It’s no secret. Ramadan is right around the corner. And Sha‘ban is the month that gently prepares us for what’s to come.
When asked about his worship in Sha‘ban, the Prophet ﷺ said:
“…That is a month people neglect, between Rajab and Ramadan. It is a month in which deeds are raised to the Lord of the worlds, and I love that my deeds be raised while I am fasting.”
(Sunan an-Nasa’i, 22:268)
Sha‘ban reminds us that preparation doesn’t happen all at once. It happens quietly, through intention, consistency, and small acts that soften the heart before Ramadan arrives.
If you’re wondering how to prepare without feeling overwhelmed, here are five gentle ways to begin during Sha‘ban:
Before schedules and goals, pause to reflect on why you’re preparing for Ramadan. A sincere intention sets the foundation for everything that follows.
Even a few quiet moments after salah, before sleep, or during a walk can reconnect the heart. Let du‘aa become familiar again before Ramadan begins.
There’s no need to rush. Start with a few verses, a page, or by listening during daily tasks. Consistency now makes depth easier later.
Sha‘ban is a recommended time to complete any fasts missed from previous Ramadans. Doing so now helps enter the coming month with a clear heart and a sense of readiness.
Seeking forgiveness softens the heart and clears space for renewal. Even simple, repeated phrases of Astaghfirullah throughout the day can become a powerful form of preparation.
Preparation doesn’t need to be dramatic to be meaningful. The quiet work of Sha‘ban often shapes how deeply we experience Ramadan. As you move through this month, ask yourself: What small step can I take this week to prepare my heart for Ramadan?
May Allah accept our deeds and allow us to reach Ramadan with sincerity and peace.
Sakeenah Canada, a national charitable organization, was founded in 2018 in response to a gap in culturally and religiously sensitive services available for women and children facing domestic violence and homelessness. Since then, our services have expanded to include mental health therapy and counseling. Sakeenah has also started The People’s Market, a food program that helps combat food insecurity, and has become the first licensed foster care agency for Muslim children in all of North America. We currently operate 8 transitional homes across Canada: Toronto, Brampton, Milton, London, Montreal, Ottawa, Winnipeg, and Regina, in addition to the first long-term housing program for Muslim women and children in Canada, in Windsor.
Every night, thousands of women and children in Canada face homelessness, poverty, and trauma. We are on a mission to change that.
While Sakeenah functions at a national level, our head office and The People’s Market operate out of land that is part of the Treaty and Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, The Haudenosaunee Confederacy, the Huron-Wendat and Wyandot Nations.
Sakeenah believes that while a land acknowledgement is the first step, we also understand that land acknowledgements alone are not sufficient to redress the harm caused by centuries of land theft, forced displacement and ongoing acts of settler colonialism. We recognize that this work is ongoing and complex, and we are dedicated to doing our part to create a better future for all.
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