Feb 20, 2025
This guide details how to prepare spiritually for Ramadan, incorporating relevant Qur'anic verses and hadiths.
Ramadan is a Shahr Mubarak (blessed month) where good deeds are multiplied. The Prophet ﷺ expressed great joy at its approach and congratulated his companions, highlighting the importance of spiritual readiness.
Ramadan is a time of immense spiritual opportunity. The gates of Paradise (أبواب الجنان) are open, while the gates of Hellfire (أبواب الجحيم) are closed. Devils are chained, reducing temptation, although the internal devil (al-Qareen) remains. Fasting (صيام) is the greatest deed in Ramadan. The hadith about the Prophet ﷺ congratulating his companions emphasizes the joy and anticipation that should accompany the month.
Laylatul Qadr (ليلة القدر), the Night of Power, is more rewarding than a thousand months of worship. The Prophet ﷺ informed his companions about it before Ramadan, underscoring the importance of preparation and anticipation.
Preparation is crucial for success in all endeavors, including Ramadan. This applies equally to worldly preparations (exams, meetings, job interviews) and spiritual preparation.
Taqwa (piety) is essential. Heart preparation involves purifying it from sins and seeking forgiveness. Allah's name Al-Jabbar (الجبار), the Mender, highlights His ability to heal hearts. The Qur'anic verse وَتَزَوَّدُوا فَإِنَّ خَيْرَ الزَّادِ التَّقْوَى (And take provision, for indeed, the best of provisions is taqwa) emphasizes piety's importance. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) consistently prayed for a pure heart, emphasizing continual spiritual purification.
Recognize the heart's broken state due to sin and seek Allah's forgiveness. Sha'ban (شهر شعبان), the month before Ramadan, is ideal for intensive repentance. Turn to Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) for healing and purification. Regular dua (supplication), especially during the last third of the night, is crucial. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) fasted extensively during Sha'ban, performing deeds similar to those emphasized during Ramadan in preparation.
Practice gratitude towards Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) for the opportunity to witness Ramadan. Humbling oneself before Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) leads to elevation. Human achievements are insignificant compared to Allah's (سبحانه وتعالى) grace and mercy. Reflect on the preciousness of life and the value of using this time wisely, mindful of those who have passed away and are no longer able to experience Ramadan.
Allah's blessings should inspire increased devotion. The verse كذلك يتم نعمته عليكم لعلكم تشكرون (Thus He completes His blessings upon you that you may be grateful) emphasizes gratitude's importance. Blessings are not merely for enjoyment but should inspire obedience and thankfulness.
Enter Ramadan with a pure heart, seeking consistent improvement in worship and maintaining good intentions. Practice regular dua for steadfastness in faith and prayers. Remember the angel's call to both those seeking goodness and those seeking evil during Ramadan, urging all to seek Allah's (سبحانه وتعالى) mercy and forgiveness. Strive to replace love for sin with love for good and persevere in your spiritual journey. Even a moment of Ramadan is precious, reminding us to appreciate this blessed time and maximize its spiritual opportunities.