Introduction: Ramadan is Coming, Are You Ready?
Imagine you’re about to welcome a dear and precious guest, someone you’ve been waiting for all year. Wouldn’t you prepare for their arrival? Wouldn’t you clean your house and ready the best you have for them? This is exactly how we should feel about the arrival of Ramadan—a noble guest that visits us once a year, laden with blessings and spiritual opportunities that may never come again.
Allah says in the Holy Quran:
“شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ”
“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” (Al-Baqarah: 185)
This magnificent month isn’t merely about abstaining from food and drink—it’s a comprehensive spiritual season, a chance for radical transformation, and a station for spiritual provision that can sustain us for the rest of the year.
But the question is: How do we truly prepare for it? Especially those of us living in Western countries where life moves fast, temptations abound, and the Islamic environment is sometimes limited?
Why Prepare for Ramadan? The Religious Foundation
The Predecessors Prepared for Ramadan
Imam Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali said in his book “Lata’if Al-Ma’arif”: “The righteous predecessors would pray to Allah for six months to reach Ramadan, then pray to Him for six months that He would accept it from them.”
This means our Muslim forebears spent half the year praying to reach Ramadan, and the other half praying for the acceptance of their deeds in it. This is the level of reverence they held for this blessed month.
The Prophet ﷺ Prepared for Ramadan
Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated:
“كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ إِذَا دَخَلَ رَجَبٌ، قَالَ: اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِي رَجَبٍ وَشَعْبَانَ وَبَلِّغْنَا رَمَضَانَ”
“When Rajab would begin, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ would say: ‘O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban, and let us reach Ramadan.'” (Narrated by Ahmad and Al-Tabarani)
The Prophet ﷺ began praying to reach Ramadan two months in advance! This demonstrates the importance of early preparation.
Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) said:
“كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ يَصُومُ حَتَّى نَقُولَ: لَا يُفْطِرُ، وَيُفْطِرُ حَتَّى نَقُولَ: لَا يَصُومُ، فَمَا رَأَيْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ ﷺ اسْتَكْمَلَ صِيَامَ شَهْرٍ إِلَّا رَمَضَانَ، وَمَا رَأَيْتُهُ أَكْثَرَ صِيَامًا مِنْهُ فِي شَعْبَانَ”
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to fast until we would say he will never break his fast, and he would not fast until we would say he will never fast. I never saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ complete the fasting of an entire month except Ramadan, and I never saw him fast more than in Sha’ban.” (Agreed upon)
The Prophet ﷺ would increase his fasting in Sha’ban as preparation for Ramadan—like spiritual and physical training.
Part One: Spiritual and Faith Preparation
1. Renewing Intention and Determination
Intention is the foundation of every deed in Islam. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“إِنَّمَا الْأَعْمَالُ بِالنِّيَّاتِ، وَإِنَّمَا لِكُلِّ امْرِئٍ مَا نَوَى”
“Actions are but by intentions, and every person will have what they intended.” (Agreed upon)
How to renew your intention?
- Sit with yourself and ask: “What do I want to achieve in Ramadan?”
- Write down your spiritual goals (like: completing the Quran, praying in congregation, repenting from a specific sin)
- Make your intention purely for Allah alone, not for showing off or reputation
- Ask Allah to help you achieve these goals
Allah says: “وَمَا أُمِرُوا إِلَّا لِيَعْبُدُوا اللَّهَ مُخْلِصِينَ لَهُ الدِّينَ” – “And they were not commanded except to worship Allah, [being] sincere to Him in religion.” (Al-Bayyinah: 5)
2. Sincere Repentance
Ramadan is an opportunity for new beginnings, but it’s best to start with a clean heart. Repentance before Ramadan means you enter the month light from sins, ready to harvest good deeds.
