The best way to prepare for Ramadan is to start in Sha'ban: make up any missed fasts, set a realistic Quran goal, ease into earlier sleep and lighter eating, plan your zakat and charity, and talk with family, work or school about routines. Preparing early means the month itself is spent on worship, not logistics.
Key Takeaways
- Fasting Ramadan is prescribed in the Quran so "that you may become righteous" (Al-Baqarah 2:183).
- The Prophet fasted more in Sha'ban than any month other than Ramadan (Sahih al-Bukhari 1969), making it a natural time to prepare.
- Missed fasts from last Ramadan can be made up before the next one, as Aisha did in Sha'ban (Sahih al-Bukhari 1950).
- A realistic Quran plan, set before the month starts, makes finishing or progressing far more likely.
- Anyone with a medical condition should speak to their GP before Ramadan; the Quran provides exemptions for illness and travel (2:184).
Why Prepare at All?
Allah says: "O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous" (Al-Baqarah, 2:183, Sahih International). And the Prophet 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 38). With so much at stake, it makes sense to arrive ready rather than spend the first week adjusting.
Spiritual Preparation
- Set your intention and goals, such as consistency in prayer, Quran reading, or a habit to leave behind.
- Fast some days in Sha'ban. The Prophet fasted in Sha'ban more than any month other than Ramadan (Sahih al-Bukhari 1969).
- Make up missed fasts from last year. Aisha said she sometimes could only make up missed Ramadan fasts in Sha'ban (Sahih al-Bukhari 1950).
- Build night prayer gently, so Taraweeh and Qiyam feel natural, as described in our guide to Sunnah prayers.
Your Quran Plan
Ramadan is the month "in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people" (Al-Baqarah, 2:185, Sahih International). Decide before the month what's realistic: completing the whole Quran, one juz a day, or a smaller daily amount with meaning. Our guide to how long it takes to read the whole Quran has daily plans for different goals. If your recitation needs work, a few weeks of Tajweed lessons before Ramadan pays off all month, and a Quran Translation course helps you understand what you read.
Practical and Health Preparation
| Area | What to do before Ramadan |
|---|---|
| Sleep | Gradually shift to earlier nights so suhoor and Fajr feel easier |
| Food | Plan simple, nourishing suhoor and iftar meals, and stock up on staples |
| Caffeine | Cut down gradually to avoid headaches in the first days |
| Health | If you have a medical condition or take medication, speak to your GP first |
| Exemptions | Remember that the ill and travellers may make up days later (2:184) |
The Quran says: "So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them], then an equal number of other days [are to be made up]" (Al-Baqarah, 2:184, Sahih International). The details of who is exempt, and how to make up or compensate, are discussed by scholars, so ask your imam about your situation.
Charity and Zakat
- Work out your zakat, if your zakat date falls in Ramadan, using our guide to calculating zakat.
- Plan regular charity, even small daily amounts.
- Set aside Zakat al-Fitr to give before the Eid prayer; your local mosque will announce the amount.
Family, Work and School
- Agree family routines for suhoor, iftar, Quran time and Taraweeh.
- Involve children, with age-appropriate goals like short fasts or a Ramadan Quran chart.
- Talk to your employer or school early about prayer times, breaks and any flexibility.
- Plan for the last ten nights, when many increase worship.
Make This Ramadan a Quran Ramadan
Mariam Quran Tutor offers one-to-one Quran lessons at times that fit around Ramadan routines, including early morning and after iftar. You can book a free trial lesson with no card required, or call +44 7848 496686.
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