Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, is a time for reflection, devotion, and self-discipline. As Muslims worldwide prepare to embrace this sacred month, it’s essential to focus on both spiritual and practical preparations. Whether you are observing Ramadan for the first time or have experienced its blessings for years, planning ahead can help you make the most of this spiritually enriching time.

Planning Your Ramadan 2025 Timetable

Make the most of Ramadan by planning ahead. Write down your daily schedule for the month. Feel happy and excited knowing you’ll spend quality time with Allah.

Remember, your schedule might be different on weekdays and weekends. Try to stay busy doing good deeds, as having too much free time can lead to sin.

What to Include in Your Timetable:

Salāh

• The 5 daily prayers, including the sunnah prayers. Be punctual with praying in congregation and aim to be there before the opening takbīr.
• Qiyām al-Layl (Tarāwīḥ/Tahajjud). Along with fasting, this is the highlight of Ramadān. This is the time of the year in which you can truly connect with the Qur’ān. Recite slowly, repeat the āyāt and feel the emotion in your heart. Think that Allah is talking to you directly.
• Salāh al-Ḍuḥā. This can be read approximately 15 minutes after sunrise till 15 minutes before Ẓuhr. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Whoever offers Fajr in congregation and remains seated, engaging in the remembrance of Allah until the sun has risen, and then offers two rakʿahs, he will have a reward equal to that of performing ḥajj and ʿumrah.” He ﷺ said, “Complete, complete, complete (i.e., complete reward).” (Tirmidhī).
• As many optional (nafl) prayers as possible throughout the day and night.

 

Qur’ān

• Have an ambitious target for reciting as much Qur’ān as possible.
• Along with recitation, allocate time for memorizing, reviewing memorizing, learning the meanings, and reflecting on the Qur’ān.
• Bring the Qur’ān alive into your day. Have a minimum of at least one thing you will act upon based on what you recited in the day.

 

Dhikr

• Morning and evening adhkār
• Dhikr throughout the day and night
• Adhkār after ṣalāh
• Adhkār before sleep
• General dhikr throughout the day
• Spend time acquainting yourself with the meanings of the adhkār (remembrances) so that your dhikr is conscious. Similarly, combine dhikr with deep reflection (tafakkur).

Duʿā’

• Duʿā’ before ifṭār
• Duʿā’ throughout the day when you’re fasting
• Duʿā’ in your sajdah
• Duʿā’ in the last third of the night
• Sunnah duʿās, such as before/after eating, entering/leaving the house, using the bathroom, etc. Some of these have incredible rewards, which you shouldn’t miss out on, especially in this blessed month. (See ‘Daily Adhkar’ by Life With Allah.)
• Increase your praise (ḥamd) of Allah at the start of your duʿā’. This will specifically help you to build a special bond with Him. (See ‘I Am Near’ by Life With Allah.)

Helping Others & Family Ties

• Try to help others as much as possible, especially the elderly and vulnerable people in your community.
• Maintain family ties and reach out to people you may have cut off contact with.
• The most deserving of our good relations are our parents. We should serve and be kind to our parents to the best of our abilities.
• Choose specific acts of kindness that you will do for your family, e.g., unload the dishwasher, give a head massage, or help with homework.
• Give charity. Try to feed those who are fasting to acquire the reward of their fasts.

This year, make a pledge to not only enrich your own spiritual journey but also give back to those in need. Partner with Sakinah Medical Outreach and ensure your Zakat and Sadaqah make a lasting impact.

As the countdown begins, use every moment wisely to make this Ramadan your most transformative yet.