Allah says: “وَتُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَ الْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ” – “And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.” (An-Nur: 31)
Steps of sincere repentance:
- Genuine remorse: Feel truly sorry for what you did
- Immediate cessation: Stop the sin right now
- Resolve not to return: Make a sincere decision not to go back to it
- Restore rights: If your sin involved someone’s rights, restore them or seek forgiveness
The Prophet ﷺ said: “التَّائِبُ مِنَ الذَّنْبِ كَمَنْ لَا ذَنْبَ لَهُ” – “The one who repents from sin is like one who has no sin.” (Narrated by Ibn Majah)
3. Learning the Rulings of Fasting
How can you worship Allah with something whose rulings you don’t know? Important preparation includes learning:
- What invalidates the fast and what doesn’t
- Rulings for the sick and travelers
- Rulings of making up fasts and expiation
- Etiquettes of fasting
Allah says: “فَاسْأَلُوا أَهْلَ الذِّكْرِ إِن كُنتُمْ لَا تَعْلَمُونَ” – “So ask the people of knowledge if you do not know.” (An-Nahl: 43)
Useful resources:
- Consult trustworthy scholars in your area
- For fiqh questions, contact the consultation service at Quranst.com
- Read simplified booklets about fasting rulings
4. Voluntary Fasting in Sha’ban
As we saw, the Prophet ﷺ would increase fasting in Sha’ban. This is practical training!
Benefits:
- Gradually conditions your body to fasting
- Spiritually prepares you
- Makes the transition to Ramadan easier
- You gain the reward of voluntary fasting
Imam An-Nawawi said: “Fasting in Sha’ban is like training for fasting Ramadan so that one doesn’t enter Ramadan’s fast with difficulty and hardship.”
5. Increasing Quran Recitation
Ramadan is the month of the Quran, as Allah said: “شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ” – “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran.”
How to prepare with the Quran?
- Start reading one juz daily now to get used to completing it
- Review your tajweed if you have memorized
- Listen to moving recitations to motivate yourself
- If you don’t read Arabic fluently, start practicing now
Tip for families: Make Quran reading a daily family activity. Sit after Maghrib or Isha prayer and let each member read a page. This creates a wonderful faith atmosphere at home.
6. Training Children to Fast
If you’re a parent, Ramadan is a golden opportunity to raise your children in worship.
Scholars said: It’s recommended to train children to fast from around age seven, even if only for a few hours at first.
Practical methods:
- Start with half-day fasting (until noon)
- Praise and encourage them with rewards
- Create a “Ramadan board” where they place a star for each day they fasted
- Explain the virtue of fasting in simple, understandable language
Helpful resources:
- Use interactive Ramadan games at Quranst.com Free Games
- Read them stories of the prophets related to Ramadan
7. Supplicating to Reach It and for Acceptance
Like the predecessors, pray to Allah to let you reach Ramadan in the best condition and to accept from you.
Transmitted supplication: “اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِي رَجَبٍ وَشَعْبَانَ وَبَلِّغْنَا رَمَضَانَ” “O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban, and let us reach Ramadan.”
Another supplication: “O Allah, deliver me to Ramadan, preserve Ramadan for me, and accept it from me.”
Part Two: Practical and Organizational Preparation
1. Organizing Time and Daily Schedule
In Western countries, the biggest challenge is balancing work/school with worship. Advance planning solves this problem.
Practical steps:
A. Review your work/study schedule:
- Request time off if possible (especially for the last ten days)
- Talk to your manager/teachers about your needs
- In some countries, you have the legal right to prayer breaks
B. Plan your Ramadan day:
- When will you wake for suhoor (pre-dawn meal)?
- How many hours of sleep do you need?
- When will you read Quran?
- When will you go to the mosque?
