Arrival of Ramadan usually intensifies the religiosity and spirituality of a Muslim. Fasting plays a leading role, but many of us often indulge in additional worship such as the optional Taraweeh prayers and recitation of the Quran. For me, Ramadan is also a time to enhance my relationship with God for the coming year, and boost it via prayer and Quran. Of course, many other acts (such as zakat) also contribute to it. Here is how one can attempt enhancing their relationship with the Almighty using the two mechanisms I mentioned above.

Prayer: Prayer is a dialogue and a virtual contact with God. In sura Fatihah, we praise and thank God, and ask Him to show us the right path, and then recite a few verses of Quran as a response from Him. Memorizing the meaning of the verses and bringing them to mind when one offers prayers develops an active dialog with God. Not only the words, but actions, especially bowing and prostration, with the recitation of the supplications augment the relationship. It is a physical manifestation of a slave's subservience to his lord after having understood His response to his ask. Although, this can be practiced all year round, but in this month, the special emphasis on worship and additional time that one is able to devote act as boosters.

Quran: Many of us make a pledge to read Quran or at least a portion thereof. The importance of understanding the Quran cannot be overemphasized, and therefore, if unable to read both its Arabic text and translation, one can (and probably should) resort to studying the translation only. Appreciating the fact that Quran is an address from God makes one grateful to Him for having sent guidance to lead His creation aright, acting upon which would make one successful in His eyes and lead to eternal bliss. It makes one understand the traits He would like to see in His slave, and what one should avoid. Fasting helps further by reminding the need to act upon what Quran has taught us.