Respected Brothers and Sisters of the Bothell community
Assalamu Alaykum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakaatuh
With the commencement of the month of Rajab, we have less than two months before the start of Ramadaan, the most blessed and spiritually uplifting time of the year.
At the beginning of the month of Rajab, the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam would recite the following Dua:
اللَّهُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِي رَجَبٍ وَشَعْبَانَ، وَبَلِّغْنَا شَهْرَ رَمَضَانَ
“O Allah, grant us Barakah and blessings in Rajab and Sha’baan, and make us reach the month of Ramadaan.” (Amalul Yawmi wal Laylah pg. 610)
Through this Dua, the Prophet Sallallahu Alayhi wa Sallam was drawing the attention of his Ummah to the month of Ramadaan, two months before its commencement.
Anas ibn Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Perform good deeds throughout your life, but pay special attention to the breezes (special moments) of Allah’s mercy, for Allah indeed has certain breezes of His mercy with which He touches whomsoever He wills among His servants.” (Silsaltul Ahadithus Saheehah 1890)
Undoubtedly, Ramadaan is among the greatest of these breezes and is our best opportunity to receive Allah’s mercy and draw closer to Him.
As with all important events in life, planning and preparation are essential. For this Ramadaan to be our best, we should begin preparing now, both spiritually and physically.
Practical Ways to Prepare for This Momentous Month
1. Begin Fasting, especially if You Have Qadha Fasts
Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: “I did not see the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) fast in any month as much as he fasted in Sha’baan.” (Bukhari 1969)
If you have any outstanding fasts from last Ramadaan, now is the ideal time to make them up.
2. Increase Your Recitation of the Qur’an
Ibn Rajab wrote: “The predecessors used to devote themselves to the recitation of the Qur’an in Sha’baan, and they would say: ‘Sha’baan is the month of the reciters.’” (Lata’if al-Ma‘arif)
By increasing our recitation before Ramadaan, we will be accustomed to increased recitation in Ramadaan, thereby enabling us to complete an entire recitation of the Qur’an or even multiple completions.
Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali wrote: “Since Sha’baan is a prelude to Ramadaan, fasting and reciting the Qur’an have been prescribed in it just as they have been prescribed in Ramadaan, so that one may train himself in obedience and enter Ramadaan prepared.” (Lata’if al-Ma‘arif)
3. Qiyaamul Layl
The longer winter nights make it easier to rise before dawn. Strive to wake at least fifteen minutes before Fajr so that you can perform at least two units of night prayer, training yourself for the nights of Ramadaan.
4. Start Reading/Listening to Something Which Will Boost Your Imaan
Begin weaning yourself from anything that distracts you from Allah—whether excessive social media, streaming, or other time-consuming habits—and replace them with beneficial content. Read, listen to, or study that which strengthens your Imaan and softens your heart.
5. Cleanse Your Heart
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Allah looks at His creation on the middle night of Sha’baan and forgives all of them except the one who associates partners with Allah and the one who harbors hatred.” (Silsilatul Ahadithus Saheehah 1144)
Purify yourself before Ramadaan through abundant repentance and seeking forgiveness. Allah says:
“So seek forgiveness from your Lord and turn to Him in repentance. Indeed, my Lord is Most Merciful, Most Loving.” (Surah Hud 11:90)
7. Set Your Ramadaan Goals
Each year we make intentions for Ramadaan. If we consistently fall short, write your goals down and outline practical steps to achieve them. Create a timetable and commit to it. This will go a long way in helping us accomplish our Ramadaan goals.
Dhun Nun Al-Masri (may Allah have mercy on him) said: “Rajab is the month of planting, Sha’baan is the month of irrigating, and Ramadaan is the month of harvesting. Everyone will reap what he sowed, and will be repaid for what he did. The one who neglects his crops will feel regret on the day of harvest, and he will fail to achieve his expectations.” (Al-Ghunya pg. 326)
May Allah bless us in the months leading up to Ramadaan and grant us the ability to gain the maximum benefit when Ramadaan arrives.
Shukran
Was Salaam,
Mufti Moosa Salie