C. Create a written schedule: Write a clear daily schedule and post it on the fridge or in your room.
Example daily schedule:
- 4:00 AM: Wake for suhoor
- 4:30 AM: Fajr prayer
- 5:00 AM: Read one juz of Quran
- 6:00 AM: Brief sleep or prepare for work
- 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM: Work/study
- 5:30 PM: Rest and prepare for iftar
- 7:00 PM: Iftar and Maghrib prayer
- 8:00 PM: Isha and Taraweeh prayers
- 10:00 PM: Family time or Quran reading
- 11:00 PM: Sleep
2. Financial Planning
Ramadan is the month of generosity and spending. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ أَجْوَدَ النَّاسِ، وَكَانَ أَجْوَدُ مَا يَكُونُ فِي رَمَضَانَ”
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was most generous during Ramadan.” (Agreed upon)
Plan your finances:
- Allocate an amount for charity (daily or weekly)
- Save for Zakat al-Fitr (obligatory for every Muslim)
- Plan to feed fasting people (at the mosque or home)
- Donate to trustworthy charitable projects
The Prophet ﷺ said: “مَنْ فَطَّرَ صَائِمًا كَانَ لَهُ مِثْلُ أَجْرِهِ” – “Whoever feeds a fasting person will have a reward like his, without it detracting from the fasting person’s reward at all.” (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi, authenticated by Al-Albani)
3. Preparing the Home
Spiritually:
- Clean your house (cleanliness is part of faith)
- Hang Ramadan decorations (crescents, lanterns, banners)
- Create a “Ramadan corner” with Qurans and religious books
- Set up a small prayer area for children
Practically:
- Prepare alarm clocks for suhoor time
- Buy dates (sunnah for breaking fast)
- Prepare prayer mats
- Organize the kitchen for easy preparation
4. Meal Planning
Golden advice: Don’t make Ramadan the month of food! Many people spend most of their time in the kitchen.
Practical tips:
- Plan a weekly menu in advance
- Cook simple, healthy meals
- Use a slow cooker – add ingredients in the morning and return to a ready meal
- Freeze ready meals before Ramadan
- Involve family in cooking
For suhoor: Best is light, nutritious food (dates, milk, banana, oatmeal) that doesn’t make you thirsty.
For iftar: Start with dates and water (prophetic sunnah), then pray Maghrib, then eat moderately.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “مَا مَلَأَ آدَمِيٌّ وِعَاءً شَرًّا مِنْ بَطْنٍ” – “The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach.” (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi, authenticated by Al-Albani)
5. Connecting with the Muslim Community
In the West, the Muslim community is very important for maintaining spirituality.
How to prepare socially?
- Contact your nearby Islamic center
- Ask about Taraweeh prayer times
- Ask about Ramadan programs for children
- Join Ramadan groups on WhatsApp or Facebook
- Plan group iftars with Muslim families
The Prophet ﷺ said: “مَثَلُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ فِي تَوَادِّهِمْ، وَتَرَاحُمِهِمْ، وَتَعَاطُفِهِمْ مَثَلُ الْجَسَدِ” – “The example of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body.” (Agreed upon)
Part Three: Psychological and Emotional Preparation
1. Removing Obstacles
Be honest with yourself: What prevents you from benefiting from Ramadan?
Common obstacles and solutions:
A. Social media addiction:
- Delete time-wasting apps before Ramadan
- Use blocking apps (Screen Time, Freedom)
- Allocate specific time for communication (30 minutes daily)
B. Watching series and movies:
- Decide now: Ramadan without series
- Replace them with religious programs or reading
- Keep entertainment time limited and clean
C. Staying up late and excessive sleep:
- Get used to sleeping early from now
- Sleep right after Isha
- Wake for night prayer even if for ten minutes
2. Controlling Anger
Fasting isn’t just about food. The Prophet ﷺ said:
“لَيْسَ الصِّيَامُ مِنَ الْأَكْلِ وَالشُّرْبِ، إِنَّمَا الصِّيَامُ مِنَ اللَّغْوِ وَالرَّفَثِ”
“Fasting is not [abstaining] from eating and drinking only, but from vain speech and foul language.” (Narrated by Al-Hakim, authenticated by Al-Albani)
Start now:
- Practice controlling your anger
- Avoid futile arguments
- Guard your tongue from backbiting and slander
The Prophet ﷺ said: “إِذَا كَانَ يَوْمُ صَوْمِ أَحَدِكُمْ فَلَا يَرْفُثْ وَلَا يَصْخَبْ، فَإِنْ سَابَّهُ أَحَدٌ أَوْ قَاتَلَهُ فَلْيَقُلْ: إِنِّي امْرُؤٌ صَائِمٌ” – “When one of you is fasting, he should neither behave in an obscene manner nor raise his voice. If someone insults him or fights with him, let him say: ‘I am fasting.'” (Agreed upon)
3. Motivation and Inspiration
Read stories of the predecessors in Ramadan—how they lived it, how they cried when hearing Quran, how they gave everything they owned.
