Muslims all around the world understand the significance of the month of Ramadan. But did you know that the months leading up to Ramadan, namely Rejab and Syaaban, are a critical time for us to prepare ourselves physically, mentally, and spiritually for it? Rejab (meaning ‘to respect’) is the seventh month of the Islamic calendar and is considered one of four sacred months. Muslims are encouraged to increase their good deeds and avoid committing sins.
Meanwhile, Syaaban (meaning ‘dispersion’ or ‘separation’) is the eighth Islamic month. This is the month in which fasting is highly encouraged as Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) himself fasted more in this month than any other month besides Ramadan. The companions of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w) also used to prepare for Ramadan up to six months in advance, so here are some ways you can also prepare for the holy month.
- Voluntary fasting
One of the best ways to prepare to fast for a whole month is to increase fasting gradually. In Ramadan, fasting is practised for both the body and the mind, and so fasting more regularly will help you prepare physically, while practising mindfulness of your behaviour is highly encouraged. If you don’t know where to begin, it’s encouraged to fast on Mondays and Thursdays, as per the Prophet’s example.
Muslim lifestyle apps like the Muslim Pro app include a fasting tracker that can help keep score of your fasting days. You can even include a note in the fasting calendar if you want to jot down the reason for your fast or what foods you plan to break your fast with.
- Reflect and repent
Starting Ramadan with a clean slate and consciousness is the best way to approach this special season in the Islamic calendar. Everyone makes mistakes, but alhamdulillah we can always repent and be forgiven. The months leading up to Ramadan are a good time to reflect and pray for forgiveness for our wrongdoings for Allah (s.w.t) is most merciful and will have mercy.
One way to do this is by doing istighfar which is the supplication for asking for forgiveness from Allah (s.w.t). It could be as simple as reciting the following dhikr (remembrance and glorification of Allah s.w.t): say ‘Astaghfirullah’ at least 100 times a day.
- Increase your prayers
The Prophet set the example by praying an array of sunnah prayers in addition to the five daily prayers. If this is not already a daily practice, it’s a good habit to implement ahead of Ramadan.
Some sunnah prayers that can be easily included into everyday life include two rakah’s before Salat al-Fajr, or the late night Al-Tahajjud prayer, which is considered to be one of the most rewarding voluntary prayers.
- Recite upon the Qur’an and make du’a
Reading the Qur’an and reflecting upon the teachings is important to foster a deeper understanding and belief of Islam. Increasing your Qur’an recitations and supplementing this act with making more Du’a is a good practice to get you closer to Allah (s.w.t) ahead of Ramadan.
If you’re someone who prefers a more visual and interactive way of learning and reciting dua’s and surahs (chapters of the Quran), consider watching ‘Recite And Learn: The Word of Allah’ on Qalbox. Qalbox is a global entertainment streaming service, hosting a wide range of content that celebrates Muslim identities and cultures. Playing ‘Recite And Learn: The Word of Allah’ on the television is the perfect way for you and your family to learn and recite surahs together, just in time for Ramadan.
- Give to charity
Taking care of the community and building a better society are big parts of Islam, and should be frequent habits of a Muslim. Increasing good deeds and engaging in more charity ahead of Ramadan can go a long way in providing help to those in need in your immediate community. The Prophet also said, “Give charity without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” (Al-Tirmidhi)
