Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam, and the month of Ramadan is a season of goodness, divine blessings, and immense spiritual gifts. It is a time for profitable “trade” with God, built on faith, knowledge, righteous deeds, and sincere devotion. During this month, the soul is recharged with faith, determination, patience, and consistency in worship until acts of obedience become natural to the body, comforting to the soul, and reassuring to the believer’s heart.
Ramadan consists of only a few numbered days. Whoever seeks success and God’s pleasure must prepare well, plan ahead, and welcome this blessed month with dedication to fasting and prayer in order to attain mercy, forgiveness, and salvation from Hellfire.
Scholars, including Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ghadbah and the late Sheikh Ibn Baz (may Allah have mercy on him), highlight the most important ways to prepare for Ramadan.
Striving in Good Deeds
Allah has singled out Ramadan by multiplying rewards. A believer should fulfill all obligatory duties and avoid what is forbidden while hastening toward acts of worship and competing in good deeds such as charity, kindness, visiting the sick, attending funerals, and maintaining family ties.
The Prophet ï·º said:
"The month of Ramadan has come to you, a month of blessing. Allah envelops you in it with mercy, removes sins, and answers supplications. So show Allah your best deeds, for the unfortunate one is he who is deprived of Allah’s mercy."
He also said that when Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained. A caller announces each night: “O seeker of good, come forward; O seeker of evil, stop.”
Firm Intention to Fast
A believer must be mindful of Allah and sincerely resolve to fast the month. The intention should be made during the night—even late at night. The Prophet ï·º said: “Actions are judged by intentions.” Therefore, a nightly intention is required for obligatory fasting.
Sincere Repentance
The best way to welcome Ramadan is through sincere repentance from all sins, purifying the heart, restoring people’s rights, and resolving not to return to wrongdoing. Allah accepts repentance no matter how great the sins may be:
"Do not despair of Allah’s mercy. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins."
Reading the Qur’an
Believers are encouraged to increase their recitation of the Qur’an day and night. The Prophet ï·º said:
“Recite the Qur’an, for it will intercede for its companions on the Day of Judgment.”
“Whoever reads a letter from the Qur’an will receive a good deed, and each good deed is multiplied ten times.”
Frequent Remembrance of Allah (Dhikr)
Engage often in remembrance through glorification, praise, takbeer, seeking forgiveness, and sending prayers upon the Prophet ï·º.
He said:
"Two phrases are light on the tongue, heavy on the scale, and beloved to the Most Merciful: SubhanAllah wa bihamdih, SubhanAllah al-‘Azim."
And about seeking forgiveness:
"Whoever constantly seeks forgiveness, Allah will make for him relief from every worry and a way out from every hardship."
Supplication (Du‘a)
Muslims should increase their supplications, especially at special times:
At the moment of breaking the fast
During the last ten nights
On Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree)
In the last third of the night
While prostrating in prayer
The Prophet ï·º said: “The closest a servant is to his Lord is while in prostration, so increase your supplication.”
Giving Charity Generously
Ramadan is the month of generosity. Giving charity, helping those in need, feeding the poor, and supporting iftar projects are highly recommended. Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet ï·º was the most generous of people, and even more generous during Ramadan.
Encouraging Good and Preventing Wrong
Ramadan is also a time to guide others toward righteousness through gentle advice and good manners. Encouraging what is right and discouraging what is wrong includes all forms of obedience and avoiding all sins.
Allah says:
"You are the best nation produced for mankind: you enjoin what is right, forbid what is wrong, and believe in Allah."
Avoiding Sins and Misconduct
Fasting is not merely abstaining from food and drink. A believer must protect their fast from gossip, slander, and all sins.
The Prophet ï·º said:
"Fasting is a shield. When one of you is fasting, he should not speak indecently or act ignorantly. If someone insults him, let him say: ‘I am fasting.’"
True fasting includes guarding one’s ears, eyes, and tongue, maintaining dignity, calmness, and good character.
Learning the Rules of Fasting
Muslims should learn the religious rulings related to fasting and night prayer. The Prophet ï·º said:
"When Allah wishes good for someone, He grants him understanding of the religion."
Keeping righteous company that encourages obedience and discourages sin is also essential.
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