Right from the onset of the month of Rajab, we should begin to prepare for Ramadhān. By building up slowly over Rajab and Sha'bān, we will be in peak spiritual condition when Ramadhān arrives. To do this we need to make a programme of 'ibādah and set daily targets. We then need to fix a timetable so that we are able to achieve those targets. Thereafter, targets should be reviewed every week or every fortnight, and gradually increased until Ramadhān arrives. Then throughout Ramadhān this process should continue.

If we do not set targets and do not fix a timetable early on, we will not be able to progress. Consequently, we will not develop the necessary spiritual stamina required to maintain the level of performance in order to reap the maximum benefit from Ramadhān.

The advent of the month of Rajab is a signal for us to begin preparing for the month of Ramadhān. If we start gearing up from the month of Rajab then upon the commencement of the month of Ramadhān we will have a set routine of 'ibādah that we can gradually increase as the month progresses. In this way we will be able to fully benefit from the blessed month.

If we intend to increase our 'ibādah only after the month of Ramadhān has begun then by the time we get into gear, many days of Ramadhān would have passed, and we would have wasted valuable opportunities.

Reaching the month of Rajab is akin to reaching the shore of Ramadhān. This is why the Prophet sallallāhu 'alayhi wasallam would read the following du'ā with anticipation upon the advent of Rajab:

اَللّٰھُمَّ بَارِكْ لَنَا فِيْ رَجَبٍ وَ شَعْبَانَ وَ بَلِّغْنَا رَمَضَانَ

“O Allāh! Bless us in the months of Rajab and Sha'bān, and make us reach Ramadhān [by granting us life until then].” (Al-Mu'jam Al-Awsat)

The whole of Ramadhān was a spiritual tournament and the night of 'Īd (i.e. the night before 'Īd day) is when the winning team is awarded their prize.

If you are given the ability to worship Allāh ta'ālā during this auspicious night then it is an indication that you are in the winning team.

In order to be eligible for a prize the least we should do is to refrain from every sin and engage in a little bit of extra 'ibādah for a while during this night.

The following two advices will help to maintain the momentum of Ramadhān and safeguard us from wasting the remaining precious moments of Ramadhān, due to the excitement of the advent of 'Īd.

  1. On the 29th of Ramadhān remain occupied in devotions to Allāh ta'ālā, as the precious moments are slipping away quickly. Do not endeavour to find out before Maghrib whether the moon has been sighted or not.
  2. If however you learn before Maghrib that the moon has been sighted, then do not inform others until after Maghrib so that they are not distracted and become negligent. Keep yourself engaged in 'ibādah (worship), as for you it is still Ramadhān until Maghrib.