Imam Husein (as), remind yourself that on this august night, the souls of 124,000 Prophets (peace be upon them all) visit Imam, who is aware of our inner spiritual reality and is hurt and repulsed by our record of repeated evil deeds, indifference to God’s commandments; thus, we should avoid disgracing ourselves in that great audience of Imam. Also, associate the themes in the ZIYARAH of:
• Firm bond of love and obedience of God (SALAT).
• Economic betterment of community (ZAKAT).
• Overall mobilization of forces towards virtue (AMR BIL MA`RUF).
• Overall cleansing of evil from society.
• All-out war in all spheres of life to promote truth (JIHAD).
• Tremendous endurance of all ensuing difficulties (SABR).
• Complete distancing (LA`NAH) from all forms of injustice (DHULM) with destiny- shaping opportunity of this night and resolve to become on active player in improving the future in preparation for the REAPPEARANCE OF AL-MAHDI.

8. How to Farewell the Night of Power (Lailatul-Qadr) One should resort (tawassul) to the M'asumin - to whom that night belongs - should submit ones deeds & worship to those exalted ones, with a heart broken, with grief & shedding tears, should request them to make those deeds as righteous, and request them to intercede with Allah (swt)

9. The Day of Power (Qadr)
According to Ahadeeth both the night and day are interconnected, as far as their worth, value, esteem, and splendor are concerned, i.e. if the day is esteemed and honorable, the night of that day also possesses the same distinction and vice versa. Therefore, we must appreciate the importance of the Days of Power and like the Nights of Power, should celebrate them by sincerely performing worships and righteous deeds.

On a final note, our destiny to large extent can be changed in this very night and much depends on us, how we decide to utilize both the night and the day of Qadr and for that matter each single moment of this blessed month of Ramadhan.

Let us therefore pray together that we may be granted the Tawfiq to be able to do the A’maals of Laylatul Qadr in its correct essence, that we may be granted the Maghferah and that we may earn the Pleasure of Allah (swt) in such a manner that our lives take a positive turn in a manner that we may earn the salvation for both this world and the Hereafter. Ameen

A humble request that we remember each other in our prayers and especially those we do not forget our Marhumeen...

Rabbana Taqabbul Minna……………

Source : http://www.dartabligh.org/

Quran Vocabulary Flashcards

Here is another e-mail I received that I thought would be useful. This comes from the Quran Word of the Day list owner. If you want to join the list, send a request to QWOTD-owner@yahoogroups.com

as-salamu `alaykum,

Just an update that the flashcard website is now working. It is also available to study from on your iphone if you download the app.

Each day, more or less, we are trying to add 5-10 flashcards to the flashcard website that was previously not working.

If you start studying now, it would be excellent opportunity since there are only 20-30 words there right now, so it is not too overwhelming. Words are being added since the QWOTD list started, so they are mostly words that are some of the most common words in the Qur'an.

To access it:

www.flashcardexchange.com
username: uptonwebber@gmail.com
password: quran

Simply go to "My stuff" --> "My flashcards."
If you want study to the flash cards - click on study.

The month of Ramdan-Spring of Glorious Quran: Some useful links on holy Qruan

In the name of Allah the most Merciful Beneficent

A Great collection of Quranic recitations in MP3 with some of translations and transliteration. A great resource of Quranic recitations: 

http://quranicaudio.com/

Holy Quran in flash: 

http://al-quran.com/

Tanzil the holy Quran Navigator , another good place to visit. An automated recitation progression with verse selection and automated translation display and page scroll:   

http://tanzil.info/

Al Islam Quran search and tranalation: 

http://quran.al-islam.org/

Few other links:

http://cthq.ir/English/EE001.HTM

http://duas.org/quran.htm

http://www.madressa.net/resources/quran/quranaudio

Planning Guide and Duas and Amaal for the Month

Duas.org has its main page now set up for the month of Ramadan. You can click on any date and get duas and deeds recommended to perform. I find it a little annoying that when you first go to the page there is a sound player on, but you can easily turn it off.

Here is a dua from Imam Sajjad (as) for welcoming the month.

Here is a collection of amaal for the first night, including a link to first day.

Here is Dua Iftitah, recommended for reciting each night of the month.

It is easy to become overwhelmed in the month of Ramadan. While there is always more we can do, if we set unrealistic goals we only end up frustrated rather than spiritually renewed. Further, if we turn the month of Ramadan into a fast-paced commercial or social occasion, we can miss the point altogether. So keep a positive attitude, simplify your life in whatever ways are possible and realistic, and aim for forward progress, no matter how small it may seem.

