If you're anything like me, the thought of Ramadan fast approaching is both exciting and a little scary – hear me out; it's the month of the Quran, it comes once a year, and it's a time where abundant mercy is available to us all. It kind of feels like there's some pressure to make the most of every minute.
Year after year, there’s this little voice that creeps in, whispering doubts: Will I achieve all my goals? Am I asking for the right things when I raise my hands in du’a? Have I optimized my time so that, by Eid, I can confidently say, “That was the best Ramadan ever”?
I know I’m not alone in this. It’s so easy to feel overwhelmed by the pressure to excel spiritually and mentally during Ramadan that we end up doubting ourselves before the month has even begun. But not this year.
This year, we’re leaving behind the doubt, the self-deprecating thoughts, and the endless cycle of trying to figure it all out on the fly. This year, we’re focusing on incremental efforts—small, intentional actions that will add up to something spectacular when the crescent moon of Shawwal signals the end of the blessed month.
What are Incremental Efforts?
The concept of incremental efforts, as outlined by James Clear in Atomic Habits, revolves around the idea that small, consistent actions compound over time to produce remarkable results. Clear explains that focusing on improving by just 1% every day may seem insignificant, but when compounded over a year, it can lead to transformative growth—whether in personal habits, skill-building, or spiritual development. This approach is particularly relevant to preparing for Ramadan.
Rather than overwhelming yourself with grandiose goals, such as memorizing an entire Juz or completing countless hours of worship, breaking those goals into small, manageable steps can be far more sustainable. For instance, reciting just a page of Quran daily or fasting once a week in Sha’ban can build the momentum and discipline needed for Ramadan.
It’s about embracing the process and valuing consistency over perfection. Clear’s philosophy reminds us that long-term success is less about dramatic change and more about the tiny habits we build each day, making even the smallest efforts meaningful when done with sincerity and intention.
Let’s take a moment to reset, realign, and start preparing in a way that feels doable, meaningful, and spiritually fulfilling. Remember, the path to a successful Ramadan starts before Ramadan. Here are five things you can start doing right now to mentally and spiritually prepare:
- Set Small, Realistic Goals
- Start Fasting in Sha'ban
- Build a Relationship with The Quran (Read this for FREE Tarteel Premium😉)
- Declutter Your Mind & Space
- Reconnect with Your Intention
1. Set Small, Realistic Goals
We all love a good “Ramadan goals” list, but let’s be honest: aiming to finish 10 Islamic books, pray every single Taraweeh, and memorize an entire Juz of the Quran in 30 days can quickly lead to burnout. Instead, pick three achievable goals that reflect where you are spiritually.
For example:
- Aim to pray Fajr on time every day.
- Memorize one new dua.
- Read 10–15 pages of Quran daily.
Small, consistent actions have a way of compounding into something extraordinary. It’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing something consistently and with intention. And remember, these goals will look different for everyone – what's manageable for one person might not work for you, and it's important to remember that's ok! Don't be so hard on yourself that you're deterred from making any effort at all.
2. Start Fasting in Sha’ban
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was known to fast frequently in the month of Sha’ban. Aisha (RA) said,
"I never saw the Messenger of Allah ﷺ fasting for an entire month except in Ramadan, and I never saw him fasting more than he did in Sha’ban." (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim).
Fasting during this month not only helps you get into the rhythm of fasting, but it also prepares your body and mind for the discipline required in Ramadan.
Usama ibn Zaid (RA) asked the Prophet ﷺ about this practice, and he explained:
"That (Sha’ban) is a month to which people do not pay much attention, between Rajab and Ramadan, and it is a month in which deeds are raised to the Lord of the worlds, so I like for my deeds to be raised while I am fasting." (Sunan an-Nasa'i, Hasan).
This highlights the spiritual significance of Sha’ban as a time to engage in acts of worship that are often neglected, allowing you to approach Ramadan with heightened mindfulness and sincerity.
You don’t have to fast every day. Start with Mondays and Thursdays, as was the sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ, or even just one day a week. The idea is to ease into the spiritual state of Ramadan, ensuring it doesn’t feel like you’re diving into the deep end all at once. Each fast becomes an act of devotion, gradually tuning your heart and soul to the blessings of the upcoming holy month.
3. Build a Relationship with The Quran
Building a relationship with the Quran from now is one of the most rewarding steps you can take as Ramadan approaches. Think of the Quran as a lifelong companion, always there to guide, comfort, and inspire. By starting early, you allow its words to settle deeply into your heart, preparing you to embrace Ramadan with clarity and purpose.
The Quran isn’t just a book to be read—it’s a divine conversation, a source of solace, and a light in times of darkness. Begin with just a verse a day, and watch how it transforms your thoughts and actions. The beauty of this journey lies in its sincerity—there’s no right or wrong way, only your dedication to connecting with Allah through His words. Let this be the year you don’t wait until Ramadan to begin; start today and let the Quran become the anchor for your soul.
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"Indeed, this Quran guides to that which is most suitable and gives good tidings to the believers who do righteous deeds that they will have a great reward." (Surah Al-Isra, 17:9)
4. Declutter Your Mind and Space
Ramadan is a time for clarity and focus, so why not start by simplifying your life? Begin with your physical space—your room, desk, car, or even your phone. A cluttered environment can create mental fog, while a tidy space fosters a sense of calm and clarity. Imagine walking into a clean, peaceful room after a long day, where everything is in its place, inviting you to sit down and reflect. That’s the kind of atmosphere you want to build as Ramadan approaches.
But decluttering isn’t just about tidying up what’s around you—it’s also about lightening the mental load. What’s been pulling your attention in a hundred different directions lately? Maybe it’s the endless scroll of social media, constant notifications, or a to-do list so long it makes your head spin. Take stock of these distractions and set small, realistic boundaries. That could mean muting unnecessary group chats, reducing screen time, or carving out 10 minutes daily to sit in silence and breathe. Ramadan is a month of intentionality, and by making space—physically and mentally—you’re giving yourself the best chance to focus on what truly matters.
5. Reconnect with Your Intention
Every act of worship begins with intention, and now is the time to renew yours. Take a moment to reflect on what Ramadan truly means to you. What do you want to gain spiritually? What’s holding you back?
Write down your answers in a journal or even a simple note on your phone. Whenever doubt or laziness creeps in, revisit these reflections to remind yourself why you’re putting in the effort.
Remember, intention transforms ordinary actions into acts of worship. Whether it’s cooking iftar for your family, giving sadaqah, or helping a neighbor, doing it for the sake of Allah amplifies its reward.
Incremental Efforts Lead to Big Results
Preparing for Ramadan doesn’t have to mean overhauling your entire life overnight. It’s about making small, meaningful changes that align your heart and mind with what truly matters. Think of it as laying bricks for a solid foundation—one small effort at a time.
And don’t forget: the tools are already at your disposal. With Tarteel Premium free for Sha’ban, you have the perfect companion to help you make Quran engagement a cornerstone of your preparation.
So, let’s enter Ramadan 2025 ready—not perfect, but intentional. With the right mindset, good preparation, and a focus on sincerity, this could be your best Ramadan yet, inshaAllah. Let’s do this together! 🤲
