Islamonweb

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is not only a time of fasting but also a period of deep reflection, devotion, and spiritual rejuvenation for every Muslim worldwide. It is the month when the Quran was revealed and thus holds profound significance in Islam. For a believer. Ramadan is not merely a routine of abstaining from food and drink, but a holistic experience that includes strengthening one’s connection with Allah, purifying the soul, and fostering a sense of compassion and empathy towards others. Therefore, preparation for Ramadan as a believer is crucial. Welcoming Ramadan is an emotional, spiritual, and even social event— a time when every believer yearns for the mercy and blessings of Allah, striving to make the most of the sacred month.

Preparations for Holy Ramadan

As Ramadan approaches, Muslims worldwide begin preparing spiritually, mentally, and physically to make the most of this sacred month. The first and foremost preparation is spiritual. Believers engage in self-reflection, seeking forgiveness for past sins and strengthening their connection with Allah. This is a time to purify the heart and mind, setting sincere intentions to grow in faith and obedience. Muslims may also increase their worship, praying extra prayers, and reciting more of the Quran in the days leading up to Ramadan. 

Mentally, preparations involve understanding the challenges and rewards of fasting. Since Ramadan requires abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset, believers mentally prepare themselves to adjust their daily routines. It's also an opportunity to distance oneself from negative behaviors, replacing them with positive habits such as kindness, patience, and humility.

Praying and Waiting for Ramadan

Ramadan is also a month of countless blessings. ABŪ BAKR AL-WARRĀQ said,

قال أبو بكر الوراق البلخي: شهر رجب شهر للزرع، وشعبان شهر السقي للزرع، ورمضان شهر حصاد الزرع

‘‘ Rajab is the month to sow the seeds; Shaban is the month to irrigate the crop; and Ramadan is the month to reap the harvest.”

The Companions of prophet (s) asked Allah the Almighty six months before Ramadan to grant them long life so that they could reach Ramadan and they used to ask Allah the Almighty six months after Ramadan to accept their fasting. Longing for Ramadan was a year-long process because they loved this month so much!

Therefore, it is very crucial for believers to pray and wait for Ramadan. Our ancestors prayed and desired Ramadan because of their faith and devotion to Allah.

Earning to Eat Less

To fast easily, we also need to be mindful of our diet. The Prophet  ﷺ  was in the habit of eating less. During his entire prophethood, we don't find three consecutive days when he ate his fill. If he ate one day, he would go without food the other day; and if he ate for two consecutive days he would go without food on the third day. The Prophet  ﷺ used to fast a lot in Shaban in preparation for Ramadan. From a hadith, we learn that: "The most beloved of months for the Messenger of Allah to fast in was Shaban”(Bukhari).

The book "Ikigai": the Japanese secret to a long and happy life, talks about eating less for longevity. In Japan, there is a group of centenarians who live long and happy lives by eating less.

Centuries ago, Islam taught us to eat less food for physical, mental, and spiritual benefits. Eating less is a trait that is common among all famous scholars. Imam Bukhari remembered countless Hadeeth. Somebody once asked him how much he ate in a day. He told them that he used to eat seven almonds and get busy with his work. It is only possible to reap the blessings of Ramadan if we keep ourselves less busy in eating and busier in worship.

Fostering mindfulness with Quranic verses

Mindfulness, the practice of being fully present in the moment, can be cultivated in many ways. One of the most profound and enriching methods is through the recitation and reflection on Quranic verses. The Quran, regarded as the divine guide for Muslims, offers timeless wisdom and spiritual depth, which can significantly enhance one's ability to practice mindfulness.

Allah (swt) says in holy Quran :

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَٰتٍ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ ۚ     (2:185)

The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.

This makes more importance the recitation of the Quran in holy Ramadan. No wonder Imam Abu Haneefa (r) completed the Quran sixty-three times during Ramadan. He used to read one Quran daily and listen to three during Taraweeh prayers. Saeed ibn Jubair (r) used to complete the recitation of the entire Quran in two nights”.

