As Imam Abu Bakr al-Warraq al-Balkhi (rh), the uncle of Imam Tirmidhi (rh), 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 and 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 (PBUH) took from Mecca to Jerusalem, and then ascended to the heavens. The month of Rajab also means that Ramadan is around the corner and 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? 

1. Self-reflect and purify your intentions 

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? 

2. 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) 

3. Fast extra days 

To get yourself into 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 (PBUH) 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) 

4. 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) 

5.  Give Charity 

This world can only be a better place if we help each other. In return, Allah SWT rewards us in both worlds. 

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: 

“Allah is in the aid of His servant as long as His aide is in the assistances of others.” (Muslim) 

“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)