Inspiring resources:
- Listen to moving Ramadan sermons
- Read the book “Lata’if Al-Ma’arif” by Ibn Rajab
- Watch meaningful religious programs
- Read the biographies of companions in Ramadan
Part Four: Detailed Preparation Checklist
Two Months Before (Rajab – Early Sha’ban):
Spiritually:
- ✅ Begin praying to reach Ramadan
- ✅ Repent from major sins
- ✅ Start fasting some days in Rajab and Sha’ban
Practically:
- ✅ Review calendar and request time off
- ✅ Search for nearby Islamic center
- ✅ Register children in Ramadan programs
One Month Before (Mid-Sha’ban):
Spiritually:
- ✅ Increase fasting in the second half of Sha’ban
- ✅ Start a Quran completion for practice
- ✅ Learn basic fasting rulings
Practically:
- ✅ Create daily Ramadan schedule
- ✅ Financial planning for charity
- ✅ Prepare weekly food menu
- ✅ Buy Ramadan decorations
Health-wise:
- ✅ Medical checkup if you have chronic conditions
- ✅ Consult doctor about medications and fasting
- ✅ Start gradually reducing caffeine
Two Weeks Before:
Spiritually:
- ✅ Review spiritual goals
- ✅ Determine which Quran parts you want to memorize
- ✅ Reconcile with anyone you have conflict with
Practically:
- ✅ Inform school/work about Ramadan dates
- ✅ Set up Ramadan corner at home
- ✅ Cook and freeze some meals
- ✅ Buy dates and essentials
Technologically:
- ✅ Download useful apps (prayer times, Quran)
- ✅ Delete time-wasting apps
- ✅ Prepare Quran playlists
One Week Before:
Spiritually:
- ✅ Intensive prayer to reach Ramadan
- ✅ Final repentance from all sins
- ✅ Read about Ramadan’s virtues
Practically:
- ✅ Deep clean the entire house
- ✅ Decorate house with Ramadan decorations
- ✅ Ensure everything is ready
- ✅ Final review of daily schedule
Family-wise:
- ✅ Family meeting to discuss Ramadan
- ✅ Distribute tasks among family members
- ✅ Explain goals to children excitingly
Last Day Before Ramadan (29th Sha’ban):
Spiritually:
- ✅ Fast the day of doubt if you wish (recommended by some scholars)
- ✅ Heartfelt prayer to reach Ramadan
- ✅ Recite adhkar for entering the month
Practically:
- ✅ Buy fresh items for first suhoor
- ✅ Prepare alarm for suhoor time
- ✅ Sleep early preparing for the first day
Special Tips for Families in Western Countries
1. Dealing with Work/School Environment
Be proud of your Islam: Don’t be ashamed of your fasting. Tell your colleagues and teachers clearly and respectfully.
Sample letter to teacher: “Dear Teacher,
I’m writing to inform you that my child will be fasting during the month of Ramadan (from date X to Y). During this period, they will abstain from food and drink from dawn to sunset.
Please consider this during lunch time, and perhaps allow them to sit in the library instead of the cafeteria. They may also need a quiet place for prayer at noon.
Thank you for your understanding.”
2. Maintaining Faith Atmosphere
In a non-Islamic environment, how do you maintain Ramadan’s spirituality?
- Make your home a faith oasis (Quran always playing, adhkar, religious series)
- Connect daily with your Muslim friends
- Attend the mosque as much as possible (especially Friday and Taraweeh)
- Participate in group iftars
- Listen to lessons and lectures online
3. Leveraging Diversity
Western countries have wonderful opportunities:
- Mosques usually organize excellent children’s programs
- There’s diversity in communities (try different foods at iftars)
- Freedom to practice your religion is legally protected
- Many resources available in English
4. Teaching Children in a Fun Way
Make Ramadan a positive experience:
- Don’t force young children to fast
- Create a “Ramadan board” with stars and rewards
- Read them stories of the prophets
- Let them help prepare iftar
- Take them to the mosque
- Use interactive games at Quranst.com
Common Mistakes in Ramadan Preparation
❌ Mistake 1: Focusing Only on Material Preparation
Many prepare with cooking and shopping but forget the heart. Remember: Ramadan is first and foremost a spiritual month.
