As the blessed days move closer, our hearts begin to feel a unique spiritual breeze. Ramadan is reaching, Insha’Allah, and February 16 serves as a powerful reminder that the most sacred month of the Islamic calendar is almost upon us. It is not just a time of fasting—it is a season of mercy, forgiveness, reflection, and spiritual elevation.

But the question we must ask ourselves is: Are we truly ready to welcome Ramadan? Just as we prepare physically for guests, Ramadan deserves a deeper preparation—of the heart, mind, and soul.

Table of Contents

🌙 The Virtues and Benefits of Ramadan

Ramadan is a divine gift granted exclusively to the Ummah of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It is a month in which Allah opens the doors of mercy and multiplies rewards beyond imagination.

1. Month of the Qur’an

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)

Ramadan is the month of revelation. Every recitation carries multiplied reward. It is the perfect time to reconnect with the Book of Allah—not only by reading but by understanding and implementing it.

2. Multiplication of Rewards

Every good deed in Ramadan is rewarded many times more than usual. Nafl acts carry the reward of Fard, and Fard acts are multiplied up to seventy times or more.

3. Forgiveness of Sins

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

This is one of the greatest benefits—a complete spiritual reset.

4. Protection from Hellfire

Fasting acts as a shield. It protects not only from sins but also from the punishment of the Hereafter.

5. Laylatul Qadr – The Night of Power

Within Ramadan lies a night better than a thousand months. Worship on this night equals more than 83 years of ibadah.

📖 Ramadan in the Light of Qur’an

Allah mentions fasting as an obligation filled with wisdom:

“O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

The primary goal of Ramadan is Taqwa (God-consciousness)—to discipline our desires and strengthen our relationship with Allah.

Ramadan teaches:

Self-control
Patience
Gratitude
Compassion for the poor
Detachment from worldly distractions

🕋 Ramadan in the Light of Hadith

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would eagerly await Ramadan and prepare his companions for it.

Glad Tidings of Ramadan

He ﷺ said:

“When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari)

This hadith highlights the spiritual environment of Ramadan—it becomes easier to do good and avoid sin.

The Smell of the Fasting Person

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“The smell from the mouth of a fasting person is more beloved to Allah than the fragrance of musk.”
(Sahih Muslim)

Even the physical hardship of fasting is honored by Allah.

Dua at Iftar

Another beautiful benefit:

“The supplication of the fasting person at the time of breaking fast is not rejected.”
(Tirmidhi)

Ramadan is therefore a month of accepted duas.

🕌 How the Sahabah (RA) Prepared for Ramadan

The companions of the Prophet ﷺ understood the value of Ramadan better than anyone. Their preparation began months in advance.

1. Six Months Dua

It is reported that the Sahabah would make dua for six months:

“O Allah, allow us to reach Ramadan.”

And after Ramadan, they would make dua for another six months:

“O Allah, accept it from us.”

This shows how precious Ramadan was to them.

2. Increased Qur’an Recitation

Imam Malik (رحمه الله) would stop teaching Hadith in Ramadan and focus entirely on the Qur’an. The Sahabah would complete multiple recitations.

3. Voluntary Fasts Before Ramadan

Many companions would fast in Sha’ban to spiritually warm up for Ramadan.

4. Charity and Feeding the Poor

They would increase charity even before Ramadan began, preparing to serve others in the blessed month.

5. Spiritual Cleansing

They would resolve conflicts, forgive others, and purify their hearts so they could enter Ramadan with sincerity.

🌟 How We Can Prepare for Ramadan Today

Ramadan preparation is not cultural—it is spiritual. Here are practical ways we can prepare:

1. Prepare Your Heart

Repent sincerely (Tawbah)
Forgive those who hurt you
Remove jealousy, hatred, and pride

A clean heart receives Ramadan’s blessings fully.

2. Build the Habit of Salah

If we struggle with five daily prayers now, Ramadan will be difficult. Start:

Praying on time
Adding Sunnah prayers
Preparing for Taraweeh

3. Reconnect With the Qur’an

Start before Ramadan:

Read daily—even 1 page
Study translation
Listen to recitation

This makes Ramadan Qur’an goals achievable.

4. Train Your Body to Fast

Begin voluntary fasts:

Mondays & Thursdays
13th, 14th, 15th (White days)

This reduces physical shock in Ramadan.

5. Control Your Tongue & Eyes

Ramadan fasting is not only from food but from sin.

Prepare by avoiding:

Gossip
Backbiting
Haram media
Abusive language

6. Plan Your Ramadan Schedule

Successful Ramadan requires planning:

Suhoor timing
Work adjustments
Qur’an targets
Charity goals
I’tikaf plans

7. Increase Charity Now

The Prophet ﷺ was most generous in Ramadan. Start giving from now so generosity becomes natural.

🕯️ Spiritual Checklist Before Ramadan

Use this as a quick preparation guide:

✔ Make sincere Tawbah
✔ Clear grudges
✔ Set Qur’an goals
✔ Fix Salah consistency
✔ Plan charity
✔ Reduce social media
✔ Learn Ramadan duas
✔ Prepare for Laylatul Qadr

🌙 A Heartfelt Reflection

Not everyone who witnessed last Ramadan is alive today. Many graves are filled with people who once planned to fast “next year.”

So we must ask:

Will we reach Ramadan?
If Allah allows us, it is a sign of His mercy and invitation.

Ramadan is not guaranteed—it is gifted.

🤲 Final Dua

Let us prepare with the dua of the righteous:

“O Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha’ban and allow us to reach Ramadan.”

And when Ramadan arrives:

“O Allah, help us to fast, pray, and be accepted.”

📌 Conclusion

February 16 is not just another date—it is a spiritual alarm. Ramadan is reaching Insha’Allah, and the doors of mercy are about to open.

Let us welcome Ramadan not with shopping lists, but with:

Repentance
Qur’an
Salah
Charity
Sincerity

If we prepare our hearts today, Ramadan will transform our lives tomorrow.

May Allah allow us to reach Ramadan, benefit from it, and be among the forgiven. Ameen. 🌙

Ramadan

February 16th or 17th: Ramadan Is Near Insha’Allah – Are You Ready to Welcome It?