With Ramadan fast approaching, preparation for the blessed month is key to making the most out of it. Read more for some tips on how to do so.

Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar. It is observed to uphold Sawm, the Fourth Pillar of Islam. Sawm means ‘to fast’, and it teaches Muslims self-control and dedication, among other things. Ultimately, fasting is done for the sake of Allah (SWT).

The following hadith shows the importance of this month: “Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him) said: ‘When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.’ (Sahih Al-Bukhari and Muslim)”

Ramadan 2023 is expected to begin on 22 March and end on 20 April.

How to Prepare for Ramadan

There is so much you can do to prepare for Ramadan by starting good deeds and habits to continue in and beyond the month. The best thing to do is plant seeds by starting to build up good habits in Rajab, continue them in Sha’ban, and then it becomes easier to continue in Ramadan, where you can reap the rewards of this beautiful month.

Ramadan preparation can be done in the following ways:

• Start fasting once or twice a week to get used to fasting during Ramadan. You could do this on Mondays and Thursdays as it is the Sunnah.
• Make a dua list – you can use this during the month. There are many duas one can recite in Ramadan, and duas are likely to be answered during this month, especially on Laylatul Qadr.
• Read a translation of the Qur’an or learn Arabic to understand it. This allows us to apply the teachings of the Qur’an to our lives.
• Invest in a Ramadan planner. Today there are many you can buy that include many features, such as trackers for prayers, dhikr, fasting, a dua list and much more.
• Learn about Ramadan – Learning about the importance of this month can ensure that we understand why it is essential that we make the most of this blessed month.
• Get in the habit of giving charity – giving charity can be smiling at someone, helping a neighbour, or donating to charity.

Giving Charity

“A charity is due for every joint in each person on every day the sun comes up: to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it, is a charity; a good word is a charity; and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)

Donate to Orphans in Need today.

By donating, you will be helping those who are less fortunate and those who are struggling around the world. Giving charity is so important and virtuous at any time, and doing so during Ramadan, is even more so. The Prophet, upon him, be peace, said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)