PART #2b: How to prepare for Ramaḍhaan: b) The second of these two essential things is: “What does the person intend to do.” The issue of the intention is not on its own; rather, it is to be done in conjunction with the legislated matters. The intentions are of no benefit if the person intends to do something that is against the teachings of the Book of Allaah and the Sunnah of His Messenger ﷺ. The Messenger of Allaah ﷺ said: ❝He who innovates something in this religion of ours that is not part of it will be rejected (by Allaah).❞ [1] The Prophet ﷺ said: ❝He who does an act which we have not commanded then it will be rejected (by Allaah).❞ [2] Since this blessed month is approaching, it is a must to know the things that have been legislated in this month specifically and those that one should carry on doing even after Ramaḍhaan. This knowledge does not come except through learning, and to emphasize the importance of learning, Imaam al-Bukhaaree رحمه الله named one of the chapter headings in his book: “Chapter: Knowledge precedes speech and action.” [3] Even if you know the Aayaat and Ahaadeeth about the virtues of the month of Ramadhaan, Fasting in it, and standing for night prayers, it is still better to reread them, as reminders and revisions are always beneficial. وَذَكِّرْ فَإِنَّ الذِّكْرَىٰ تَنفَعُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ {And remind, for indeed, the reminder benefits the believers} [4] In short, it is essential to correct our intentions and our actions. The intention should be sincerely for Allaah alone, and the actions should be in accordance with the Sunnah of our Prophet ﷺ. The purpose of Fasting is to come closer to Allaah, and this is what our intention should be, not to make it about losing weight and getting fit. All the other physical benefits you get from Fasting are secondary; the most important is to gain Taqwa. FOOTNOTES: [1] Ṣaḥeeḥ al-Bukhaaree (2697) and Ṣaḥeeḥ Muslim (1718-17) [2] Ṣaḥeeḥ Muslim (1718-18) [3] Ṣaḥeeḥ al-Bukhaaree, Book No. 3, Kitaab al-`Ilm, Chapter No. 10, Chapter: Knowledge precedes speech and action. [4] Surah al-Dhaariyaat (51):55