The righteous predecessors used to spend six months asking Allah to let them reach Ramadan, and the six months after asking Him to accept it. They understood something we often forget: Ramadan is not an event you attend — it is a guest you prepare for.
The Prophet ﷺ said: "When Ramadan enters, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained." (Bukhari & Muslim)
1. Repent Sincerely — Before the Doors Open
Before welcoming an honored guest, you clean the house. The house of the heart is cleaned with tawbah. Make a list of three habits you want to leave before 1 Ramadan, and ask Allah for help with them specifically.
2. Fast the Sha'ban Mondays and Thursdays
Aisha (RA) said: "I never saw the Prophet ﷺ fast a month more than he fasted in Sha'ban." (Bukhari) Use these weeks to train your body, so the first three days of Ramadan don't destroy your worship.
3. Build a Qur'an Relationship Now
If you currently read five minutes a day, aim for fifteen. If you read none, start with one page after Fajr and one after Maghrib. When Ramadan enters, you will already have the muscle built.
A sample pre-Ramadan Qur'an plan:
- Days 1–7: 10 minutes morning + 10 evening
- Days 8–14: Half a juz' daily (about 20 minutes)
- Days 15+: Full juz' — so when Ramadan starts, a full khatm is realistic
4. Write Your Ramadan Plan on Paper
Do not enter Ramadan without a written plan. Include:
- Qur'an target — at minimum one complete reading.
- Daily sadaqah — even one dollar. The Prophet ﷺ was most generous in Ramadan.
- Taraweeh mosque — where, who with, how you'll get there.
- Screen diet — what you'll cut (scrolling, shows, news) and what you'll replace it with.
- Last ten nights — book time off work if possible for Laylat al-Qadr.
5. Repair Broken Relationships
The Prophet ﷺ said that on Monday and Thursday nights, deeds are presented to Allah — and everyone is forgiven except two who have a grudge between them. Don't let Ramadan arrive while you hold anger. Send the message today.
6. Prepare Your Body
- Reduce caffeine gradually over two weeks — this prevents Day 1 headaches.
- Start sleeping earlier to adjust to Tahajjud and Suhoor.
- Hydrate heavily at night during Sha'ban.
"The month of Ramadan, in which was revealed the Qur'an — a guidance for the people." (Al-Baqarah 2:185)
Final Thought
Every Ramadan could be your last. No one is guaranteed next year. Don't enter it out of habit; enter it with the intent to come out a different person. The one who exits Ramadan as they entered it has been deprived.
O Allah, let us reach Ramadan. Help us in it to fast, stand in prayer, and accept it from us.