The month of Ramadan is about to begin, and these last few hours before the first fast are precious. This is the perfect time to prepare both spiritually and practically, ensuring that you enter this blessed month in the best possible way.
What should you do to finalize your preparations and begin Ramadan with a peaceful heart and mind? In this article, we provide a complete checklist to help you make the most of these moments before the holy month begins.
1. Verify Your Intention (Niyyah)
Intention (niyyah) is the foundation of every act of worship in Islam. For fasting to be accepted, you must have a clear and sincere intention.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “Actions are judged by intentions.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
📌 How to Make Your Intention?
✅ The intention must be made in the heart; it does not need to be spoken aloud.
✅ It is recommended to mentally set your intention the night before fasting, before Fajr.
✅ You can recite:
“Nawaytu sawma ghadin ‘an adâ’i fardhi ramadâna hâdhihi as-sanati lillâhi ta‘âlâ.”
(I intend to fast tomorrow to fulfill the obligation of Ramadan this year for Allah, The Most High.)
Tip: Write this supplication in a notebook or save it on your phone as a reminder.
2. Perform a Final Repentance (Tawba)
Ramadan is the month of forgiveness, and it’s essential to enter it with a purified soul. These last hours are an opportunity for self-reflection, seeking forgiveness, and getting closer to Allah.
“And turn to Allah in repentance, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.” (Surah An-Nur, verse 31)
📌 How to Make a Sincere Repentance?
✅ Acknowledge your mistakes and sincerely ask Allah for forgiveness.
✅ Increase Istighfar (Astaghfirullah repeated at least 100 times).
✅ Reconcile with others and forgive those who may have wronged you.
✅ Perform two Rak’ahs of Tawba prayer to seek Allah’s forgiveness.
Tip: Write down the habits or sins you wish to change and set a goal to improve during Ramadan.
3. Complete Any Missed Fasts (Qada)
If you have missed fasts from the previous Ramadan, this is the last opportunity to make them up.
Aisha رضي الله عنها said: “I had missed fasts from Ramadan, and I could not make them up except before the next Ramadan.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
📌 What If You Haven’t Finished Your Missed Fasts?
✅ If possible, fast the remaining days before Ramadan begins.
✅ If you cannot fast, you will need to make up the days after Ramadan.
✅ If the fasts were not made up without a valid excuse, scholars recommend both making up the fasts and paying fidya (compensation) if required.
Tip: Keep track of your missed fasts and schedule a date to complete them after Ramadan.
4. Plan Your Worship Schedule
Ramadan is the month of the Quran, prayer, and dhikr. To stay on track and avoid distractions, it’s essential to set a clear worship plan from the very beginning.
“The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was revealed as a guidance for mankind and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 185)
📌 Checklist for a Spiritually Productive Ramadan
✅ Set a daily Quran reading goal (1 Juz per day to complete it in one month).
✅ Plan your schedule for prayers, dhikr, and Quran recitation.
✅ Commit to Tarawih prayers, whether at the mosque or at home.
✅ Write down your personal Du’as to recite daily.
✅ Schedule a time for giving Sadaqah (charity), even if just a small amount daily.
Tip: Use a journal or an app to track your spiritual progress.
5. Check Your Groceries and Meal Organization
To avoid last-minute shopping stress, it’s best to organize everything in advance and ensure you have everything needed for the first day of fasting.
📌 Essential Meal Preparation Checklist for Ramadan
✅ Stock up on essential items: dates, fruits, vegetables, grains, meats, dairy, water.
✅ Plan balanced meals ahead of time to avoid exhaustion.
✅ Organize your kitchen and pantry for easy meal prep.
✅ Pre-cook some meals (soups, sauces, marinated meats) to save time.
✅ Ensure you have all the necessary kitchen utensils for Suhoor and Iftar.
Tip: Make a complete shopping list to avoid forgetting anything and minimize unnecessary purchases.
Entering Ramadan with Peace and Readiness
These last hours before Ramadan are a valuable time to prepare spiritually, organize your routine, and enter this blessed month with full focus and tranquility.
By taking time to set your intention, seek forgiveness, fulfill obligations, and organize your worship and meals, you ensure that you begin Ramadan in the best possible way.