Imam Abu Bakr al-Warraq al-Balkhi (RA), the uncle of Imam Tirmidhi (RA), said: ‘The month of Rajab is the month of planting (your seeds), Sha‘ban is the month of irrigating / watering (them), and Ramadan is the month of harvesting the crop’.
It’s now the sacred month of Rajab, the seventh month of the Islamic calendar. The beginning of the spiritual season. It is when the miraculous events of Isra’ (the Night Journey) and Mi’raj (Ascension) took place – a journey that Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) took from Mecca to Jerusalem, and then ascended to the heavens.
The month of Rajab also means that Ramadan is around the corner. Thus, it reminds us to prepare for the holiest month in the entire year – spiritually, mentally and physically.
So how can we use this month to prepare for Ramadan 2025?
Start to self-reflect and purify your intentions in Rajab
Spend some time alone and reflect on how you can improve spiritually. Ask yourself questions like:
- Would Allah SWT be pleased with me if I died today?
- What could I do to improve spiritually?
- Am I sincere in my words and actions? Am I conscious of how I treat those around me?
- Am I doing my best to prepare for Ramadan? What can I do better?
Seek forgiveness and make dua’a
We all make mistakes and it is always the right time to seek Allah SWT’s forgiveness. After all, He is the most forgiving and merciful. Strive for sincere repentance and ask those you may have wronged to forgive you.
The Prophet ﷺ said: “All the children of Adam constantly err, but the best of those who constantly err are those who constantly repent.”
Tirmidhi
Fast extra days in Rajab
To get yourself into a routine for Ramadan, start fasting those extra fasts or making up your missed fasts from last Ramadan.
The best way to prepare fasting for a whole month is to start fasting often, in order to gain control over your actions, stomach, and desires.
Fast Mondays and Thursdays
Abu Hurairah reported that the most the Prophet (ﷺ) would fast would be Monday and Thursday. He was asked about that and he said: “The deeds of people are presented to Allah on every Monday and Thursday. Allah forgives every Muslim except for those who are deserting each other.” (Hasan)
Follow the Sunnah and pray extra prayers
Learn more about the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and follow him by emulating his actions.
“Say, [Oh Muhammad], If you should love Allah, then follow me, [so] Allah will love you and forgive you your sins. And Allah is Forgiving and Merciful.”
Qur’an 3:31
Give Charity
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said: “Allah is in the aid of His servant as long as His aide is in the assistance of others.” (Muslim)
This world can only be a better place if we help each other. In return, Allah SWT rewards us in both worlds.
“Who is it that would loan Allah a goodly loan so He will multiply it for him and he will have a noble reward?”
Qur’an 57:11
Start your spiritual growth for Ramadan in Rajab
Ramadan is right around the corner. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Friday, February 28, 2025.
Rajab is the time to plant seeds of intention, nurture them with acts of worship, and prepare our souls for the harvest of Ramadan. Each step we take this month, from fasting to prayer to giving charity, brings us closer to Allah SWT and prepares us for the spiritual marathon ahead.
By planting these seeds now, we build habits and intentions that will flourish during the holy month. May Allah SWT grant us the strength to use this time wisely, forgive our shortcomings, and bless us with the ability to enter Ramadan with hearts full of imaan and readiness.
Your Zakat Heals Our Ummah
Make the most of Rajab by preparing for Ramadan. Give the gift of happiness and hope to our brothers and sisters in need with Islamic Relief.
