How Prophet Muhammad SAW Prepared for Ramadan

Ramadan, the blessed month of fasting, is a time when Muslims worldwide engage in worship, self-reflection, and spiritual rejuvenation. As Muslims around the globe observe the fast during this sacred month, it is essential to look to the life and practices of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) to understand how he prepared for Ramadan. His life is a model of how to approach worship, and his preparation for Ramadan provides valuable lessons for Muslims today.

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was known for his meticulous and spiritually enriched approach to all aspects of life, especially in matters of worship. He would prepare for Ramadan in several ways, spiritually, mentally, and physically, ensuring that he was fully ready to receive the blessings of this noble month. In this blog post, we will explore the various ways in which the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) prepared for Ramadan, drawing from the Quran and Hadith (the sayings and actions of the Prophet) to better understand his approach.

The Prophet’s (SAW) Spiritual Preparation

The spiritual preparation for Ramadan was of utmost importance to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is clear from the Hadith that he would begin preparing for the month of fasting even before it arrived, demonstrating his deep connection to the month and the opportunity it provided for spiritual growth. Ramadan is a time for purification, both of the body and the soul. The Prophet (SAW) would elevate his worship and devotion during this period, making sure his heart was focused on Allah (SWT).

Increasing Worship Before Ramadan

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) would start preparing for Ramadan by increasing his worship well before the start of the month. His practice was to perform additional prayers, engage in more frequent recitation of the Quran, and increase his charity during the months leading up to Ramadan. This would allow him to prepare spiritually for the greater worship to come.

One of the practices highlighted in the Hadith is the Prophet’s (SAW) habit of performing Nafl prayers (voluntary prayers) more frequently in the months before Ramadan. According to a narration by Aisha (RA), the Prophet (SAW) would pray more frequently and recite the Quran with great devotion in the months preceding Ramadan.

Hadith:
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا قَالَتْ:
“كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عليه وَسَلَّمَ يَجْتَهِدُ فِي رَمَضَانَ مَا لَا يَجْتَهِدُ فِي غَيْرِهِ”
(Sahih Bukhari)
“Aisha (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) would strive in worship in Ramadan more than in any other month.”

This devotion and eagerness to increase worship in the lead-up to Ramadan show that the Prophet (SAW) wanted to spiritually elevate himself and prepare for the intensified worship of the holy month.

 Engaging in Dua (Supplication)

Another key practice of the Prophet (SAW) before Ramadan was making dua (supplication). The Prophet (SAW) would ask Allah (SWT) for the ability to witness Ramadan and benefit from its blessings. He would make sincere supplications asking for mercy, forgiveness, and guidance during the sacred month.

Hadith:
عن أُمِّ سَلَمَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا قَالَتْ:
“كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عليه وَسَلَّمَ يَقُولُ فِي رَمَضَانَ: اللَّهُمَّ سَلِّمْنَا لِرَمَضَانَ وَسَلِّمْ رَمَضَانَ لَنَا وَتَسَلَّمْهُ مِنَّا”
(Sahih Bukhari)
“Umm Salama (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) would say during Ramadan: O Allah, protect us for Ramadan, protect Ramadan for us, and accept it from us.”

This dua highlights the importance the Prophet (SAW) placed on seeking Allah’s assistance in benefiting from the blessed month and the effort to spiritually prepare for Ramadan.

Repentance and Seeking Forgiveness

Ramadan is a time of forgiveness and mercy from Allah (SWT), and the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was known to engage in repentance and seek forgiveness in the days before the month of fasting. This was part of his spiritual preparation to cleanse his heart and soul. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) would frequently engage in istighfar (seeking forgiveness) from Allah.

Quranic Reference:
وَتُوبُوا إِلَى اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا أَيُّهَا الْمُؤْمِنُونَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُفْلِحُونَ
(Surah An-Nur, 24:31)
“And repent to Allah, all of you, O believers, that you might succeed.”

This verse serves as a reminder to the Muslim community of the importance of repentance and seeking forgiveness before engaging in acts of worship such as fasting.

