How to prepare for Ramadan?

Ramadan requires mental, spiritual and physical dedication which is vital in terms of preparation. Therefore, we should make the most of Sha’ban, the month right before Ramadan, to take small steps to increase and strengthen our imaan as well as earning many rewards.

Here are a few small steps you could implement to help prepare for this Ramadan insha’Allah: 

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1. Start with increasing your repenting

Sincerely and continuously, ask Allah for forgiveness before the month begins means you will enter the month with no sin! Do lots of dhikr when walking, cooking or just going by your day, the aim is to make it a habit so it comes naturally.

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2. Recite the Qur’an daily

Even if it’s just a verse, read, recite, listen and take time out to understand it, to help to create a deeper understanding and connection to our Holy book!

“This is a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, [O Muhammad], that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded.” [Qur’an 38:29]

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3. Refrain from unnoticeable sins

Those every day sins we overlook as little mishaps can lead to creating bad habits which can be much harder to rectify. Make a list and identify the sins, rectifying them beforehand making it eventually easier to leave these bad habits.

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4. Replace the bad for the good habits

Prophet Muhammad (saws) said “Fear Allah wherever you may be; follow up an evil deed with a good one which will wipe (the former) out, and behave good-naturedly towards people.” [At-Tirmidhi].

You can start with the small things such as reviving small sunnah’s in your life, like reading all your daily duas, using miswak in the morning, smiling at your brother or sister and continuously praising Allah (swt) throughout the day! Reading your sunnah and nawafil prayers and giving charity however small it is.

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5. Make sincere Duas for you and your family

Never underestimate the power of your dua! It is your personal connection between you and your Lord and understanding this incredible opportunity is like knowing all your prayers will be answered eventually in Allah’s perfect timing. SubhanAllah! Ask Allah to give you the ability to change for the better and allow you to fully utilise Ramadan in the best way possible so that you become nearer to Him.

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6. Educate yourself

Seek knowledge, implement and share it!

Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Allah makes the way to Jannah easy for him who treads the path in search of knowledge.” [Muslim].

Learn the proper etiquettes of keeping fasts and what can invalidate your efforts or how you can boost your rewards during Ramadan. Just remember that each second you use to acquire any knowledge concerning your closeness to Allah swt will be rewarded abundantly. In sha Allah

7. Set realistic goals

Setting goals is important, yet setting realistic goals are more achievable. Plan each day to meet goals such as trying to recite the Quran each day, or memorise verses, or reading tahaj’ud daily or giving charity to a specific cause.