The 1st of Ramadaan 1439 will coincide with the 16th or 17th of May 2018, depending on the sighting of the moon, giving us approximately one and a half months left to prepare for this great month.
Ramadaan is the month in which the Quran was revealed and also the month in which it is obligatory on every Muslim who has reached the age of puberty and is able to fast, to observe the fast during this month.
Allah says in the Quran...
O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous - Quran 2:183
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The companions of the Prophet (p.b.u.h) would start preparing six months in advance for the month of Ramadaan, wanting to make the most of this great month. One of the duas (prayers) they would make was...
βO Allah, keep me safe until Ramadan, keep Ramadan safe for me, and accept it from me.β
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Scholars advise that we should prepare at least two months in advance for Ramadaan by fasting voluntary fasts, reading the Quran, seeking forgiveness for our sins and increasing the dhikr (remembrance) of Allah.
The metaphor of planting crops is used to describe preparations for Ramadan. During the month of Rajab we are advised to increase in seeking forgiveness from the Almighty, just like tilling the soil will soften the soil and make it suitable for seeds to be planted, istighfar (seeking forgiveness) will soften our hearts, making it suitable for seeds of dhikr (remembrance of Allah) to be planted during Sha'baan. And it is during Ramadan that we would be able to harvest the crops that we prepared for in Rajab and Sha'ban. The harvest of the one who prepared would be much more healthy and plenty than the one who did not prepare.
Here is some practical advice on how to prepare for Ramadaan
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