Preparing our Hearts for Ramadan

Assalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the Worlds. We seek His guidance and forgiveness, and we seek refuge in Allah from the evils of our souls and the misdeeds of our actions. Whomever Allah guides, none can misguide, and whomever He misguides, none can guide. I bear witness that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad (PBUH) is His servant and Messenger.

As we approach the blessed month of Ramadan, it is essential for us to prepare ourselves spiritually, mentally, and physically. Ramadan is not just a month of fasting; it is a time for reflection, prayer, and drawing closer to Allah. In this talk, we will explore how to prepare for Ramadan by following the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Ramadan is a month of mercy, forgiveness, and salvation from the Fire. The Prophet (PBUH) said, "When Ramadan begins, the gates of Heaven are opened, and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained" Sahih al-Bukhari 1899. This highlights the unique opportunity we have to seek Allah's mercy and forgiveness during this month.

Before Ramadan begins, we should set our intentions sincerely for the month. The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the importance of intentions when he said, "Actions are judged by intentions" Sahih al-Bukhari 1. We should aim to increase our worship, seek forgiveness, and strive to improve our character during this month.

In preparation for Ramadan, we should start increasing our acts of worship. This includes:

• Prayers: Increase your voluntary prayers (Nafl) and strive to perform the five daily prayers on time.

• Recitation of the Quran: Begin reading the Quran more frequently. The Prophet (PBUH) would recite the Quran regularly, and Ramadan is the month of the Quran. Allah says, "The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran" Quran 2:185.

• Dua and Supplication: Make a habit of making dua, asking Allah for guidance, strength, and forgiveness.

The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged fasting in the month preceding Ramadan. It is reported that he would fast on Mondays and Thursdays, and especially on the 13th, 14th, and 15th of each month Sahih Muslim 1976. This practice helps to prepare our bodies and minds for the fast of Ramadan

Ramadan is a time for spiritual cleansing. We should take this opportunity to purify our hearts from grudges, hatred, and jealousy. The Prophet (PBUH) said, "Beware of envy, for it devours good deeds just as fire devours wood" Sunan Abu Dawood 4919. Engage in acts of kindness and forgiveness to cleanse your heart.

Create a plan for how you will spend your time during Ramadan. This includes:

• Setting Goals: Determine what you want to achieve, whether it is completing the Quran, increasing your prayers, or performing acts of charity.

• Time Management: Allocate specific times for worship, family, and rest. The Prophet (PBUH) would balance his time between worship and fulfilling his responsibilities.

Ramadan is also a time for community and family. The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the importance of community ties. Engage with your family and friends, share meals, and participate in communal prayers. The Prophet (PBUH) said, "The believers in their mutual kindness, compassion, and sympathy are like one body" Sahih al-Bukhari 6011.

As we prepare for fasting, it is important to take care of our physical health. Gradually adjust your eating habits before Ramadan to make the transition smoother. Stay hydrated and focus on nutritious foods that will sustain you during the fast.

In conclusion, preparing for Ramadan is a holistic process that involves spiritual, mental, and physical readiness. By following the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), we can maximize the benefits of this blessed month. Let us strive to enter Ramadan with pure hearts, sincere intentions, and a commitment to worship.

May Allah grant us the ability to reach Ramadan, accept our fasts, and forgive our sins. Ameen.

We ask Allah to make us among those who witness the month of Ramadan, to grant us the strength to fast and pray, and to accept our good deeds. Ameen.

Wassalamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.