As the month of Sha’ban enters its final days, a familiar excitement begins to ripple through the community. We clean our homes, we stock our pantries with dates and savory treats, and we iron our best Thobes and Abayas. But while our homes are ready, the question remains: Are our hearts ready?
Ramadan is not just a change in diet; it is a guest that brings immense spiritual wealth. To honor this guest, we must prepare the vessel of our hearts. Just as you wouldn’t plant seeds in hard, unploughed soil, you cannot plant the seeds of the Qur’an in a distracted heart.
The Sha’ban Bridge The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to fast more in Sha’ban than any other month outside of Ramadan. Why? Because it serves as a bridge. It is the training ground. If you try to run a marathon without training, you will collapse at mile one. Similarly, if you start Ramadan without a warm-up, the first week becomes a struggle of hunger rather than a joy of worship.
- Action Item: Try to fast the "White Days" (13th, 14th, 15th) of Sha’ban or Mondays and Thursdays to acclimatize your body.
Decluttering the Digital Noise In 2026, our biggest distraction is the screen in our pockets. The endless scrolling creates a "spiritual fog."
- The Challenge: Start a digital detox now. Replace 15 minutes of scrolling with 15 minutes of Istighfar (seeking forgiveness). Clear your mind so that when the Tarawih recitation begins, your heart is present, not wandering in a digital world.
Setting Your "Ramadan Action Plan" Don't let Ramadan happen to you; make it happen for you. Set realistic goals.
- The Qur’an Goal: Will you complete one Khatam? If so, that is 20 pages a day (4 pages after every Salah).
- The Salah Goal: Commit to never missing the Sunnah prayers attached to the Fard.
- The Character Goal: Pick one bad habit (anger, backbiting, laziness) and vow to bury it this Ramadan.
Conclusion We invite you to join our weekly Tafseer circles at Masjid Al-Falah this week as we discuss the verses of fasting. Let us enter this holy month not just hungry, but humble, prepared, and eager for Allah’s mercy.
