As Ramadan approaches, it is easy to fall into the concept of starting off strong, doing your 5 prayers on time, or wearing the hijab, but let me tell you that it is OKAY to take baby steps. Start practicing right now as you're reading this before Ramadan begins. Ramadan isn't a new year's resolution to start your goals once the day comes. It is a month filled with opportunities for immense blessing and hasanat centered around the wisdoms of the Qur'an. So let's dive into the best ways to prepare for Ramadan coming up in the following days. Remember, slow and steady wins the race.

1. Set the intentions 

Before Ramadan begins, we must purify and set our intentions. Make Niyyah – intention in Arabic. Make the intention that you want to purify your heart during Ramadan. Ask yourself why you're fasting, aside from it being a pillar of Islam. Remember that Allah swt loves effort, not perfection. Regardless of how “perfect” we try to be, we are humans not angels. So don't beat yourself up for the mistakes you make. This dunya is a test. The biggest trick from the shaytaan is to make us believe that Allah is upset with us or unhappy, but don't fall into the trap of letting that push you away from Allah during this important month. 

2. The Big 3

Write down three (non-negotiable) spiritual goals for Ramadan. Of course, feel free to make more. For example, maybe you struggle with backbiting or praying on time, or even modesty. Regardless, treat these goals as top priority (aside from reading Qur'an) during this month and really commit to them. If we can commit to finishing a Netflix series, then we can commit to praying on time. I personally hate journaling, but if that's something you enjoy, try writing out your accomplishments to stay motivated. Do what works best for YOU and your relationship with Allah. 

3. Focus on perfecting Salah 

Salah is a huge, enormous, crazy important aspect of being a muslim. In fact, not praying quite literally takes you out of Islam. Salah should be our number one priority, because without salah, none of our good deeds count until we do our prayers. No amount of dhikr or fasting can make up for salah. Of course, take baby steps from not praying at all to praying all 5 prayers in time with sunnah. Set the intention and do your best. During Ramadan, try committing to taraweeh and tahajjud. Tahajjud is especially special since after Isha and before Fajr, during the last third of the night, that is when we are close to Allah which is so special and shouldn't be taken for granted. 

4. Take time to learn the 99 names

Understanding the root of each name Allah can help us in our duas and how we portray Allah. Allah is not someone to fear, but rather a source of refuge when times get tough. Allah talks about his mercy more than his wrath. Knowing these names will not only transform our relationship with him, but also aid in a more sincere and fulfilled form of worship. 

5. Improve your relationship with the Quran 

Everyones relationship with the Quran looks different. Reading the Quran can easily come off intimidating, especially for reverse and non Arabic speakers. Hence, try focusing on the tafseer – understanding the context of each verse. It's one thing to read the Quran, but something completely different to understand the Quran. Focus on reflecting over each surah and even ayah. Doing so can help us in our personal issues in life with the help of Allah's wisdom from the Quran. 

6. Create a long list of duas (supplication) 

“The closest that a servant comes to his lord is when he is prostrating, so make plenty of supplication. (Sahih Muslim) Write down every single thing you want and desire for this life and the next. Do not act like your order food, make sure you're filling your duas with juicy detail. Here are some dua categories to work off of…

• Spiritual Growth: faith, guidance, and forgiveness 
• Family: Parents, children, and spouse 
• Friends and Community: Friends and ummah 
• Health and Protection: Health, safety, and protection 
• Success and Provision: Work, Finances, and Education

7. Increase Dhikr 

8. Constant state of Wudu 

9. Set a schedule 

10. Forgive and remedy friendship 

Now I know that there was a lot of information, and there are plenty more reminders I could've added, but the big picture is to have discipline and take accountability for this ramadan. Focus on the Quran and salah most of all this month. Whether you celebrate Ramadan alone, or it's your first Ramadan, or it's your first Ramadan as a mother, etc. Whatever the case is, be prepared and set realistic goals. Surround yourself with a great community at the masjid, attend halaqas and surround yourself with friends and environments that benefit you instead of dragging you down. May Allah make this Ramadan filled with blessing and sweetness of the soul and wisdom. No matter the outcome, it is YOUR efforts that matter most of all. Ramadan Mubarak!