By Sumaira Zaheer from Productive Muslims

During the last Ramadan, I mostly looked forward to indulging in the fruit salad that my husband prepared for iftar. The fruit pieces were not symmetrical or the same size. Importantly, my husband's hands cut them. The salad is always special to be because my husband goes to a great effort to make it! Our iftar meals are always simple: date, water, a fruit salad and each other.

During Ramadan couples are not permitted have intercourse while fasting. However, there are many different ways that couples can express their love for each other. After Maghrib and until the start of Fajr the following morning, sexual activity is prohibited. However, resuming sexual relations with your partner is not forbidden during the time you are not fasting. Although many couples feel very exhausted from fasting all day, it's good to know what is and isn't permissible behavior throughout the month of Ramadan. In this article, I share the ideas related to helping you to remain close with your partner throughout Ramadan. If you can stay healthy as a couple during the busy days of Ramadan, it will set the foundations for a blessed marriage for the remaining time of the year. 1. Always set aside time for your husband Ramadan is a particularly busy and hectic time, especially if you are the woman of the house. You may be wondering how it is even possible to make time for others let alone yourself! The key is some simple preparation and bearing in mind what matters, and that is jannah. Everyone knows that one way a woman will achieve Jannah is to please her husband. 2. Make sure that you eat suhoor and iftar with your loved one A simple way to spend time with your husband is to make sure that you eat together during suhoor and iftar. Sharing precious meals is a wonderful way to connect with each other. Also, it's a good time to talk about how you both feel regarding Ramadan goals and to encourage each other to remember why you are both fasting. Some men will break their fast at the masjid. If this is the case, then organize a smaller meal later in the evening instead. 3. Exchange a hadith Many articles that focus on healthy marriages advice couples to send each other sweet 'I love you' notes spontaneously. It's a good idea to do this during Ramadan by sending emails, text messages or through social media messaging. For example, send him a hadith about jannah. Ensure that the note is full of motivation, that way you will both meet again in jannah. 4. Prepare adequately for your partners return from Itikaf Most women like to make an effort when it comes to the fulfilled Eid celebrations. During Ramadan, reserve some time to get yourself dressed up a day earlier, especially for your husband if he has gone away for Itikaf. Ten days apart from each other, your loved one will appreciate that you have made the effort especially for him. Ramadan is a challenging time but if you follow the tips below your relationship will be even stronger than before.