How To Prepare For Ramadan – Part (2)

Continuing from Part 1, we now explore the deeper aspects of worship in Ramadan: understanding the Quran’s meanings, the importance of maintaining prayer, the virtues of supplication before iftar, the blessings of charity, and the special status of the last ten nights of Ramadan.

How to Utilize Ramadan for Understanding Quran Meanings and Pondering It

Investing in understanding and pondering the Quran is among the most important things you can offer in the month of Ramadan. Transform your intention from mere recitation to genuine reflection. In our study circles, we focus on understanding fundamental meanings using simplified tafsir (interpretation), and we advise you to choose times free from distractions.

📖 Steps for Deep Understanding

Pause at verses to understand them well and apply them in your life, and repeat them until they are fixed in your mind.

Combine correct reading with tajweed and understanding the purposes, along with acting upon what you’ve learned.

This is the path to truly reaping the fruits of the Quran in your life.

The Importance of Daily Quran Reading in Ramadan

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Religious Significance

Reading the Quran in Ramadan multiplies the reward—every letter is counted as ten good deeds. On the Day of Judgment, the Quran will intercede for its companions.

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Spiritual Elevation

It raises the reader’s ranks in Paradise, and it will be said: “Recite and ascend as you used to recite in the world.” It is an opportunity for purifying the soul and repenting from sins.

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Peace and Tranquility

The Quran strengthens your relationship with Allah and grants you peace and tranquility. It illuminates your heart and guides you to goodness.

إِنَّ هَـٰذَا ٱلْقُرْءَانَ يَهْدِى لِلَّتِى هِىَ أَقْوَمُ وَيُبَشِّرُ ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ ٱلَّذِينَ يَعْمَلُونَ ٱلصَّـٰلِحَـٰتِ أَنَّ لَهُمْ أَجْرًۭا كَبِيرًۭا

“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)

🎯 Why Completing the Quran is an Important Goal in Ramadan

1. Multiplied Reward: Every letter is counted as ten good deeds, so the reward is multiplied.

2. Combined Worship: Combining fasting and recitation increases virtue and strengthens the spirit.

3. Intercession of Fasting and Quran: The reciter combines fasting during the day and recitation at night, and both will intercede for him on the Day of Judgment.

The Importance of Maintaining Prayer in Ramadan

Maintaining prayer in Ramadan is an obligation upon every accountable Muslim. It is the second pillar of Islam after the two testimonies of faith, and it is not permissible to be negligent in it.

Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ

“Between a man and shirk (polytheism) and kufr (disbelief) is the abandonment of prayer.”

— Narrated by Muslim

A Muslim must realize that prayer is the pillar of Islam, and that it is the distinction between faith and shirk. Commitment to prayer helps him achieve taqwa (righteousness) and Allah’s pleasure.

حَافِظُوا۟ عَلَى ٱلصَّلَوَٰتِ وَٱلصَّلَوٰةِ ٱلْوُسْطَىٰ وَقُومُوا۟ لِلَّهِ قَـٰنِتِينَ

“Maintain the prayers and [in particular] the middle prayer and stand before Allah, devoutly obedient.”

— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:238)

Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ

“Five prayers which Allah has prescribed for His servants. Whoever maintains them and does not neglect anything from them, he will have a covenant with Allah that He will admit him to Paradise.”

— Narrated by Abu Dawud, al-Nasa’i, and Ibn Majah

How to Make Prayer Part of Your Daily Routine in Ramadan

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Planning and Setting Times

Be sure to perform the five prayers at their specified times, and also set time for the Sunnah prayers, Duha prayer, and night prayer—even if just two rak’ahs.

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Mental and Spiritual Preparation

Before prayer, prepare yourself mentally and spiritually: feel your closeness to Allah, perform wudu (ablution), and distance yourself from any distractions like phones.

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Smart Time Management

Invest the periods between prayers in remembrance, reading Quran with reflection, or supplication. Make suhoor and iftar times opportunities for intimate conversation with Allah.

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Using Technology Wisely

You can use apps to remind you of prayer times, or walk to the mosque—this increases activity and reduces distractions.

The Virtue of Supplication with Humility Before Iftar

The last ten nights are among the greatest times for answered supplications. They are times when goodness and blessings descend, and it is said that Allah has people freed from the Fire every night of them.

🌙 Virtues of the Last Ten Nights

Attaining Forgiveness and Freedom from the Fire: Supplication during them is an opportunity for freedom from the Fire and forgiveness of sins, especially when striving in worship.

Fulfilling Wishes and Removing Afflictions: Supplication is the believer’s weapon for changing destinies, fulfilling hopes, and removing calamities.

Opportunity for Repentance: It is a golden moment for sincere repentance and returning to Allah with a humble heart.

Strengthening the Bond with Allah: Frequent supplication and worship enhance faith and bring the servant closer to Allah, for He is the Most Generous who is shy to reject the one who asks.

Why is Abundant Supplication Recommended in Ramadan?

