6 Months To Go: How To Start Preparing For Ramadan 1446/2025!

As we find ourselves in the blessed month of Rabi' al-Awwal, a special time that marks the birth of our beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, it's also a reminder that Ramadan 2025 is just six months away. While this might seem far off, now is the perfect time to start preparing spiritually, mentally, and physically for the holy month, especially as the winter months bring shorter days and longer nights, making it easier to implement key practices that can help us prepare for the most wonderful time of the year!

Why Start Preparing Now? ⏰

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"The deeds most loved by Allah are those done regularly, even if they are small." (Sahih Bukhari)

There's no time like the present, right? Preparation for Ramadan shouldn't begin a few weeks before its arrival. Instead, by starting now, we can ease into practices that will help us make the most of the holy month without feeling overwhelmed. The winter months offer a unique opportunity: shorter days allow for more manageable fasts (for those wishing to practice voluntary fasting), while the longer nights provide extended time for night prayers (Qiyam-ul-Layl) and worship.

Step 1: Revive Your Connection with the Quran 📖

Ramadan is known as the month of the Quran. Allah says in the Quran:

"The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion..." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185)

Begin by increasing your daily Quran recitation now. Set small goals, such as reading a few pages or a juz (section) every day. You can also use this time to start memorizing surahs in preparation for Taraweeh, or reviewing your memorization. Using Tarteel can assist in refining your memorization, creating an EPIC habit and deepening your connection with the Quran.

Step 2: Fast Voluntarily 🥗❌

Voluntary fasting is a great way to get into the rhythm of Ramadan early. The Prophet ﷺ would fast on Mondays and Thursdays and encouraged fasting during the middle of the lunar month - or White Days (Ayam al-Beed – 13th, 14th, and 15th of each lunar month).

During these months leading up to Ramadan, consider starting with a few voluntary fasts, especially since the winter days are shorter. This will help your body adjust to fasting before Ramadan and give you spiritual benefits. Abu Huraira reported that the Prophet ﷺ said:

"Fasting is a shield." (Sahih Bukhari)

Step 3: Night Prayers (Qiyam-ul-Layl) 🌙

With the long winter nights, this is an excellent time to incorporate the night prayer into your routine. Even if it’s just two units of prayer, starting now will make it easier to continue in Ramadan. The Prophet ﷺ said:

"The best prayer after the obligatory prayers is the night prayer." (Sahih Muslim)

Begin with small steps and gradually increase the number of rak’ahs as you progress. Not only does this give you extra time for reflection and supplication, but it also strengthens your spiritual resilience.

Step 4: Increase Dhikr and Dua 🤲

Now is the perfect time to increase your dhikr (remembrance of Allah) and dua (supplication). The Prophet ﷺ recommended:

"Whoever says 'Subhanallahi wa bihamdihi' 100 times a day, his sins will be forgiven even if they are like the foam of the sea." (Sahih Bukhari)

Incorporate these simple but powerful acts of worship into your daily routine now. Start by reciting morning and evening adhkar (remembrances), and making a habit of constant dua. During these months, make dua that Allah allows you to reach Ramadan and that He grants you the strength to make the most out of it. Here's a short, beautiful dua to help you get started:

اللّهُمَّ بَلِّغْنَا رَمَضَان

Allahumma ballighna Ramadan
O Allah, allow us to reach Ramadan.

Step 5: Reflect on the Purpose of Ramadan 💭

Rabi' al-Awwal is a month of reflection on the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. This makes it the perfect time to contemplate the deeper spiritual significance of Ramadan. Ramadan is more than just abstaining from food and drink—it’s about renewing our relationship with Allah, seeking forgiveness, and purifying our hearts. Allah says in the Quran:

"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183)

Spend these months reflecting on how you want to grow spiritually during Ramadan. Do you want to strengthen your relationship with the Quran? Increase your charitable acts? Work on your patience and self-control? Use this time to make a plan and set goals.

Step 6: Give Charity 💸

Charity is a key element of Ramadan. Start now by giving small amounts regularly. The Prophet ﷺ said:

"The best of charity is that given in Ramadan." (Tirmidhi)

However, you don’t have to wait until Ramadan to start giving. Regular acts of charity—whether monetary, volunteering, or even helping someone in need—can be a way of preparing your heart for the blessed month.

The Road to Ramadan Starts Now 🚀

While six months might seem like a long time, preparing for Ramadan is a gradual process. By starting now, you can slowly build the habits that will make your Ramadan more fulfilling and spiritually enriching. Use the shorter days and longer nights to your advantage by increasing your worship, fasting voluntarily, and strengthening your connection with the Quran. With consistency, intention, and a heart aimed at seeking Allah’s pleasure, you will be well-prepared to welcome Ramadan with open arms.

Ready to start your journey with the Quran? Download Tarteel now and get started on Quran memorization, recitation improvement, and more, as you prepare to make this Ramadan your best one yet!