Preparing for Ramadan: Just Like Preparing for an Exam A student who has an important exam coming up does not wait until the exam day to start studying. He prepares in advance, reviewing, practicing, and ensuring he is ready to perform well. Similarly, as Ramadan approaches, we must prepare ourselves—physically, mentally, and spiritually—so we can make the most of this blessed month. The Prophet ﷺ said: "When the month of Shaʿbān begins, increase in fasting, for indeed it is a month in which deeds are presented to Allah, and I love that my deeds be presented while I am fasting." (Nasā’ī 2357, authenticated by Al-Albānī) This ḥadīth teaches us that even the Prophet ﷺ prepared for Ramadan by increasing in fasting before it arrived. We, too, should start preparing by strengthening our acts of worship—praying more, reciting Qur’an, making dhikr, and sincerely repenting—so that when Ramadan begins, we are already in the right state to maximize its blessings. Let’s not wait until the first night of Ramadan to change our habits. Let’s start now, so we can enter the month with open hearts, ready to receive its mercy and forgiveness. May Allah allow us to reach Ramadan and make the most of it. Ameen.