As we approach the blessed month of Ramadan, with only 5 months to go, Muslims around the world will be looking to prepare themselves for the Holy month. The expected start date for Ramadan is the 17th February 2026. Though this will be subject to the sighting of the moon.
Ramadan is a month in which Muslims abstain from food and drink. However, the blessed month is more than just completing the act of fasting. The ultimate purpose of Ramadan is to go through a spiritual journey to attain the closeness of Allah. In this month, the believer’s strength is most tested, where Muslims must exercise immense patience and gratitude. For this very reason, it is best to enter the month in a prepared state so that you are ready to make the most out of the holy month.
Preparing for Ramadan
Muslims are highly encouraged to make the right intention with any act they carry out. When it comes to Ramadan, it is best to eliminate any obstacles early on that may stand in the way of worship.
The month of Shaban precedes Ramadan, and for that reason, it can sometimes be overshadowed by the holy month that follows. However, though Shaban may not look as significant as Ramadan to many, it is an incredibly important month for Muslims to grasp the opportunity to prepare for Ramadan.
How to Prepare for Ramadan
Charity Meals has come up with a checklist below to help you get ready for Ramadan.
Voluntary Fasting
One of the best ways to prepare for Ramadan fasting is to begin with fasting in the month of Shaban. Not only does fasting the month before help with getting your body used to refraining from food and drink for long periods of time, but it is also a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) to fast in Shaban.
Though you may not want to fast for the whole month of Shaban, a good place to start would be on the Mondays and Thursdays of the month, or otherwise the 14th, 15th and 16th of the month, which is also a sunnah of the Messenger of Allah. it has been narrated that He, (SAW) has said “The deeds are presented on Monday and Thursday. Thus, I love for my deeds to be presented while I am fasting.” [Tirmidhi]
Shaban is also an ideal time to make up for the missed fasts from the previous year. As a whole, preparation for Ramadan fasting gives you the opportunity to gain control over worldly desires, to help you amend your actions before they become a necessity in the month of Ramadan.
Pray Five Times A Day
Salah (prayer) is the second pillar of Islam, becoming an obligation for every Muslim to pray their 5 daily prayers. If you don’t do this regularly, then it may be a good idea to start making it a habit from now on. Working towards praying your daily Salah on time helps set you in the routine to worship Allah. Making your daily prayers a priority from now on will only help you be in the right spiritual mindset for when Ramadan comes around.
Reduce Food/Caffeine Intake
Our bodies are accustomed to our regular habits, and so any change in routine can throw us off, making it a struggle to cope. Fasting in the month of Ramadan presents many changes to our daily habits, and so you must equip your body for any anticipated changes. For a regular coffee drinker, reducing your daily caffeine intake a month prior will help you become less reliant on it during Ramadan. Similar to this, if you like to graze on snacks during the day, it may be best to limit the number of snacks you have throughout the day so that you don’t experience cravings whilst fasting.
Get Medical Advice
Fasting can take its toll on our physicality. For this reason, if you have any health requirements, the month of Shaban is the ideal time to get any medical advice from your GP. Your doctor may be able to provide you with guidance on how to fast safely or could even inform you that you’re unable to fast at all. In the instance that you are advised not to fast, you should pay your Fidya in place of fasting.
Reciting the Quran and Making Dua
Spiritual preparation for Ramadan is key. Ramadan is the time in which a believer is required to work on getting closer to their Creator. The best way to strengthen your bond with your Lord is to read and reflect on His words. Making it a habit to recite the Quran daily can help you discover the depths and meanings behind the Words of Allah. Another way to spiritually connect with Allah is to speak to Him directly. To make Dua and ask Him for forgiveness will only ensure that you enter Ramadan in your purest state.
Quitting Bad Habits
Ramadan preparation comes with refraining from worldly desires. In Ramadan, Muslims are required to refrain from indulging in any bad or harmful habits. An example of this could be smoking. Quitting any addiction comes with extreme difficulty, and so to be successful during Ramadan, one should try to kick all bad habits out the window before the blessed month commences.
Reflection on Oneself
Last but not least, preparing for Ramadan in the best way possible should also include reflecting on yourself and working to improve your character. This can be done by practising kindness and avoiding negativity. It’s important to start the process of getting into good habits so that when the beautiful month of Ramadan begins, all good deeds can be performed with ease.
Donate To Charity Meals
A great way to gain reward is by giving to charity. With the month of Ramadan around the corner, immerse yourself in the giving spirit. Donate to Charity Meals by supporting one of our appeals and help make a difference today.
“The example of those who spend their wealth in the cause of Allah is that of a grain that sprouts into seven ears, each bearing one hundred grains. And Allah multiplies (the reward even more) to whoever He wills. For Allah is All-Bountiful, All-Knowing.” [Quran 2:261]
