3+ MONTHS BEFORE:

• Start reading Qurandaily - get into a routine to read everyday

• Learn Arabic - Ramadan is a month during which the entire Quran is read in prayers in the Arabic language. If you don't understand the language, begin learning, so you can benefit more

• If you haven't started already, begin fasting once or twice a week to prepare your body and mind for fasting. Mondays and Thursdays are sunnah. Aishah (RA) narrated: "The Prophet ﷺ used to try to fast on Mondays and Thursdays" [Tirmidhi,
  Nasai, and Ibn Majah].

• Starting to eat healthier and moderately

• Increase your knowledge about the Quran - the month of Ramadan is the month the Quran was revealed, and knowing the history of the Quranwill bring you closer to the book and Allah during the month

• If you struggle with waking for Fajr, start adjusting your schedule to wake up earlier. This is a great opportunity to also start praying Tahajjud!

• Begin improving your character - recognize and remove any negative characteristics you have

• Learn more about the month of Ramadan - and teach your children!

• Make a Ramadan plan

• Start getting rid of bad habits now

• Begin cleaning and organizing your home - a clean and organized home will allow for you and your family to grow spiritually next month

2 WEEKS BEFORE:                                                                                      

• Make a meal list for the month - plan healthy, hearty meals for Iftar and Suhoor and make your grocery list

• If possible, make some meals ahead of time and store them in the freezer, to make cooking a breeze during Ramadan and free up some time for more acts of worship!

• Buy dates! It's sunnah to break your fast with dates, so stock up for the entire month.

• Plans to decorate your home for Ramadan? Get your decorating items out and ready to use, or buy new ones.
• Have your children make something special to hang or place in the home for the month.

• Increase your amount of Dhikr.

• Finalize anything you've missed up to now.

• Build excitement and momentum with your children and your family about the beginning of Ramadan!

• Complete all un-finished business/work, so you don't have distractions once Ramadan starts.

• Calculate your Zakat and plan how or to whom you will give it.

• Make the intention to have the best Ramadan ever.

• Make a list of goals you would like to achieve in Ramadan (ie. reading Quran daily, giving sadaqah, etc)

• Repent and make Dua - The Prophet (pbuh) said: "All the children of Adam constantly err, but the best of those who constantly err are those who constantly repent." (Tirmidhi)

• Make some last organizing efforts, so you don't need to work too hard in Ramadan, leaving more time for worship.

• Decorate your home - and get the kids involved in helping!

• Stock up on grocery items that you need for your meal plan, so you have everything ready.

What are some things you do to prepare for Ramadan?