Ramadan is approaching. The gates of mercy will soon open, and the opportunities for forgiveness and reward will multiply. The question is:
Are we ready for it?
Many approach Ramadan with last-minute enthusiasm, hoping to transform their habits overnight. But true preparation begins long before the crescent moon is sighted. The companions of the Prophet ﷺ would prepare for Ramadan months in advance. Their hearts were eager, their minds were focused, and their actions reflected their deep understanding of the significance of this blessed month.
1. Longing to Meet Allah: The Core of Preparation
One of the most critical elements of preparing for Ramadan is reviving the desire to meet Allah. Ramadan is not merely about fasting; it is about drawing closer to Allah ﷻ. The Prophet ﷺ taught us that Allah Himself welcomes the servant who seeks Him:
"If My servant comes close to Me by a handspan, I come close to him by an arm’s length. If he comes close to Me by an arm’s length, I come close to him by two arm’s lengths. And if he comes to Me walking, I come to him running." (Sahih al-Bukhari: 7536)
The month of Ramadan offers countless ways to take those steps towards Allah—through fasting, prayer, recitation of the Qur’an, charity, and seeking forgiveness. But before these acts can bear fruit, one must first cultivate a genuine longing for Allah.
Abdullah ibn Mas’ud رضي الله عنه narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Indeed, faith wears out in the heart just as clothes wear out, so ask Allah to renew faith in your hearts." (Narrated by al-Tabarani in his Mu‘jam: 14/70)
This renewal of faith is what Ramadan provides. It is an opportunity to restore our connection with our Creator, to refresh our commitment to Him, and to rekindle our passion for worship.
2. Knowledge Precedes Action
Ramadan is a month of worship, but for that worship to be meaningful, it must be based on knowledge. Imam Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله said:
"The one traveling towards Allah needs two things: a strong will that lifts him, and knowledge that guides him." (al-Durar al-Kaminah: 5/138)
Without knowledge, one’s efforts in Ramadan may lack direction. Allah ﷻ commands us in every prayer to ask for guidance:
اهْدِنَا الصِّرَاطَ الْمُسْتَقِيمَ، صِرَاطَ الَّذِينَ أَنْعَمْتَ عَلَيْهِمْ غَيْرِ الْمَغْضُوبِ عَلَيْهِمْ وَلَا الضَّالِّينَ
"Guide us to the Straight Path – the path of those You have blessed, not of those who incurred Your anger nor of those who went astray."(Surah Al-Fatiha: 6-7)
The righteous predecessors would dedicate themselves to understanding the virtues, rulings, and etiquettes of Ramadan before it arrived. They recognized that without knowledge, one might perform actions without realizing their true value.
The Prophet ﷺ himself would increase his recitation of the Qur’an in Sha’ban, preparing his heart for the intensity of Ramadan. Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali رحمه الله noted:
"The Qur’an was revealed in Ramadan, and thus Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an. The righteous would abandon other pursuits and devote themselves entirely to its recitation and reflection."
3. Evaluating Time: The Currency of Life
One of the greatest regrets on the Day of Judgment will be wasted time. The Prophet ﷺ said:
"Two blessings many people squander: health and free time." (Sahih al-Bukhari: 6412)
Time is not just an asset—it is our life itself. Every moment that passes is a moment that will never return. The companions understood this deeply. Imam al-Shafi‘i رحمه الله said:
"Time is like a sword—if you do not cut it, it will cut you."
In preparation for Ramadan, schedule your time wisely. Prioritize:
- Qur’an recitation over social media scrolling.
- Tahajjud and Qiyam over late-night entertainment.
- Dua and dhikr over idle talk.
The Messenger ﷺ would increase in fasting in Sha’ban as part of his preparation. He didn’t wait for Ramadan to start worshipping; rather, he trained his body and soul beforehand.
4. Setting Spiritual Goals
A successful Ramadan begins with clear goals. Ask yourself:
- How much Qur’an do I want to read?
- How many raka’at of Qiyam will I pray?
- What sins do I need to abandon?
- Which good habits do I want to instill permanently?
A strong intention leads to strong results. Allah ﷻ said about the hypocrites who excused themselves from battle:
وَلَوْ أَرَادُوا ٱلْخُرُوجَ لَأَعَدُّوا۟ لَهُ عُدَّةً
"If they had truly wanted to go forth, they would have prepared for it." (Surah At-Tawbah: 46)
If you truly want to have a productive Ramadan, you will start preparing for it now—not on the first night of Taraweeh.
5. Choosing the Right Company
Who you spend time with in Ramadan will impact your spiritual state. Allah ordered the Prophet ﷺ:
وَاصْبِرْ نَفْسَكَ مَعَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَدْعُونَ رَبَّهُم
"Be patient with those who call upon their Lord morning and evening." (Surah Al-Kahf: 28)
Surround yourself with righteous company—those who encourage you towards prayer, Qur’an, and remembrance. Avoid gatherings that revolve around gossip, entertainment, or wasting time.
On the Day of Judgment, some will regret the friendships they chose:
يَـٰوَيْلَتَىٰ لَيْتَنِى لَمْ أَتَّخِذْ فُلَانًا خَلِيلًا، لَّقَدْ أَضَلَّنِى عَنِ ٱلذِّكْرِ بَعْدَ إِذْ جَآءَنِى ...
"Woe to me! If only I had not taken so-and-so as a friend! He led me astray from the reminder after it came to me!" (Surah Al-Furqan: 28-29)
6. Strengthening the Connection with Allah
One of the most effective ways to prepare for Ramadan is by reflecting on the names and attributes of Allah. Imam Ibn al-Qayyim رحمه الله said:
"When a person truly knows Allah, his heart automatically turns towards Him."
Try this:
- Learn one name of Allah daily, its meaning, and how to apply it in your life.
- Reflect on Allah’s names of mercy to instill hope.
- Reflect on Allah’s names of justice and might to instill awe and accountability.
This balanced hope and fear is what kept the companions and righteous predecessors steadfast.
Final Thought: Striving for Excellence
Ramadan is a precious gift, and some of us may not live to witness it next year. Therefore, we should strive to make the most of it by improving ourselves and following the path of the righteous. As the poets have said:
فتشبهوا بهم إن لم تكونوا مثلهم إن التشبه بالكرام فلاح
"If you cannot be like the righteous, then at least imitate them. For indeed, following them is success." (Mu'jam al-udaba' by Yāqūt al-Ḥamawī: 6/2808)
If we truly want to make the most of Ramadan, we must prepare now. Renew your heart, seek knowledge, organize your time, set spiritual goals, choose righteous company, and strengthen your connection with Allah.
May Allah grant us the ability to witness Ramadan, to maximize its blessings, and to be among those who emerge from it forgiven and purified.
"O Allah, allow us to reach Ramadan and aid us in remembering You, thanking You, and perfecting our worship of You." Ameen.
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