The month of Ramadan is approaching, and it is an exceptional opportunity to prepare spiritually and physically. The Prophet ﷺ taught us valuable habits to adopt before the arrival of this blessed month to maximize rewards and strengthen our connection with Allah.
In this article, we will explore the best Sunnahs to follow before Ramadan to fill up on barakah and start fasting in the best conditions.
1. Purifying oneself through repentance and forgiveness
Before entering Ramadan, it is essential to purify the heart and soul through sincere repentance.
“O you who have believed, repent to Allah with sincere repentance.” (Surah At-Tahrim, verse 8)
Ramadan is a month of mercy and forgiveness, and it is important to enter this month with a purified heart.
How to prepare?
✅ Increase Istighfar (seeking forgiveness) by saying Astaghfirullah 100 times a day.
✅ Engage in self-reflection and seek forgiveness for past mistakes.
✅ Reconcile with others and forgive any disputes.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “The best among people is the one who forgives.” (Reported by Ahmad and Al-Bukhari in Al-Adab Al-Mufrad)
2. Increasing voluntary fasting in Sha’ban
The month of Sha’ban, which precedes Ramadan, was a month in which the Prophet ﷺ frequently fasted.
Aisha رضي الله عنها reported: “The Prophet ﷺ fasted so frequently in Sha’ban that we thought he would not stop fasting.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Fasting in Sha’ban is a spiritual and physical preparation that helps accustom the body to fasting and strengthen one’s connection with Allah before Ramadan.
How to practice this Sunnah?
✅ Fast on Mondays and Thursdays, as was the habit of the Prophet ﷺ.
✅ Fast on the White Days (13th, 14th, and 15th of the lunar month).
✅ Fast most of Sha’ban, if possible.
Warning: It is discouraged to fast after the middle of Sha’ban unless it is already a habit. (Hadith reported by At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud)
3. Strengthening the connection with the Quran
Ramadan is the month of the Quran, and one of the best preparations is to increase Quran reading before it begins.
“The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 185)
How to prepare with the Quran?
✅ Set a reading schedule to get used to regular recitation.
✅ Read with Tafsir to better understand the meanings.
✅ Start memorizing new passages to recite in prayer.
Tip: If you do not read the Quran regularly, start now with a few verses per day and gradually increase.
4. Increasing charity and good deeds
The Prophet ﷺ was even more generous during Ramadan, and he encouraged us to develop the habit of giving well before the arrival of the month.
“The Prophet ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous during Ramadan.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
How to practice this Sunnah?
✅ Donate to those in need before Ramadan to enter the month with a purified soul.
✅ Help family, neighbors, and the community.
✅ Multiply small good deeds, such as smiling, offering help, or sharing beneficial reminders.
Tip: Set up an automatic daily donation online so you never miss an opportunity to give.
5. Organizing one’s schedule and planning goals
A common mistake is entering Ramadan without organization and wasting the first few days adjusting.
“The most beloved actions to Allah are those that are consistent, even if they are small.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
How to prepare effectively?
✅ Create a daily schedule that includes prayer, Quran, dhikr, and charity.
✅ Plan your meals to avoid waste and eat healthily.
✅ Set clear spiritual goals (praying on time, reading the entire Quran, fasting with mindfulness).
Tip: Prepare a special Ramadan journal to track your progress and intentions.
6. Making Du’as to prepare for Ramadan
Making supplications before Ramadan is an important Sunnah that allows us to ask Allah for health, strength, and sincerity to fully benefit from this month.
“O Allah, bless us in the months of Rajab and Sha’ban and allow us to reach Ramadan.” (Hadith reported by Ahmad and An-Nasa’i)
Du’as to make before Ramadan
✅ Ask Allah to increase your faith and endurance.
✅ Pray for a sincere and beneficial Ramadan experience.
✅ Seek forgiveness and pray for those around you.
Tip: Prepare a list of Du’as to recite daily before and during Ramadan.
Preparing wisely for a blessed Ramadan
The Prophet ﷺ taught us the best practices to enter Ramadan with peace and devotion. By adopting these Sunnahs now, we can maximize our rewards and enter this month with a purified heart and strengthened faith.