Here is a questionaire from the site that may help you to set some goals. You can use it however you like, but at least it may give you some ideas and some focus:

1. The first thing that comes to my MIND about the Holy Month of Ramadan is:
A - Variety of food, Iftar, Suhoor
B - Hardships, Thirst, Hunger
C - Spirituality, Being away from sins
D - Gatherings with friends
E - Quran and Prayers

2. I have decided the Primary GOAL for this Ramadan is to:
A - Be God fearing and increase Taqwa
B - Build my character
C - Attain perfection
D - Increase my spirituality & purify soul
E - Prepare for death

3. To Improve my Salah (Prayers), I have decided the following:
A - Improve concentration
B - Understand its meaning
C - To stand in night prayers (Tahajjud)
D - To be punctual for Jamaat prayers
E - Increase my prostrations

4. To improve my relationship with Quran, I have decided the following:
A - Read the whole Quran at least once (Tilawat)
B - Memorize a few Surahs (Aayaat)
C - Learn to recite the Quran correctly (Tajweed)
D - Understand its meanings & ponder over its verses
E - Go through the Tafseer

5. To be closer to Allah (SWT), I have decided to recite the following:
A - Daily duas for Ramadan
B - Dua after prayers
C - Supplications for Iftaar
D - Duas from Quran & Hadith
E - Duas with tears

6. From health point of view, I have decided the following:
A - I will quit smoking
B - I will control my eating and sleeping habits
C - I will not over eat
D - I will prefer fruits & vegetables over fatty foods
E - I will do some light exercise to keep fit

7. From knowledge point of view, I have decided the following:
A - Read Islamic books
B - Attend Islamic lectures
C - Start a study circle or Quran translation program
D - Browse through Islamic websites
E - Listen to Islamic CDs or Audio cassettes

8. I have decided to work on the following Ma'aroof:
A - Arrange for Iftar
B - Being kind to relatives
C - Help my neighbours
D - Lighten the burden of others
E - Give alms to poor
F - Respect my elders
G - Attain good manners and behavior

9. I have decided to shun the following Munkar:
A - Telling lies
B - Speaking ill of others, gheebat
C - Losing temper
D - Watching TV, serials, films, etc.
E - Vain talk

10. For Shab-e-Qadr, I have decided the following:
A - To search it in the odd nights of last 10 days
B - To seek forgiveness for past sins
C - To ask for guidance for future
D - Recite Quran
E - To stand in prayers

Here is a picture file of the planning/assessment chart related to the above questionaire. If you go to duas.org you can download modify it to suit your needs.

(If you click on the image, it should get larger)

There is also a self-assessment geared more for children chart that can be downloaded from the duas.org page. It has a different checklist for each date. These might be particularly useful for young children learning to pray and fast. For example the first date looks something like this, but you could certainly edit it from the download to tailor it for your own purposes:

01 Ramadan 1431 AH ---------------------- ----------------------

Event: Ramadan Starts

Activities
Quran Recited Number of Rukoo/ Para _____

Fast (Roza)  No  Full Half

Namaze Fajr  Ada  Qaza  No

Namaze Zohrain  Ada  Qaza  No

Namaze Maghribain  Ada  Qaza  No

Namaze Shab  Ada  Qaza  No

Reading for the day
Excerpt from Mafatih regarding Ramadan - Part 1

Questions/Extra Acts/Etc.
(Fill in here)

Last thought of the day:
At the end of the day, Remember!
Doors of Janna are open today. Raise your hands in Dua
Ask Allah to help you improve in this month

So that's the example of the form, minus some formatting - it is available for download at the duas.org link above.



The above video is dua for the first day of Ramadan - there is a short dua for each date in Arabic with English translation. This and many other similar duas for the month of Ramadan are available at the alhidaaya YouTube Channel.

I pray you have found something helpful and encouraging here and I pray that Allah swt accepts all our fasts and grants us all forgiveness and spiritual improvement this month!

Ramadhan Headaches: causes and solutions

Its fair to say that most of us feel a little worse for ware during the first few days of Ramadhan!
We are so desperate to get as much as we can from this blessed month, that we run around, shopping, cleaning, taking care of our families and our personal preparations that we often enter this month of contemplation stressed, shattered and run down! On top of that, we often give little thought to how the new routine will affect our general lifestyle! We somehow expect that we can carry on as normal, and incorporate our Ramadhan commitments in around our work, social lives and other responsibilities. Inevitably, this plays havoc with our physical health, and the most common complaint people describe is …, headaches! The worst headaches in the world! Dealing with these awful headaches every day usually puts us in a bad mood, in bed early and without gaining the spiritual benefits we so desired from our Ramadhan nights!
As I myself suffer from a chronic migraine condition, I’ve done my research, (both online and in person!), and have put together a few hints and tips which I’m confident, will combat the Ramadhan headaches for you and enable you to be at peace and concentrate on higher things during this month.