The Prophet’s (SAW) Mental and Physical Preparation

The mental and physical aspects of preparing for Ramadan were also critical for the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). He would ensure that he was physically ready to observe the fast and mentally focused on the worship and reflection that would come with it.

Adjusting His Sleep Pattern

Fasting requires discipline, and a key part of that is adjusting one’s routine. The Prophet (SAW) would ensure that his sleep pattern was conducive to the long nights of worship and the early mornings of suhoor (pre-dawn meal). The Prophet (SAW) would rise early to partake in suhoor, which is encouraged and is considered a blessing.

Hadith:
عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ:
“تَسَحَّرُوا فَإِنَّ فِي السُّحُورِ بَرَكَةً”
(Sahih Bukhari)
“Partake in suhoor, for indeed, there is a blessing in it.”

This Hadith emphasizes the importance of preparing for the fast physically by eating a light meal before dawn, as it provides energy and sustenance for the day ahead.

The Prophet’s (SAW) Focus on Family and Community

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also prepared for Ramadan by emphasizing the importance of family and community during the blessed month. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to come together in worship, prayer, and reflection, and the Prophet (SAW) ensured that his family was engaged in worship and fasting.

The Prophet (SAW) would often break his fast with his family, and he encouraged the Muslim community to join together during Iftar (the meal to break the fast).

Hadith:
عَنْ سَعِيدِ بْنِ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ:
“مَنْ فَطَّرَ صَائِمًا كَانَ لَهُ مِثْلُ أَجْرِهِ”
(Sunan Ibn Majah)
“Whoever gives a fasting person something to break their fast with will receive the same reward as that person.”

This Hadith underscores the communal and familial aspects of Ramadan, where the Prophet (SAW) would engage with his family and companions, encouraging mutual support and collective worship during the month.

Fasting Prior to Ramadan: Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW)

To prepare for the rigors of fasting, the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) would fast voluntarily in the months leading up to Ramadan, particularly in the month of Sha’ban. This helped him adjust physically and mentally for the upcoming month of fasting.

Hadith:
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهَا قَالَتْ:
“وَكَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ يَصُومُ حَتَّى نَقُولُ لَا يُفْطِرُ وَيُفْطِرُ حَتَّى نَقُولُ لَا يَصُومُ”
(Sahih Bukhari)
“Aisha (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) would fast until we would say, ‘He does not break his fast,’ and he would break his fast until we would say, ‘He does not fast.'”

This practice of fasting outside of Ramadan allowed the Prophet (SAW) to spiritually prepare, maintain consistency, and approach the month of Ramadan with a clear and focused mind.

The Prophet’s (SAW) Relationship with the Quran During Ramadan

The Quran holds a special place during Ramadan, as it was the month in which the Quran was revealed. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) would engage in deep reflection and recitation of the Quran during this time. Ramadan was the perfect time to reconnect with the Quran, and the Prophet (SAW) would devote extra time to reciting and reflecting on the verses of the Quran.

Hadith:
عَنْ جَابِرٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنْهُ قَالَ:
“كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صَلَّى اللَّهُ عليه وَسَلَّمَ يَجْتَهِدُ فِي رَمَضَانَ فِي تِلَاوَةِ الْقُرْآنِ”
(Sahih Bukhari)
“Jabir (RA) reported that the Prophet (SAW) would exert himself during Ramadan in the recitation of the Quran.”

This shows how Ramadan was a special time for the Prophet (SAW) to deepen his connection with the divine revelation. Muslims today can draw inspiration from the Prophet’s (SAW) practice by dedicating time to recite and reflect on the Quran during the blessed month.

Conclusion

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) prepared for Ramadan with profound devotion and commitment, focusing on all aspects of worship – spiritual, physical, mental, and emotional. His approach to Ramadan was holistic, considering the needs of the body, soul, and heart. His actions serve as an ideal guide for Muslims today on how to prepare for Ramadan, ensuring that they are fully ready to benefit from the immense blessings and rewards that come with this sacred month.

As we approach Ramadan, it is important for us to reflect on the way the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) prepared for this month and make it a priority to increase our worship, repentance, and devotion. By following his example, we can ensure that we are spiritually and physically ready to make the most of this blessed month and receive the mercy and forgiveness of Allah (SWT).