The Quran provides guidance on how to maintain a sense of inner peace despite external challenges, which is another key aspect of mindfulness. Verses that highlight trust in Allah and surrender to divine will can help individuals detach from anxiety, cultivate calm, and make a state of mind.

A Month of Sacred Preparation

As the approach of Ramadan nears, the atmosphere in a believer’s life begins to change. The excitement of its arrival is palpable, for it is the month that carries with it countless opportunities to earn Allah's mercy and forgiveness. For a Muslim, welcoming Ramadan begins long before the actual sighting of the moon, which marks the start of the month. Preparations take place not only in terms of food and material aspects but, more importantly, spiritually. Muslims engage in reflection and self-assessment, mentally preparing themselves to adjust their daily habits and routines.

Abu Huraira reported: The Prophet  ﷺ , said when the month of Ramadan arrived:

the Prophet said:

إِذَا كَانَ أَوَّلُ لَيْلَةٍ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ صُفِّدَتْ الشَّيَاطِينُ وَمَرَدَةُ الْجِنِّ وَغُلِّقَتْ أَبْوَابُ النَّارِ فَلَمْ يُفْتَحْ مِنْهَا بَابٌ وَفُتِّحَتْ أَبْوَابُ الْجَنَّةِ فَلَمْ يُغْلَقْ مِنْهَا بَابٌ وَيُنَادِي مُنَادٍ يَا بَاغِيَ الْخَيْرِ أَقْبِلْ وَيَا بَاغِيَ الشَّرِّ أَقْصِرْ وَلِلَّهِ عُتَقَاءُ مِنْ النَّارِ وَذَلكَ كُلُّ لَيْلَةٍ

“On the first night of the month of Ramadan, the devils are chained, the jinn are restrained, and the gates of Hellfire are closed and none of its gates are opened. The gates of Paradise are opened and none of its gates are closed. A caller announces: O seeker of good, come near! O seeker of evil, stop short! Allah will save them from the Hellfire and that is during every night of Ramadan”. (Tirmidhi,682)

It’s narrated that when Ramadhan Ibn Umar (RA) used to say ‘Welcome oh the month that purifies us from the sins.’ The days before Ramadan are often spent seeking forgiveness for past sins, offering extra prayers, and increasing good deeds. Believers attempt to purify their intentions, knowing that Ramadan is a time when one’s efforts are magnified, and Allah’s mercy is abundant. Many Muslims engage in acts of charity, providing food and support to those in need, thus embodying the spirit of generosity that is integral to the month. The anticipation of Ramadan is marked by an eagerness to turn towards Allah in repentance and gratitude, seeking to strengthen one’s faith and resolve.

Spiritual Preparation: Cleansing the Heart and Soul

One of the most important aspects of welcoming Ramadan is preparing spiritually. The essence of Ramadan lies in seeking nearness to Allah through acts of worship such as fasting, prayer, and reading the Quran. A believer views Ramadan as an opportunity for renewal—a time to cleanse the heart and soul from the impurities of sin and distraction., During this month, every act becomes a dedication of devotion with the intention of receiving multiple rewards from Allah compared to other months. Every prayer is a plea for mercy, and every moment spent in reflection brings the believer closer to the Creator.

The daily fasting ritual is a profound spiritual practice. While fasting serves as an act of obedience to Allah, it also encourages the believer to practice self-discipline and control over their desires. It is a time to purify not just the body but the mind and soul.

