Everyone’s favorite month is just around the corner, alhamdulillāh. It feels just like yesterday when we were counting 100 days to Ramadān, and now it’s just half a month away. How have you been preparing? Have you started at all?
Ibn Rajab reported: Ma’la ibn al-Fadl (رحمه الله) said,
“The companions would supplicate to Allāh for six months prior that they would reach Ramadān. Then, they would supplicate to Him for six months afterward to accept their deeds.”
Laṭā’if al-Ma’ārif 1/138
It’s just about 15 days left, but you know what they say, “better late than never”. So start today, start now. I know a lot of us have been ‘mentally’ preparing, but some preparations are physical. Have you made up your missed fasts? I attended a gathering last weekend and someone mentioned how she had started to cut down her food portion in preparation for Ramadān and that sounded very brilliant.
Look back to the best Ramadān you have had and identify what made it so. Most of us would probably refer to lockdown (1441 AH/2020) Ramadān as the best one yet because we had a lot of time, but for me, there was something more — it was well organized. As silly as it might sound, I had a du’ā list. And looking back, that really helped me in remembering even the minutest of my wants without solely focusing on my needs. Another thing to consider might be a to-do list, especially if you have school and/or work to go to.
We tend to wait until the first day of Ramadān before activating — as though with a switch — ‘Ramadān mode’, but that’s not very tactical. Hasten to complete any tasks that may distract you. Plan the entire month to the best of your ability before it starts. Slow down on things that you can and take out those that can be attended to after Ramadān. Time management is key. Gather some knowledge on the rulings and virtues of the month. Listen to this short playlist that I found very beneficial here.
Start reading as much of the Qur’ān as you intend to do when the month comes as a ‘warm-up’.
Lastly, continue to pray that Allāh Allows you to witness the month in its entirety and Gives you the ability to make the most of it.
Jazakillahukhayr🤍. May Allah SWT spare us to witness this Ramadan and may it be our best one so far. Ameen Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum.
Ameen Ya Rabbi. Jazakhillahu khairan.