How to prepare for Ramadan

The best way to prepare for Ramadan is to build up good habits in advance, so that you can enter it without the need for adjustment.

Ramadan is less than 100 days away, and for Muslims worldwide, it represents the most spiritually valuable month of the year. The early generations of Muslims spent half the year praying for their worship from Ramadan to be accepted, and the other half asking Allah to grant them life to reach the next one. Their mindset reflects a deep truth: Ramadan begins with preparation, not just when the crescent is sighted.

But how do you prepare for Ramadan? It can be overwhelming, and with the busy lives we lead, sometimes it feels like it comes out of nowhere.

This guide is intended to help provide you with methods to prepare for Ramadan, so you can enter the holy month without fear.

Preparing for Ramadan early allows you to enter the holy month with clarity, consistency, and motivation. Instead of spending the first days adjusting, you can maximize every moment from day one, inshaAllah. This Ramadan preparation checklist and guide offers practical, spiritual, and habit-building steps to help you prepare gradually and sustainably.

As you prepare your spirit, remember those in need. Give your mercy this Ramadan with our Ramadan Appeal.

Preparing for Ramadan is a process that begins well before the first day of fasting. It is not only about practical readiness but also about cultivating spiritual awareness and aligning one’s lifestyle with the sacred month. Preparation is continuous and deeply rooted in Islamic tradition, ensuring that both body and soul are ready to fully embrace the blessings of Ramadan.

Traditionally, Muslims begin their spiritual preparation for Ramadan as early as two months prior, during the months of Rajab and Sha'ban. This period focuses on repentance (Tawbah) and self-reflection, allowing individuals to cleanse their hearts and minds from past sins. Increasing voluntary fasting during Sha'ban is also encouraged, helping the body and soul ease into the practice while nurturing discipline and spiritual mindfulness.

Charity Planning

Planning charitable contributions such as Zakat and Sadaqah is an essential part of preparing for Ramadan. It is recommended to organise these donations approximately four to six weeks before the month begins. This allows individuals to finalise their Ramadan worship goals, ensuring that acts of generosity are deliberate and impactful. Readers can find more guidance on planning Zakat and Sadaqah contributions elsewhere on the site.

Repentance and forgiveness (Taubah)

Sincere repentance is key to starting Ramadan with a clean slate. Muslims are encouraged to seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT) for past sins and to make amends with those they may have wronged. This process not only purifies the heart but also strengthens the intention to fully commit to the month’s worship.

Reconnecting with the Qur'an

Engaging with the Qur’an is central to spiritual preparation. Practical steps include setting a daily reading goal, such as completing one Juz, studying Tafsir (explanations) for deeper understanding, and listening to daily recitations. Establishing these habits ahead of Ramadan makes it easier to maintain consistent engagement with the Qur’an throughout the month.

Increasing good deeds and voluntary worship

Voluntary acts of worship (Nawafil) are highly recommended before Ramadan to build spiritual momentum. This includes performing additional prayers, making Du'a (see how to make Du'a), and increasing Dhikr (remembrance of Allah). Small, manageable good deeds to start now may include:

• Giving a small daily charity.
• Performing two extra Rak’ahs after Isha prayer.
• Making daily Du'a for family and community.
• Reciting a few verses of the Qur’an each day.
• Offering daily Dhikr in the morning or evening.

Seeking Knowledge of Fiqh (rulings)

Understanding the rulings of fasting, Zakat al-Fitr, and Taraweeh prayer ensures that acts of worship are correct and accepted. Studying Fiqh before Ramadan helps avoid mistakes and enhances confidence in performing religious duties correctly.

Physical preparation is equally important to help the body adjust to fasting. Gradually reducing caffeine and sugar intake about two weeks two weeks before Ramadan can prevent withdrawal symptoms, while adjusting sleep patterns ensures that individuals can wake comfortably for Suhoor and Fajr prayers. These steps ease the physical shock of fasting and support your overall health throughout the month.

Adjusting your diet and hydration

Gradual dietary changes can make fasting easier. For Suhoor, focus on slow-releasing energy foods such as oats, whole grains, and complex carbohydrates. For Iftar, break the fast with dates and water, followed by a balanced meal containing proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats. Proper hydration before Ramadan helps prevent fatigue and supports overall health.

Gradual fasting practice

Practising voluntary fasts in advance, such as on Mondays and Thursdays or during the White Days, helps the body adapt to fasting. These preparatory fasts offer insight into managing hunger and energy levels, making it easier to adjust once Ramadan begins. Integrating these practices answers the question of how to prepare to fast for Ramadan effectively.

Fixing your sleep schedule

Adjusting your sleep schedule is essential to ensure you can wake up for Suhoor and Fajr prayers without fatigue. Going to bed earlier and establishing a consistent sleep routine helps manage energy levels, reduces burnout, and enhances concentration during worship.

Organising and time management

Efficient time management allows for a focused and spiritually productive Ramadan. Completing non-essential tasks beforehand, such as Eid shopping or decluttering, reduces distractions. Setting clear, realistic spiritual goals ensures that worship is intentional and fulfilling.

Digital detox and social media preparation

Limiting social media use before Ramadan helps reclaim time for spiritual growth. Practical actions include deleting non-essential apps, setting device boundaries, and re-channeling time toward worship, reflection, and mindfulness. A pre-Ramadan digital detox ensures that online distractions do not interfere with the sacred month’s focus.

