Alhamdulillah, the blessed month of Sha'baan has arrived. As the sacred month of Ramadhan draws near, let us begin preparing for it if we haven’t already. Each day, let us reflect on the good deeds we can perform. For instance, on the blessed day of Jumu'ah, we know to recite Surah Al-Kahf and send abundant salat and salam upon Rasulullah (sallallahu 'alayhi wa sallam). Daily, we can also recite Surah Al-Mulk and Surah Al-Waqi'ah after Maghrib, in addition to reading a chapter—or at least a page—of the Qur'an Shareef. Preparing for the blessed month of Ramadhan involves discovering what we can do each day to increase our good deeds. Sit with a local Aalim at the Masjid to learn how we can make our days more meaningful and fulfilling. Then, strive to implement these practices into our lives. Start with what you can manage and gradually build upon it. If we begin now, the blessed month of Ramadhan will, in sha Allah, proceed smoothly for us. This preparation will help us avoid feeling overwhelmed, as we will have already built momentum for the main event (Shahru Ramadhan). If it is evening, take the time to recite the evening athkaar. If it is morning, recite the morning athkaar. The key is to take action with the intention of seeking the pleasure of Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala). Let us start with the du'a when entering a new month, so this month too will be full of barakah for us in sha Allah. Remember the entire Ummah in your sincere du'as. May Allah (subhanahu wa ta'ala) accept our intentions and actions. Aameen.