The most common cause of Ramadhan headaches is water balance. Generally, our bodies regulate water balance through-out the day, whenever you grab that glass of water, cup of tea and so on. The sudden dramatic change the body experiences in Ramadhan puts it in to shock, and alters the water balance causing mild dehydration and severe headache. The body needs time to adjust to this new routine, and learn how/when to conserve water and when new stocks will be replenished. For this reason, you should start adjusting your fluid intake a week or so before Ramadhan begins. Try stocking up on high amounts of fluid in 2 or 3 fixed periods rather than through-out the day, so that your body learns to cope for longer times without fluids, this will make the Ramadhan change less pronounced. Generally, we eat and drink quickly after fasting, and often forget to redress our fluid intake. Even if you do not feel much like eating, be sure to stock up on good clear water when you break your fast. Some doctors also recommend water with sugar or honey to assist with this process. For those fasting for longer periods in hotter climbs, occasionally rehydration salts may be required and you should make sure you have these to hand before Ramadhan begins.

The Sehri meal: many of us prefer a few extra minutes in bed, rather than waking up for the Dawn meal. Even if we do wake up, most of us can’t face eating so much at such an odd time (myself included!). This year however, as many of us will be fasting for 18 to 20 hours per day, going without Sehri is quite simply not an option! Your body has rights over you, and if you are working through-out the day, your body requires sustenance to keep it going! Try to stock up on slow release carbs and energy foods, again, with that all important fluid you need. Avoid fried, fatty and overly salty foods at either ends of the fast: they are tempting, but can dehydrate you and add to headaches in the longer term. Extra spicey foods are to be avoided at all cost for those suffering from Migraine, and if you insist on them, eat only a little at eftar time rather than in the morning. A common cause of headache is hunger, but you can reduce this by making sure you eat a full and healthy breakfast before fasting begins. Some foods that are thought to help combat Ramadhan headaches include:
Sultanas, honey, black seeds (or black seed oil), ZamZam Water, goats milk, pomegranates and cherries. If you know of any other foods thought to aid headaches, do include in the comments section after this post.

Alternative remedies.
There are many different forms of pain relief now available that can prevent you reaching for the Standard pain killers. Acupuncture in Particular has been found to be 80% affective in treating most chronic headache conditions. If you suffer with migraine and are worried about how to cope through the month, now might be the time to try acupuncture. You are bound to be able to source a practitioner in your area, though as always, be sure to check out that the doctor you are using is qualified, and is aware you are fasting. It is helpful to play recordings of qur’an, or duas in the background while treatment is being administered, thus relaxing the body and aiding the process of Shafa. Aroma therapy has similar heeling properties, though is not recommended during fasting periods because of the intensity of the oil and the fact that the oils are absorbed by the skin in huge quantities.
Many doctors are now recommending that those suffering with headaches should take time to have Hijama/cupping administered before Ramadhan, so try to do so in advance, or as early on in the month as you can manage.
You can also administer a simple head massage yourself: add a little warm black seed oil to your palms, and begin massaging from the centre of the forehead outwards in small but firm circular movements, using first the palms, and then the tips of the fingers. Take about 5 minutes to do this. Then run the tips of the fingers over the front of the head for 2 or 3 minutes, making small tapping movements, and finish by administering firm pressure to the temples using the tips of the fingers. If you feel the headaches comes from tension in the neck and shoulders, keep these moving and partake of some massage therapy prior to Ramadhan.

Routine:
We simply cannot expect to be able to continue with our regular routine during Ramadhan! Minor adjustments have to be made wherever possible in order to keep the body refreshed and energised. If you are working, speak to your employers and see if any adjustments can be made to your schedule. Not all employers will agree, but increasingly, legislation is requiring them to do so where appropriate. Even if you have to work the same hours, they may be able to remove you from heavy physical duties, or those things which are likely to fatigue you. A common cause of headache is exhaustion, so after afternoon prayer, perhaps try to take a power nap and recharge a bit. If you do manage to adjust your schedule, sleep for a couple of hours when you reach home, so that you are alert for eftar and not so exhausted that you need to crash out straight after!
If you have a migraine condition and use regular medication, be sure to consult your doctor. Some types of migraine medication, particularly those associated with blood pressure or cranial pressure regulation may mean that you are not able to fast at all, while some others can be adjusted appropriately to merge with the fasting schedule. Take advice in advance about this and be sure you understand the new medication schedule and are well stocked up on the medicines you require.

Finally, some Islamic tips.
Dua joshin Kabeer is said to be especially helpful in treating headaches. The dua can be found in most ziyerat books or at www.duas.org if you are able to read it, then all the better, if not, print it out and keep it under your pillow at night. You can also dip a paper containing the dua in water and drink this water at either end of the fasting day. It is also helpful to keep a qur’an under the pillow, and some of the pure earth from Karbala.
Finally, the most obvious, but the most important! Ask Allah (SWT) to strengthen you and help you during this month. Ramadhan is certainly not designed to be easy! But if you are genuinely battling health issues and fear you may not be able to make it through, you need only take one step towards your creator, and he (SWT) will come running to you. Remember that with every hardship, there is ease, and your efforts during this month will surely be rewarded Insha Allah!
If you have any tips for combating headaches, please do share them with our readers.