Welcome Ramadan is almost here, a special month full of blessings! It’s a time when our hearts are filled with faith, mindfulness, and the strength to resist temptations. During this month, we focus more on worship and spiritual growth. As the Prophet ﷺ said, “When Ramadan begins, the gates of paradise open, the gates of hell close, and the devils are chained.” Ramadan Kareem to you and your loved ones! Let’s make the most of this blessed time.

To truly embrace this holy month, many prepare in advance, praying for the chance to experience Ramadan. Even before it arrives, believers ask, “O Allah! Bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban, and allow us to reach Ramadan.”

So, how can we welcome and observe Ramadan in a meaningful way? Here are some simple and practical steps to make the most of this sacred time.

Open Your Heart to Ramadan:

Keep your mind and heart pure, as this shapes everything you do. Seek forgiveness for past mistakes, stay strong against temptations, and sincerely repent. Make a firm effort to fulfill your daily prayers and obligations, while also following the beautiful teachings of the Sunnah.

Strengthen Family Bonds:

Family is important, and keeping strong ties with relatives is a key part of Ramadan. Visit them when you can or stay in touch in any way possible. Avoid unnecessary arguments and show extra care for your parents. The Prophet ﷺ reminded us that Allah does not accept the deeds of those who cut off family ties. To make the most of Ramadan, let’s nurture love and kindness within our families

Settle All Conflicts:

If you have conflicts with friends, neighbors, or co-workers, take the first step to make peace. The Prophet ﷺ taught that we shouldn’t let arguments last more than three days. The best person is one who speaks the truth with a clean heart, free from resentment or jealousy. Let go of grudges and keep your mind and heart clear.

Effective Time Management:

Start managing your time wisely as you prepare for Ramadan. Cut down on distractions like endless scrolling, excessive TV, or gaming. Focus on activities that nourish your faith and personal growth. Use the internet carefully, sticking to beneficial content like Islamic teachings. Create a simple daily schedule that includes prayer, worship, and essential tasks—then stick to it.

Complete the Missed Fasts:

If you’ve missed any required fasts, make sure to complete them as soon as possible. For women, this may be due to menstruation or pregnancy during the previous Ramadan. It’s important to remember that after the 15th of Sha'ban, it’s not allowed to begin Sunnah fasting if you haven’t been doing it regularly. However, completing missed obligatory fasts is fine, even after the 15th of Sha'ban.

As we prepare for the blessed month, let’s strive to make the most of every opportunity. Ramadan Kareem, and may your efforts bring you closer to Allah.

Ramadan Shopping:

To make the most of Ramadan Kareem nights without spending too much time in malls or supermarkets, it’s a good idea to buy what you need ahead of time. Try to shop wisely and avoid buying things you don’t really need. This helps keep the focus on the spiritual side of Ramadan, rather than turning it into a month of overeating or overspending. For many people, Ramadan ends up being the most costly month because of unnecessary shopping and over-the-top feasting. Let’s keep it simple and meaningful.

Ramadan Budget:

Ramadan Mubarak! As you plan your budget for this blessed month, make charity a top priority. Set aside a good amount for Sadaqah by cutting back on things you don’t really need. Be thoughtful about helping family members and relatives who are in need. If you usually give Zakat during Ramadan, take the time to calculate it properly and make sure it goes to those who truly deserve it. Let’s make this Ramadan Mubarak a time of generosity and kindness.

Umrah:

Ramadan Mubarak! Welcome Ramadan with an open heart and a spirit of devotion. Performing Umrah during this holy month is incredibly special and holds immense blessings. If you have the means, plan ahead to make this spiritual journey.

And remember, even if you’re not traveling for Umrah, there’s a beautiful way to earn immense rewards: pray Fajr in congregation, spend the time after sunrise in dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and then offer two rak’ahs of Duha prayer. This simple act carries the reward of a complete Hajj and Umrah! Let’s make this Ramadan Mubarak a time of deep connection and blessings. Welcome Ramadan with gratitude and faith.

Prepare Families for Ramadan:

Ramadan Mubarak! Let’s welcome this blessed month as a family. Gather everyone together and create excitement about Ramadan, especially for the children. Teach them the beauty of fasting and encourage them to take part in this special act of worship. 

At home, work as a team to share household responsibilities, so everyone, especially wives, can balance chores and focus on worship. To deepen your family’s connection to Islam, explore helpful books and websites together to learn more about our faith. Let’s make this Ramadan Mubarak a time of unity, growth, and blessings for the whole family.

Quran Studies:

Ramadan Mubarak! Welcome Ramadan with a heart full of gratitude and a plan to deepen your connection with the Quran. This blessed month is the perfect time to focus on reciting and understanding the Quran. Set a goal to complete as many khatms (full recitations of the Quran) as you can, depending on your schedule and capacity.

If you have more time, try reciting one Juz (part) after each of the five daily prayers. This way, you can complete five khatms during Ramadan. If that feels too much, a simpler option is to recite one Juz after three prayers, like Fajr, Taraweeh, and Asr. This takes about 20 minutes per session and allows you to finish three khatms. For those with busy schedules, reciting just four pages after each prayer (less than 5 minutes) still lets you complete one Juz daily, ensuring at least one khatm by the end of Ramadan.

If you’re new to Quranic recitation, Ramadan Mubarak is the perfect time to start learning! Look for Quran classes at your local masjid, Islamic center, or online. Reach out to knowledgeable teachers or use online resources to begin your journey.

O Allah, help us welcome Ramadan with open hearts and grant us the ability to fast, pray, and recite the Quran with sincerity. May this Ramadan Mubarak be a time of blessings, growth, and closeness to You. Welcome Ramadan with joy and purpose.

Final Thought

As Welcome Ramadan approaches, it's a wonderful time to prepare both spiritually and mentally. Welcoming this blessed month with open hearts can make it truly meaningful. Start by focusing on strengthening your faith—take time to reflect on the importance of fasting, prayer, and kindness. It’s a time to purify your mind and soul, letting go of negative thoughts or grudges.

Connect with family and friends, making sure to maintain good relationships, especially with your parents and relatives. The Prophet ﷺ taught us the importance of family, so let’s make an effort to reach out and keep those bonds strong.

It’s also a good idea to manage your time well during Ramadan. Plan your days around prayer, worship, and family, avoiding distractions like too much TV or social media. Use this time wisely to grow closer to Allah and to better yourself.

Finally, remember that Ramadan is about more than just fasting. It’s about compassion, charity, and helping those in need. Let’s focus on doing good deeds and supporting one another, making this Ramadan a month of peace, reflection, and connection.

Ramadan Kareem to you and your family—may this month bring you blessings, peace, and spiritual growth.