It’s 22 days to the blessed month of Ramadan.

Preparation and self-care are essential for maintaining good health as Ramadan approaches. Taking simple steps such as getting adequate rest during the day, staying well-hydrated by drinking enough fluids at suḥūr and ifṭār, and engaging in regular physical activity can help support overall well-being and contribute to a healthy and successful fasting experience.

Practical tips for a healthy and successful fast:

• Schedule a health check-up as part of your Ramadan preparation.
• Take short breaks instead of a lunch break.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water during non-fasting hours and avoiding dehydrating beverages like tea and coffee.
• Maintain a balanced diet to support overall health and well-being.
• Incorporate light physical activity, such as walking, into your daily routine.
• Gradually reduce caffeine intake before Ramadan to minimize withdrawal symptoms.

 

Another way to prepare oneself better is by fasting in the month of Shaʿbān to help the body adjust to the rigor of Ramadan fasting.

Start fasting, especially if you have qada fasts

ʿĀ’ishah said, “I did not see him g fast in any month as much as he fasted in
Shaʿbān” (Muslim).

Usāmah b. Zayd k said to the Messenger of Allah g, “O Messenger of Allah, I do not see you fasting in any month as much as you fast in Shaʿbān.” He said,
“That is a month, which people do not pay much attention to, between Rajab and Ramaḍān. It is a month in which the actions are taken up to the Lord of the worlds, and I like that my deeds are taken up whilst I am fasting” (Nasā’ī).

Just as performing the sunnah prayers before the farḍ prayers awakens the heart, prepares you to enter the farḍ prayers with greater khushūʿ, and compensates for the deficiencies of the farḍ prayers and fasting before Ramaḍān prepare you for Ramaḍān physically and spiritually.

Ibn Rajab wrote, “As Shaʿbān is a prelude to Ramaḍān, fasting and reciting Qur’ān have been prescribed in it just as they have been prescribed in Ramaḍān. This is so that you are prepared to enter Ramaḍān, and you train yourself to perform acts of obedience.”
By becoming accustomed to fasting in Shaʿbān, fasting in Ramaḍān will be easier. Similarly, experiencing the sweetness of fasting in Shaʿbān will help you to fast in Ramaḍān with greater enthusiasm.

Action for today
If you have any outstanding fasts from last Ramaḍān, use this month to make them
up (qaḍā).

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