Ramadan is almost here, and you can feel the excitement building up. The companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to prepare months in advance, treating this month like a guest of honour.
Their lives give us valuable lessons on how to prepare for Ramadan, a spiritually rich time. Let’s walk through some essential steps to help you get ready, just like they did.
Start with Your Heart
One day, the Prophet (peace be upon him) told his companions about a man who would enter Paradise. When the man walked in, he didn’t seem extraordinary.
Curious, one of the companions stayed with him for a few days to figure out what made him special. The answer was simple but profound: before sleeping every night, he forgave anyone who had wronged him.
Think about that. Ramadan is a time to seek Allah’s forgiveness, but how can you ask for it if your own heart is heavy with grudges? Start by forgiving others and mending broken relationships.
Call that friend you’ve fallen out with or send a kind message to someone you’ve been avoiding. A clean heart will help you approach Ramadan with peace and focus.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever does not forgive others, Allah will not forgive them.” (Sahih Muslim)
Reconnect with the Qur’an
Do you know why Ramadan is called the month of the Qur’an? This is because the first verses of the Quran were revealed this month.
“Ramadan is the month in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) would spend every night of Ramadan reviewing the Qur’an with Angel Jibreel. His companions, like Uthman ibn Affan, followed this example by dedicating hours to its recitation.
You don’t need to finish the entire Qur’an before Ramadan, but why not start small? Read a few verses daily and reflect on their meaning. Imagine opening the Qur’an on the first night of Ramadan and feeling connected to its words because you’ve already been engaging with it.
That’s the beauty of preparation—it makes everything flow naturally when the time comes.
Prepare Your Body Through Fasting
The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to fast often in Sha’ban, the month before Ramadan.
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said he would fast so much during this month that it felt like he was preparing himself for Ramadan.
It wasn’t just about building endurance; it was about training the soul to be patient and mindful.
Try fasting a few days before Ramadan. Maybe fast on Mondays and Thursdays, a sunnah practice of the Prophet. It’s a gentle way to ease into the routine of fasting and remind yourself of the hunger that so many people endure daily.
Be Generous, Like the Prophet
Generosity shines brightest in Ramadan. Abdullah ibn Abbas said, “The Prophet was the most generous of people, and he was most generous during Ramadan.” Imagine how much barakah you can bring into your life by following his example.
Think about giving Sadaqah. Whether it’s helping someone in your neighbourhood or donating through an organisation, your contributions can make a difference. Your charity could feed a family, provide clean water, or support an orphan.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Charity does not decrease wealth.” (Sahih Muslim)
So, don’t hold back. Give from what you have, and watch how Allah blesses you in return.
Set Clear Intentions
Do you know what makes an action meaningful? It’s the intention behind it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Actions are judged by intentions, and every person will be rewarded according to what they intended.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Before Ramadan starts, take a moment to think about your goals.
What do you want to achieve this Ramadan? Maybe you want to pray more, give up a bad habit, or focus on gratitude. Write it down. Even small goals matter if your intention is sincere.
Ali ibn Abi Talib once said, “The best deeds are those done with pure intentions, even if they are small.” So, don’t worry about perfection—focus on being genuine.
Dedicate Time for Worship
When Ramadan arrived, the companions didn’t just fast and go about their usual routines—they elevated their worship.
Umar ibn al-Khattab introduced communal Tarawih prayers to bring the community together in worship. The Prophet (peace be upon him) would spend long nights in prayer, so much so that his feet would swell.
So, try to dedicate extra time to worship. It could be as simple as waking up a bit earlier for Tahajjud or adding more istighfar to your day. These practices would make it easy for you to to worship more during Ramadan.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever stands in prayer during the nights of Ramadan with faith and hope in Allah’s reward will have their past sins forgiven.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Pray for Guidance and Strength
The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us a beautiful dua: “O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban and allow us to reach Ramadan.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
This dua reflects the longing to witness Ramadan and make the most of its blessings.
Start asking Allah for help now. Pray for strength to fast, focus on your prayers, and sincerity in your actions.
Remember, even the companions relied on Allah’s guidance to get through Ramadan successfully. You’re not alone in this journey—Allah is always there to support you.
Ramadan is a gift, a chance to renew your connection with Allah and purify your soul. The companions prepared for it with excitement and dedication, and so can you.
Take these steps to get ready, and when the crescent moon appears, you’ll be ready to embrace this blessed month with open arms.