The days pass, and time races forward, bringing us ever closer to the month of goodness and the season of blessings— the month of the Quran, fasting, mercy, and forgiveness.
Undoubtedly, Ramadan is the jewel of all months, honored by Allah with the obligation of fasting—a worship that refines the soul, elevates the spirit, and purifies the heart.
It is the month of celebration and devotion to the Book of Allah, the month of the Quran in recitation, reflection, practice, and behavior. Allah says, “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” (Al-Baqarah: 185)
Since Ramadan is the jewel of all months and contains the best days and the greatest nights, Allah has endowed it with unique virtues and abundant blessings. It is a month in which supplications are answered, ranks are elevated, Paradise is opened, and good deeds are multiplied.
Thus, it is necessary for us to prepare for its arrival and to receive it properly, for it is a noble guest that visits for only a few numbered days before departing. By the time it leaves, we will either be among the fortunate who have earned forgiveness and elevated ranks or among those who have wasted their time and are left with nothing but regret.
We must be careful not to be among those who neglect preparing for the best of months and fail to utilize its days and nights properly, for this is a grave loss and a great calamity.
Steps to Prepare for the Blessed Month of Ramadan
- Recognizing the Virtues of Ramadan
One of the most important steps in preparing for Ramadan is understanding its virtues and reflecting on its greatness. Contemplating the Quranic ayahs in Surah Al-Baqarah that speak about Ramadan, studying their interpretation, and pondering their meanings help increase our appreciation for this blessed month. Similarly, reading prophetic hadiths that highlight Ramadan’s virtues and encourage righteous deeds in it strengthens our resolve to engage in acts of worship.
Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “He who fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from God will have his past sins forgiven.”
In a Qudsi Hadith, the Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Every good deed of the son of Adam will be multiplied manifold. A good deed will be multiplied ten times up to as many as seven hundred times, or as much as Allah wills. Allah says: ‘Except for fasting, which is for Me and I shall reward for it. He gives up his desire and his food for My sake.’ The fasting person has two joys, one when he breaks his fast and another when he meets his Lord. The smell that comes from the mouth of a fasting person is better before Allah than the fragrance of musk.'”
- Studying the Life of the Prophet (ﷺ) and His Relationship with Ramadan
Studying the life of the Prophet (ﷺ) brings us closer to him and allows us to learn how he approached Ramadan. As Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) described, he would engage in worship during Ramadan in a manner unlike any other time of the year.
Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) also described the Prophet’s generosity in Ramadan, saying, “The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was the most generous of the men; and he was the most generous during the month of Ramadan when Jibril visited him every night and recited the Qur'an to him. During this period, the generosity of Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) waxed faster than the rain bearing wind.”
- Observing the Preparations of the Companions and the Righteous
Studying how the Companions and the righteous prepared for Ramadan helps us realize the true significance of this blessed month. They would pray to Allah to allow them to reach Ramadan for six months before its arrival, and they would prepare for it by fasting, reciting the Quran, repenting, and increasing in good deeds.
When Ramadan arrived, they would strive in worship with the utmost devotion—standing in prayer, giving charity, and spreading kindness. When Ramadan ended, they would continue to pray for six months, asking Allah to accept their deeds from this blessed month. And after it ends, they would frequently supplicate to Allah to accept their deeds from this blessed month and would persist in praying for acceptance for nearly six months. In this way, we see that they truly valued this month, giving it the importance it deserved and making it a focal point of their concerns throughout the year.
- Making Practical Preparations Before Ramadan
Since Ramadan is a guest that arrives at a known time, it is only appropriate that we prepare to receive it. The level of our preparation determines the divine blessings, rewards, and opportunities we receive. We should organize our affairs and plan our worship in advance so that when the crescent moon of Ramadan appears, we are ready. - Utilizing Sha’ban as a Time of Spiritual Growth
Sha’ban serves as fertile ground for planting the seeds of righteousness in our souls, purifying them, and drawing closer to Allah through acts of worship and charity. The Prophet (ﷺ) would frequently fast in Sha’ban, emphasizing its significance as a time of preparation for Ramadan. - Sincerity in Intention
Sincerity is one of the most crucial factors that enable a person to succeed in their acts of worship. It is also a fundamental condition for the acceptance of deeds. Allah says in the Quran: “So whoever would hope for the meeting with his Lord—let him do righteous work and not associate in the worship of his Lord anyone.” (Al-Kahf: 110)
Scholars explain that for an action to be accepted, it must align with the teachings of Islam and be performed sincerely for Allah. Sincerity enhances and strengthens one’s deeds, making divine assistance and success its natural companions.
Therefore, a Muslim should consciously renew their intention to welcome Ramadan with enthusiasm, resolve to fast and pray during its nights, and commit to increasing in righteous deeds. By doing so, they prepare themselves mentally and spiritually to be among the successful in this blessed month.
- Planning and Setting Goals for Ramadan
Effective planning enhances productivity in Ramadan. A person can set up a schedule for completing the Quran, allocate funds for charity, designate times for additional prayers, join volunteer groups, or find ways to assist others. Checking in on neighbors and relatives also strengthens bonds and increases blessings. - Avoiding Distractions Before Ramadan
Before Ramadan begins, a person should gradually distance themselves from distractions that consume valuable time, such as pointless TV shows and programs that undermine moral values. It is essential to discipline oneself to avoid such distractions before Ramadan starts so that they do not continue into the blessed month, stealing away its most precious moments and distancing us from the pleasure of Allah.
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