The Prophet Muhammad  ﷺ  emphasized that one should also refrain from harmful speech, such as gossip, lying, and arguing.He said :

حَدَّثَنَا أَحْمَدُ بْنُ يُونُسَ، حَدَّثَنَا ابْنُ أَبِي ذِئْبٍ، عَنِ الْمَقْبُرِيِّ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، عَنِ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ ‏ "‏ مَنْ لَمْ يَدَعْ قَوْلَ الزُّورِ وَالْعَمَلَ بِهِ وَالْجَهْلَ فَلَيْسَ لِلَّهِ حَاجَةٌ أَنْ يَدَعَ طَعَامَهُ وَشَرَابَهُ ‏"‏‏.‏ قَالَ أَحْمَدُ أَفْهَمَنِي رَجُلٌ إِسْنَادَهُ

The Prophet ﷺ said, "Whoever does not give up false statements (i.e. telling lies), and evil deeds, and speaking bad words to others, Allah does not need his (fasting) leaving his food and drink."

 Fasting involves turning away from negative behavior and instead cultivating kindness, patience, and humility. A believer uses Ramadan as an opportunity to distance themselves from bad habits and negative thoughts, replacing them with good deeds, sincere intentions, and a closer connection to Allah.

Charity and Compassion: The Spirit of Ramadan

Another key component of Ramadan is charity (Zakat and Sadaqah). The act of giving during Ramadan is essential to welcoming the month with a heart full of compassion. During this time, Muslims are encouraged to be more generous and help those in need.

Anas ibn Malik (r) narrated that:

عَنْ أَنَسٍ، قَالَ سُئِلَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أَىُّ الصَّوْمِ أَفْضَلُ بَعْدَ رَمَضَانَ فَقَالَ ‏”‏ شَعْبَانُ لِتَعْظِيمِ رَمَضَانَ ‏”‏ ‏.‏ قِيلَ فَأَىُّ الصَّدَقَةِ أَفْضَلُ قَالَ ‏”‏ صَدَقَةٌ فِي رَمَضَانَ ‏”‏

The Prophet (ﷺ) was asked which fast was most virtuous after Ramadan. He said: “  Sha’ban in honor of Ramadan" He said: "Which charity is best?" He (ﷺ) said: “Charity in Ramadan.”

Fasting not only teaches the believer to be grateful for what they have, but it also fosters empathy for the less fortunate who struggle with hunger and poverty on a daily basis.

Many Muslims choose to pay their obligatory Zakat (charitable giving) during Ramadan because of the multiplied rewards of good deeds during this blessed month. This practice underscores the importance of community and solidarity. It is a reminder that the wealth of one person should be shared with others, ensuring that the poor and the needy are not left behind.

A Time for Family and Unity

Ramadan is also a time of family unity and social cohesion. As Muslims gather together for Iftar (the meal to break their fast) at sunset, the bonds of family and friendship are strengthened. It is a time when the focus shifts from individual concerns to communal well-being, where families come together to share meals, prayers, and moments of reflection. The evening meal is often accompanied by group prayer.

In the mosque, believers come together for congregational prayers, strengthening the sense of belonging to a wider global Muslim community. The sense of unity during Ramadan is truly remarkable. While Ramadan has personal significance for each individual, it also serves as a reminder that Muslims are part of a larger Ummah—a global community of believers, united by faith and purpose.

In a nutshell, for a believer, the arrival of Ramadan is a time of anticipation, preparation, and dedication. It is a sacred month that offers countless opportunities to seek spiritual growth, deepen one’s relationship with Allah, and become a better person. Through fasting, prayer, charity, and reflection, a believer welcomes Ramadan with a heart full of hope and gratitude. Ultimately, Ramadan is not just a time of abstinence; it is a time of spiritual transformation, renewal, and closeness to Allah. As Muslims enter this blessed month, they do so with an open heart, ready to embrace its challenges and blessings, knowing that it is a time for self-improvement, devotion, and compassion.

About the author:

Hafiz Muneer is a student of Islamic Studies at Islamic Da'awa Academy, Akode, Malappuram, and is also pursuing a degree in Economics.

References

• Holy Quran, Surah 2 , Al Baqarah verse 185
• Sahih al-Bukhari , 1970
• Ikigai, page 14
• Tirmidhi,682
• Sahih al-Bukhari , 6057
• Tirmidhi,663