❌ Mistake 2: Procrastination
“I’ll start changing in Ramadan”… No! Start now. Ramadan comes to strengthen what you’ve begun, not to start from zero.
❌ Mistake 3: Not Setting Clear Goals
Entering Ramadan without a plan = leaving it without achievement. Set specific, measurable goals.
❌ Mistake 4: Neglecting Family
Ramadan is an opportunity for family bonding. Don’t be so busy with individual worship that you neglect your family.
❌ Mistake 5: Making Ramadan the Month of Food
Excessive cooking and eating wastes your time and weighs down your body. Keep it simple and healthy.
Final Message: Ramadan is an Unrepeatable Opportunity
Dear brother, dear sister…
How many people fasted with us last Ramadan and didn’t reach this Ramadan?
Allah says: “وَفِي ذَٰلِكَ فَلْيَتَنَافَسِ الْمُتَنَافِسُونَ” – “So for this let the competitors compete.” (Al-Mutaffifin: 26)
Ramadan isn’t just a month that comes and goes. It’s a transformation station, an opportunity to meet with Allah, a season for harvesting good deeds that might change your entire life.
Imagine:
- Completing the Quran for the first time in your life
- Praying Taraweeh every night
- Giving charity every day
- Repairing your relationship with your parents
- Repenting from a sin that has long weighed on your heart
- Leaving Ramadan as a new person
All this is possible… but requires preparation.
As Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim said: “Traveling to Allah requires provisions, and its provisions are taqwa (God-consciousness).”
Don’t Begin Your Journey Alone!
At Quranst.com, we provide everything you need for a distinguished Ramadan:
📚 Comprehensive Ramadan Programs
For Adults:
- Courses in Tajweed and memorization
- Quran reflection circles
- Lessons in fiqh and creed
- Self-purification programs
For Children:
- Interactive programs for teaching Quran
- Stories of the prophets
- Ramadan activities and competitions
- Islamic educational games
🎯 Why Quranst.com?
✅ Specialized and qualified teachers ✅ Curricula approved by trustworthy scholars ✅ Flexible schedules suitable for Western life ✅ Authentic Islamic educational environment ✅ Individual follow-up for each student
🎁 Special Ramadan Offer
Start your journey with a free trial!
Register now and get:
- Free assessment session
- Customized study plan
- Access to Ramadan resources library
Don’t let Ramadan pass without maximizing your benefit from it!
Remember:
“مَنْ لَمْ يَجْعَلِ اللَّهُ لَهُ نُورًا فَمَا لَهُ مِنْ نُورٍ”
“And he for whom Allah has not made light – for him there is no light.” (An-Nur: 40)
Ramadan is light… so let’s prepare to welcome it with longing hearts, repentant souls, and sincere determination.
O Allah, let us reach Ramadan and help us to fast and pray during it with faith and seeking Your reward.
Ramadan Kareem in advance! 🌙
Sources and References
From the Holy Quran:
- Surah Al-Baqarah: verses 183-185, 189
- Surah An-Nur: verses 31, 40
- Surah Al-Bayyinah: verse 5
- Surah An-Nahl: verse 43
- Surah Al-Mutaffifin: verse 26
From the Prophetic Sunnah:
- Sahih Al-Bukhari
- Sahih Muslim
- Sunan At-Tirmidhi
- Sunan Ibn Majah
- Musnad Imam Ahmad
From Scholars’ Statements:
- Lata’if Al-Ma’arif – Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali
- Sharh Sahih Muslim – Imam An-Nawawi
- Fatwas of Ibn Baz
- Fatwas of Ibn Uthaymin
- Books of Imam Ibn Al-Qayyim
Note: All information in this article is derived from approved Islamic sources according to Ahl As-Sunnah wal-Jama’ah, and the authenticity of mentioned hadiths has been verified.
For fiqh consultations: Contact us
For interactive Ramadan activities: Free games
To join Ramadan programs: Free trial
