Why Preparation Matters

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1899; Sahih Muslim 1079)

That means the opportunities are unmatched, but so are the stakes. To benefit from Ramadan, your heart needs to be ready before the crescent moon is sighted. Like a farmer who prepares the soil before planting, the believer prepares the soul before fasting.

Think of it as spiritual conditioning. Ramadan is not a sudden switch; it’s a climb that begins now, step by step, towards the mercy of Allah.

Step 1: Purify Your Heart and Repent

Start by cleansing the heart. No guest deserves to be greeted by a dirty home, and Ramadan deserves better than a heart filled with sins and resentment.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“O people, repent to Allah, for I repent to Him one hundred times a day.” (Sahih Muslim 2702)

If the Messenger of Allah ﷺ, whose past and future sins were forgiven, sought repentance daily, how much more should we? Reflect on your actions, both private and public. Leave behind hidden sins, neglected prayers, or bad habits. Ask Allah with tears and sincerity: “Ya Allah, purify my heart and let me meet Ramadan clean.”

Step 2: Renew Your Intention (Ikhlās)

Ramadan is not about hunger or routine. It’s about sincerity. Allah says:

“And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, being sincere to Him in religion.” (Surah al-Bayyinah, 98:5)

Your fasting, your prayers, your charity, none of them count without ikhlās (sincerity). Make a quiet promise to yourself: “I am fasting only for You, Allah.” Before the first suhoor, renew that intention deep within. Every act becomes worship when the heart remembers Who it’s for.

Step 3: Reconcile and Forgive Others

Don’t carry grudges into Ramadan. The Prophet ﷺ warned that holding hatred can block forgiveness:

“The gates of Paradise are opened on Mondays and Thursdays, and every servant who does not associate anything with Allah is forgiven, except a man who has enmity between himself and his brother.” (Sahih Muslim 2565)

So before Ramadan, pick up the phone. Apologise, forgive, and let go. Even if you were right, humility brings peace. A clean heart is lighter to raise in du‘ā.

Step 4: Plan Your Time Wisely

Ramadan passes quickly — those who plan, benefit; those who drift, regret. The Prophet ﷺ valued time so deeply that he said:

“Take advantage of five before five: your youth before your old age, your health before your sickness, your wealth before your poverty, your free time before your busyness, and your life before your death.” (Musnad Ahmad 12380, authentic)

Plan your Quran reading, your charity, your iftar schedule. Clear your calendar of unnecessary appointments. Write down realistic daily goals, quality over quantity. A short Qur’an recitation done with reflection beats long hours done in haste.

Step 5: Remove Distractions and Fitnah

Modern life is full of noise, TV, endless scrolling, gossip, and idle talk. Before Ramadan, cut the cords that keep your heart attached to distractions. Replace screen time with dhikr, podcasts with Qur’an recitation, and useless chatter with silence.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Part of a person’s being a good Muslim is leaving alone that which does not concern him.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2317, authentic)

Make your environment conducive to remembrance. If something leads to sin, remove it. The quieter your world, the clearer your heart will hear the call of Allah.

Step 6: Reconnect with the Qur’an

The month of Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an. Allah says:

“The month of Ramadan in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance for mankind.” (Surah al-Baqarah, 2:185)

The Prophet ﷺ would review the entire Qur’an with Jibril (Gabriel) every Ramadan (Sahih al-Bukhari 4997). So what about us? Begin revising now. Read a little each day, even one page. Practise Tajwīd, listen to recitations, and prepare your tongue to speak Allah’s words beautifully. Aim to complete the Qur’an, but more importantly, let it complete you.

Step 7: Prepare Your Family

Ramadan is a household affair. Teach your children early. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Command your children to pray when they are seven years old.” (Sunan Abi Dawood 495)

That same principle applies to fasting and worship. Make it exciting for them, hang decorations, prepare small rewards, tell them stories about the companions. Let them feel the beauty of anticipation. A home that welcomes Ramadan with smiles and Qur’an will be filled with barakah.

Step 8: Reflect on Death and Gratitude

Every Ramadan could be our last. Many who shared suhoor with us last year are gone this year. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Be in this world as though you were a stranger or a traveller.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 6416)

Remembering death softens the heart. It turns fear into urgency and regret into repentance. At the same time, gratitude keeps you grounded. Every breath you take to reach Ramadan is a mercy. Use it well.

Step 9: Organise Your Daily Life

Practical preparation is Sunnah too. Cook and freeze meals ahead of time, plan Eid gifts early, and declutter your home. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Allah loves that when any one of you does a job, he should perfect it.” (al-Bayhaqi, authentic)

This way, you’ll have time for worship instead of endless chores. Simplify meals, reduce waste, and avoid extravagant spending. Ramadan is about feeding the soul, not filling the stomach.

Step 10: Enter Ramadan Spiritually Awake

Finally, approach Ramadan like a believer entering sacred ground. Renew your faith, polish your heart, and pray for acceptance. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 38; Sahih Muslim 760)

Enter with humility, hope, and fear, humility that you may fall short, hope in Allah’s mercy, and fear of wasting the opportunity. Ramadan isn’t about perfection; it’s about direction. Start now, and you’ll arrive ready.

Where to buy

You can explore Sunnah-based products that support your Ramadan preparation and health at SunnahCure.co.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)