In just a few days, we will welcome the blessed month—a “dear guest” that brings with it a flood of blessings and mercy. Like any honored visitor, Ramadan requires preparation that begins long before the crescent moon is sighted. The greater the status of the guest, the more extensive the preparations must be.

The Prophet ﷺ warned of the gravity of missing this opportunity: “May his nose be rubbed in the dust, a man for whom Ramadan comes and then goes before he is forgiven” (Tirmidhi). To ensure we are among the forgiven, we must approach this month with a clear roadmap for success.

The Theology of Preparation: Why We Ready Our Souls

The importance of preparation stems from the profound impact this month has on a believer’s life. It is not merely a change in eating habits, but an intensive spiritual course where Allah nurtures the soul in obedience.

The Goal: Attaining Taqwa

The ultimate fruit of Ramadan is Taqwa (God-consciousness), the highest rank a believer can achieve.

“[O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous] (Quran, 2:183).

Taqwa serves as a spiritual shield against Allah’s displeasure. It is manifested by actively performing acts of obedience and abstaining from prohibitions solely for His sake.

How to Prepare for Ramadan: A 12-Step Practical Guide

Any successful project requires a blueprint. Your success this Ramadan is linked to your readiness today. One of the unique characteristics of this month is how it encourages self-organization. The fixed times for Suhoor and Iftar provide a natural structure to your day, allowing you to manage your hours with flexibility and purpose.

1. Preparing the Heart and Setting Sincere Intentions

Success begins with the heart. Invoke a strong determination to seize every moment. Do not settle for a single intention; enumerate them to multiply your rewards:

  • Obedience: “I fast to obey Allah’s command.”
  • Protection: “I fast as a shield (Jannah) from the Hellfire.”
  • Entrance to Paradise: “I fast to enter through the gate of Ar-Raiyan.”
  • Sincerity: “I fast because it is a secret between me and my Lord.”

2. Intentions for Atonement and Spiritual Elevation

Remind yourself of the prophetic promise: “Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, all his past sins will be forgiven.” Declare in your heart that you are fasting to reach the rank of the righteous.

3. Increase Supplication (Dua) and Urgency

Supplication is the weapon of the believer. Be persistent in asking Allah to let you reach Ramadan in good health and to grant you the Tawfiq (success) to worship Him in a way that pleases Him.

“And your Lord says, ‘Call upon Me; I will respond to you.'” (Quran, 40:60).

4. Training with Sha’ban Fasts

Follow the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ by fasting during the month of Sha’ban. Aisha (RA) reported that the Prophet ﷺ used to fast most of Sha’ban as a preparation for Ramadan. This helps the body adjust to the hunger and thirst, allowing the mind to focus on worship from Day 1 of Ramadan.

5. Create a Daily Worship Schedule

Establish a structured routine from dawn to dusk. Your plan should include:

  • Quranic Recitation: Setting a daily goal for Khatm (completion).
  • Knowledge: Reading the Seerah (Prophet’s biography) or spiritual texts.
  • Family Engagement: Delivering short reminders or lessons to your household.

6. Sincere Repentance (Tawbah)

Purify your heart from the “filth of sins” before the month starts. Adorn your soul with faith and commit to leaving behind habits that distance you from Allah.

7. Abundant Seeking of Forgiveness (Istighfar)

Increase your Istighfar to welcome the month with a clean slate.

“And those who… remember Allah and seek forgiveness for their sins—and who can forgive sins except Allah?” (Quran, 3:135).

8. Cultivate Tolerance and Forgiveness

Harboring grudges exhausts the soul. Enter Ramadan with a heart that has forgiven others, seeking the forgiveness of Allah in return.

“Our Lord, forgive us and our brothers who preceded us in faith and put not in our hearts [any] resentment toward those who have believed.” (Quran, 59:10).

9. Determination for Immediate Change

Resolve to make positive changes now. Do not procrastinate. Ibn al-Qayyim warned that those who delay when a door of goodness is opened may find a barrier placed between their hearts and their intentions later.

10. Prioritize the Night Prayer (Tahajjud)

The Night Prayer has a transformative impact on the believer. Start waking up 15–20 minutes before Fajr now to build the habit of standing before Allah.

“[And] those who spend [part of] the night to their Lord prostrating and standing [in prayer].” (Quran, 25:64).

11. Guarding the Tongue and Self-Reflection

Be diligent in guarding your speech against gossip, slander, and idle talk. If challenged or provoked, remember the prophetic instruction to say, “I am fasting.”

12. Striving for Noble Character (Akhlaq)

Good character is the weightiest thing on the scales. Focus on patience and kindness. As mentioned in Ahmad’s Musnad: “A person may reach the status of one who fasts and stands in prayer through good conduct.”

Conclusion: Ramadan as a Field for Rebirth

When the devils are chained and the “fires of desires” are extinguished through fasting, the rule of reason prevails. Ramadan is a field for reform and rebirth; do not deprive yourself of its growth due to laziness or neglect.

May Allah assist us in remembering Him, expressing gratitude, and performing excellent worship.

By Asmaa Al-Khattaf