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The Right Preparation for the Blessed Month
Barakah Olayode
February 15, 2026Ramadan, as we all know, is already at our doorstep. Individuals, families, and organisations are all preparing for the blessed month. People who are yet to start are planning to; reminders are popping up, countdowns are being done, flyers are circulating, and lectures on preparing for it are being played on most statuses. But are we truly preparing for it as we should? Or are you wondering why we should prepare for it? And if you know we should prepare for it, are you ready?
To begin with, it is important to reflect on what Ramadan is and its virtues. Ramadan is the 9th month of the Hijrah calendar and consists of either twenty-nine or thirty days, as guided by our Lord. It is a month in which all Muslims who are mature, mentally fit, and healthy are mandated to fast. It is also the month in which the Qur’an was revealed, a month full of blessings and mercy, a blessed month in which the devils are chained, and a period when the doors of Jannah are widely opened and those of Hell are tightly locked. Above all, it is the best month to seek nearness to Allah.
Fasting in this month has been prescribed as an obligation upon the believers. Allah, Subḥānahu wa taʿālā, says in Al-Baqarah (2:185): "The month of Ramaḍān is that in which was revealed the Qur’ān, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights the month, let him fast; and whoever is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship, and He wants you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful."
From this verse, it is clear that fasting is mandatory, except for those exempted. Its virtues alone are enough reason to maximize our efforts and earn the highest possible rewards. But to do so, we need to approach Ramadan with proper preparation, both in heart and in practice.
Preparation for Ramadan begins with cleansing the heart through lowering the gaze, recitation of the Qur’an, and engaging in continuous dhikr. At the same time, it is important to prevent the heart from being stained by avoiding forbidden sights, listening to inappropriate speech, and speaking foul words. It also includes frequent prayers to Allah, asking Him to allow us to witness Ramadan and to be able to perform good deeds during it.
The preparation extends naturally into action. It is important to start the good deeds you intend to carry out during Ramadan even before the month begins. At the same time, ensure your surroundings are clean and organised; dust and clear your rooms to create a peaceful environment. Preparing your foodstuffs and essentials ahead of time will also help you manage your fasts with ease. Finally, it is wise to plan how you will spend your days and nights during Ramadan so that your time is productive, balanced, and spiritually fulfilling.
May Allah count you and me among those who witness Ramadan and grant us the strength and sincerity to perform good deeds in it. Aamin.