Among the virtues of supplication in Ramadan is that it is a month in which good deeds are multiplied and supplications are accepted. Especially since the fasting person has a supplication that is not rejected until he breaks his fast. The gates of heaven are opened and the gates of the Fire are closed, making it a great opportunity to draw close to Allah, seek forgiveness, and ask for needs. Therefore, every moment in it from dawn to sunset should be seized for supplication and earnest plea.

Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ

“Three supplications are not rejected: the supplication of the fasting person until he breaks his fast, the supplication of the just ruler, and the supplication of the oppressed.”

— Narrated by Ahmad and al-Tirmidhi

The Virtue of Charity in Ramadan Over Other Months

In addition to fasting and prayer in Ramadan, charity is considered a great opportunity to multiply rewards, as it combines the virtue of charity with the virtue of this blessed month. The Prophet ﷺ was the most generous of people in Ramadan, and charity in it helps feed the fasting and support those in need.

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Charity enhances the spirit of solidarity and mercy, expiates sins, and opens the gates of Paradise, especially with the presence of Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Decree), making it a precious investment for the Hereafter.

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مَّثَلُ ٱلَّذِينَ يُنفِقُونَ أَمْوَٰلَهُمْ فِى سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ كَمَثَلِ حَبَّةٍ أَنۢبَتَتْ سَبْعَ سَنَابِلَ فِى كُلِّ سُنۢبُلَةٍۢ مِّا۟ئَةُ حَبَّةٍۢ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ يُضَـٰعِفُ لِمَن يَشَآءُ ۗ وَٱللَّهُ وَٰسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ

“The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed [of grain] which grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills. And Allah is all-Encompassing and Knowing.”

— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:261)

Is Donating Money Better or Donating Food?

Scholars have differed in determining the preference between charity of money and charity of food, and the most likely view is that the matter depends on the condition of the donor and the recipient.

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When Food is Better

If the needy person is hungry and needs food immediately, then feeding him is better because it satisfies his hunger directly. The great reward for this action has been mentioned in the Quran and Sunnah.

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When Money is Better

If the needy person needs money to cover diverse needs such as medicine, education, or clothing, then charity in money gives him flexibility in managing according to his need. Sometimes money is better than food so the needy person doesn’t feel embarrassed or humiliated.

The Virtue of I’tikaf (Retreat) in the Mosque for the Last Ten Nights

In the last ten nights of Ramadan, you can catch Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Decree). During these nights, people increase their i’tikaf seeking this blessed night. I’tikaf gives you the opportunity to withdraw from worldly affairs and engage in prayer, remembrance, supplication, and Quran recitation, which purifies the soul and increases taqwa.

🕌 Benefits of I’tikaf

I’tikaf in the last ten nights is like two pilgrimages and two umrahs, and the reward is multiplied. Every day of i’tikaf brings the Muslim closer to salvation and freedom from the Fire, especially in these blessed days.

I’tikaf teaches you patience in worship, and limits excessive talking, sleeping, and eating. In the end, it is a Sunnah from the Prophet ﷺ and his wives followed it, indicating its importance.

Hadith of the Prophet ﷺ

“The Prophet ﷺ used to perform i’tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until Allah took him (in death), then his wives performed i’tikaf after him.”

— Narrated by al-Bukhari and Muslim

Prepare for Ramadan in the Best Way and Seize Every Moment!

Be part today of a journey that has extended for more than 45 years in serving the Book of Allah, and contribute to creating an impact that will remain for you until the day you meet Allah.

With a share starting from 25 riyals in the endowment deed, you can be a partner in teaching thousands of students, and reward will flow to you with every verse recited and every heart guided.

Donate now, write your name in the register of those who serve the Quran, and make for yourself an ongoing charity that illuminates your grave and weighs heavy in your scales forever.

Frequently Asked Questions

1️⃣ What is meant by righteous deeds in Ramadan?

It is every action that brings you closer to Allah, such as prayer, fasting, charity, reading Quran, and kindness to people.

2️⃣ How can I continue righteous deeds after Ramadan ends?

By setting daily times for worship, charity, and Quran reading, so it becomes a continuous habit, even if in small amounts.

3️⃣ What are common mistakes that prevent benefiting from Ramadan?

Excessive sleeping, wasting time on entertainment, weak focus in worship, and not planning daily acts of worship.

4️⃣ What is the best time for night prayer (Qiyam)?

After Isha prayer until just before Fajr, with focus on the last third of the night.

5️⃣ What is the difference between the beginning and end of Ramadan in reward?

The reward is great throughout the month, but the last ten nights are better for seeking Laylatul Qadr and increasing striving in worship and standing in prayer.

وَسَارِعُوٓا۟ إِلَىٰ مَغْفِرَةٍۢ مِّن رَّبِّكُمْ وَجَنَّةٍ عَرْضُهَا ٱلسَّمَـٰوَٰتُ وَٱلْأَرْضُ أُعِدَّتْ لِلْمُتَّقِينَ

“And hasten to forgiveness from your Lord and a garden as wide as the heavens and earth, prepared for the righteous.”

— Surah Ali ‘Imran (3:133)

May Allah accept from us and from you, and grant us success in making the most of this blessed month. Ameen.