Tuesday, 20th January 2026 has been officially declared as 1st Sha‘ban, 1447 A.H by the Sultanate Council in Nigeria. This confirms that Ramadan 1447 A.H is exactly one month away.
اللهم بلغنا رمضان
O Allah, allow us to reach Ramadan.
Dear brothers and sisters in Islam, as Ramadan 1447 A.H draws closer, Muslims across the world are already planning and preparing to welcome this blessed month. It is only fitting that we, too, prepare ourselves with strong iman, sincere intentions, and practical plans to increase righteous deeds.
Below are important reminders and practical steps to help us maximize the rewards before, during, and after Ramadan:
First, let us turn to Allah in sincere repentance from all previous sins, so that we may enter Ramadan with purified hearts as true servants of Allah.
Let us strive to increase taqwa (God-consciousness), for the primary purpose of fasting is to attain piety, as Allah says in the Qur’an (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183).
We should prepare for Ramadan spiritually, physically, psychologically, and financially, so that nothing distracts us from worship when the month arrives.
Those who are able should consider a medical check-up, as good health helps one fully observe fasting and benefit from Ramadan. Allah, in His mercy, has exempted the sick from fasting.
It is from the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to fast frequently in the month of Sha‘ban, as reported by our Mother ‘Aishah (رضي الله عنها). However, fasting one or two days immediately before Ramadan should be avoided unless it coincides with one’s usual voluntary fasts, such as Mondays and Thursdays.
Make it a goal to study the rulings of fasting by reading at least two beneficial books on fiqh of Ramadan. Listening to lectures by knowledgeable scholars is also highly recommended. Our lecture series titled “Fiqh of Ramadan (Understanding Ramadan) Parts 001–012” is available on the Dawah Nigeria website and Telegram channel.
Ensure that all materials needed for worship are prepared ahead of time such as a copy of the Qur’an (preferably divided into juz’), prayer mats, kettles, torches (especially for Nigerian conditions), and other essentials.
Plan how many times you intend to complete the Qur’an during Ramadan and structure your daily reading. One who fails to plan often plans to fail. Begin increasing your Qur’an recitation from Sha‘ban.
Resolve to participate actively in Qiyam Ramadan (Taraweeh and night prayers) and avoid laziness.
Spend generously on your family, parents, relatives, the poor, widows, orphans, and the needy, before, during, and after Ramadan. Given the current economic challenges, those whom Allah has blessed should give even more in sadaqah. Organizing iftar for a fasting person carries the same reward as fasting.
Be steadfast in observing the five daily prayers, on time and in congregation where possible. Salah precedes fasting in Islam, and fasting without prayer is an effort devoid of true reward.
Contribute to the development and comfort of mosques in your area or workplace through donations for mats, kettles, bulbs, fans, solar power, generators, and other facilities. Your reward lies with Allah alone.
Endeavour to settle all debts you owe others before Ramadan begins. This brings relief and joy to people and prevents unnecessary hardship. Employers and government institutions are also encouraged to pay workers’ salaries and arrears promptly.
Increase acts of worship throughout Sha‘ban, as the righteous predecessors used this month to spiritually prepare for Ramadan. Authentic narrations support this practice.
Remove all malice, grudges, and disputes from your heart. Reconcile with fellow Muslims before Ramadan. Authentic hadith narrations state that Allah forgives all His servants in mid-Sha‘ban except those who associate partners with Him and those who harbor hatred. Settle all disputes now tomorrow is never guaranteed.
Avoid wasting precious time on frivolous and sinful distractions, especially excessive social media usage and online controversies that drain spiritual focus.
Strive to observe i‘tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan, seeking Laylatul-Qadr, which lies within those blessed nights. Many scholars permit i‘tikaf in mosques where Jumu‘ah prayers are observed.
Those who owe missed fasts from previous Ramadans should make them up before the new Ramadan begins. This is supported by the authentic narration of ‘Aishah (رضي الله عنها) recorded by Bukhari and Muslim.
Remember our departed brothers and sisters in your prayers. Many who fasted with us in Ramadan 1446 A.H are no longer alive today. May Allah forgive them and grant us the opportunity to witness many more Ramadans.
These are my humble reminders to my beloved brothers and sisters in Islam.
May Allah allow us to witness Ramadan 1447 A.H with sound iman, good health, and abundant provision. Ameen.
Barakallahu fikum wa jazakumullahu khayran.