Enter Ramadan with a Pure Heart with our Ramadan checklist

Preparing for Ramadan is a form of worship. By building habits early—Qur’an, dhikr, sunnah prayers, fasting, tawbah—you enter the month with spiritual momentum. Use the weeks before Ramadan to clear distractions, strengthen your heart, and build consistency. May Allah allow us to reach Ramadan with purified hearts and accept all our worship. Ameen.

Step 1: Pray to Reach Ramadan

No one is guaranteed another year. Asking Allah to allow you to witness Ramadan is an act of humility and sincerity. Add a short dua to your daily routine: “Allahumma ballighna Ramadan.” Pair it with gratitude, reflecting on the blessing of being able to worship in Ramadan.

Step 2: Add Daily Adhkar

Dhikr softens the heart, protects from sin, and builds spiritual consistency. Use a counter and recite 100× SubhanAllah in the morning and evening. Gradually add Alhamdulillah and Allahu Akbar. Link dhikr to daily routines.

Step 3: Pray Sunnah and Witr Consistently

Sunnah prayers complement obligatory prayers and compensate for deficiencies. Witr is highly emphasised and strengthens nightly devotion. Begin with 2 rak‘ah before Fajr and 2 after Maghrib/Isha. Include Witr nightly, even just one rak‘ah. Track weekly to ensure habit formation.

Step 4: Strengthen Your Qur’an Connection

The Qur’an is central to Ramadan. Increasing recitation and reflection beforehand ensures a smooth, spiritually enriching month. Start with one page daily and gradually increase. Listen to the Qur’an while commuting. Revise favourite surahs like Yaseen, Mulk, or Rahman. Use Qur’an apps to track progress and build streaks.

Step 5: Clear Out Distractions

Pending tasks drain focus. Completing them before Ramadan ensures mental clarity for worship. Finish appointments (doctor, dentist, work obligations). Repair household issues. Declutter home and workspace. Create a “pre-Ramadan to-do list” for maximum efficiency.

Step 6: Plan Your Ramadan Routine

Planning prevents burnout and makes consistency easier. Set suhoor wake times. Allocate Qur’an reading and dhikr blocks. Plan work and exercise schedules. Schedule taraweeh prayers. Prepare meals ahead of time. Even if your schedule is tight, you can integrate dhikr and du’a anywhere.

Step 7: Repent and Leave Sins Behind

Carrying sins weighs down the heart. Sincere repentance clears the soul and prepares it for worship. Identify harmful habits or sins. Make sincere tawbah and ask Allah for forgiveness. Replace one bad habit with a good deed each week.

Step 8: Start Sunnah Fasting

Fasting before Ramadan builds discipline and prepares the body for the month. Fast Mondays & Thursdays. Fast the “White Days” (13, 14, 15 of each month). Make up any missed obligatory fasts. Winter fasts are shorter, making this practice easier.

Step 9: Making Up Missed Fasts (Qada)

As Ramadan approaches, it is essential to make up any obligatory fasts missed during the previous year, if you are able to do so. Completing Qada fasts not only fulfils a religious obligation but also helps you enter Ramadan with a clear conscience and a renewed sense of spiritual commitment. If health or other valid reasons prevented you from fasting earlier, this is the ideal time to complete them before the blessed month begins.

Step 10: Financial Planning and Charity

Ramadan is a time when rewards for good deeds are multiplied, making thoughtful financial planning especially meaningful. Begin by reviewing your Zakat obligations and ensuring you calculate and distribute it properly. You may wish to explore our Zakat Appeal and find reliable avenues to fulfil this pillar of faith.

In addition to Zakat, consider setting aside funds for Sadaqah, your voluntary charity. Even small, consistent acts of giving can have a profound impact on those in need. You can learn more by visiting our Sadaqah Appeal and choosing the causes closest to your heart.

It can also help to plan and review your plans for shopping during Ramadan to help your budgeting.

As you plan your giving, remember the less fortunate. Support our Ramadan Appeal.

Step 11: Planning for Family and Community

Preparing for Ramadan is not just a personal journey—it’s an opportunity to bring your family and community together. Involve children by giving them age-appropriate roles, such as helping decorate the home, creating a Ramadan calendar, or assisting with meal planning. These activities help build excitement and deepen their understanding of the month’s significance.

Consider organising family or community iftar gatherings, even if small. Sharing food strengthens bonds, encourages gratitude, and fosters a sense of unity that reflects the spirit of Ramadan.

While planning for this blessed month, it’s important to avoid a few common mistakes that can hinder your spiritual and physical readiness:

Neglecting Rest:

Over-scheduling your days before Ramadan, whether through excessive social commitments or overexertion, can leave you fatigued before the first fast. Prioritise sleep and balanced routines, so you enter Ramadan with energy and focus.

Delaying Repentance:

Waiting until Ramadan to seek forgiveness can cause you to miss valuable spiritual growth. Begin repentance early, allowing your heart to be lighter and more receptive to worship when Ramadan arrives.

Last-Minute Meal Preparation:

Leaving meal planning to the final days may lead to stress and unhealthy choices. Preparing simple, nutritious staples in advance ensures smoother fasting days and helps avoid reliance on heavy or processed foods.

Over-shopping or Wasting Food:

Buying more than needed can create financial strain and lead to unnecessary waste, both contrary to the teachings of moderation. Plan meals realistically and shop thoughtfully.

Ignoring Spiritual Habits:

Some people wait for Ramadan to restart Qur’an recitation or daily prayer routines. Gradually building these habits beforehand helps you maintain consistency once fasting begins.

By avoiding these pitfalls, you can begin Ramadan grounded, organised, and spiritually motivated.

By Human Appeal

Manchester, United Kingdom