3 Ways To Prepare Your Heart for Ramadan

1) Make Peace With Your Imperfect Iman

Ramadan is a month both for the righteous and the sinners. It is a time for us to cleanse ourselves and admit to our imperfections. This is in remembering that Allah SWT will accept any one of His servants who strive to be better in the month of forgiveness. Do not come into Ramadan thinking you are worthless, come to it feeling hopeful that Allah SWT will accept your good deeds and repentance.

Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said,

“Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.”

(Sahih Al-Bukhari)

2) Relearn to sit with Allah SWT

As Ramadan draws close, preparing to ‘meet’ Allah SWT is as important as ever. The heart needs to train itself to exercise what it has forgotten – to sit in peace with Allah SWT, and let go of distractions.

Take time before Ramadan to train yourself in sitting down on the prayer mat and immerse in your sheer love for Allah SWT. Ask Him for peace, and seek a heart that will do well in Ramadan; consistent in deeds and efforts.

“O Allah, help me to remember You, to give You thanks, and to perform Your worship in the best manner.”

(Abu Dawud)

3) Soften your heart towards people.

While Ramadan is a month of strengthening the relationship with Allah SWT, it is also a month of compassion, and love for others. Outside of spending time with the Qur’an and acts of worship, one should be with those he loves and those who need help. Before Ramadan approaches, put away negative thoughts about others, and soften your heart by giving, loving and strengthening ties of ukhuwwah (brotherhood) in many ways possible. Cleanse your heart from evil assumptions or stinginess before the holy month.

The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Allah will not be merciful to those who are not merciful to people.”

(Sahih Al-Bukhari)