Being involved in a family business that runs a martial arts gym has given me the opportunity to be around many athletes and to observe how they prepare for major events such as tournaments, championship fights, and even Ramadan fasting while maintaining their training routines. A great deal of preparation goes into athletic competition, including entering “the zone,” or becoming mentally ready to face the challenges ahead. At times, competitors attend training camps designed to prepare them both physically and mentally for a match or a major fight. They work closely with coaches, nutritionists, and doctors daily, while following a structured routine to ready them for competition. This preparation includes developing a game plan, visualizing success through meditation, creating simulations, and focusing on building strength and endurance.
This reflection led me to consider how these same principles can be applied to getting our minds right for Ramadan. Should our families use the months leading up to Ramadan as a training period? The answer is yes. When we turn to the books of hadith and the Sirah of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, we find numerous examples of how he and his companions used this time to prepare for Ramadan. While we may not have a team of coaches and specialists guiding us, we can still follow the example of our righteous predecessors and begin the month of fasting on the right foot.
Here are some strategies families can implement to become mentally ready for Ramadan:
1. Set expectations, but be realistic
Mental preparation for Ramadan begins with setting intentions. This can be done individually or as a family. Take time to reflect on what you hope to accomplish and to identify the end goal. It is important to remember that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, taught us that Allah loves consistent deeds, even if they are small (Musnad Aḥmad 8600). Set reasonable goals while acknowledging your existing responsibilities.
If you know that reading the entire Quran during Ramadan will not be feasible, choose a more attainable goal, such as reading half, a quarter, or even a few pages each day. If work or school makes it difficult to attend the mosque for tarawih every night, plan to go on weekends or during the last ten nights instead. When possible, consider taking time off work or rearranging your schedule to better support your Ramadan commitments.
2. Prepare your space
Creating the right environment can support mental preparation for Ramadan. Designate a space in your home where you can sit quietly to reflect, engage in dhikr, read the Quran, and pray without distractions. Taking the time to clean and thoughtfully prepare your home can also help welcome the month of Ramadan.
Even introducing a single meaningful item can begin to set the tone for the weeks ahead. A decorative bowl filled with dates or a Quran stand placed in a central area of the home can serve as a gentle reminder of the upcoming fast and the month's spiritual focus.
3. Practice makes perfect
One of the ways the Prophet and his companions mentally prepared for Ramadan was through practice. Fasting was not limited to the month of Ramadan but was observed throughout the year, particularly in the weeks leading up to the Month of Mercy. The wife of the Prophet, Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, reported that she did not see the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, complete more voluntary fasts than he did during the month of Shaban (Sahih Bukhari 1969, Sahih Muslim 1156).
4. Remind yourself that you have the upper hand
During Ramadan, the devils are chained up, so you no longer have to worry about Shaytan and can shift the focus to working on yourself. Knowing that half the battle is already won will provide relief, allowing you to take some pressure off. The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“On the first night of the month of Ramadan, the devils are chained and the jinn are restrained, the gates of Hellfire are closed and none of its gates are opened, the gates of Paradise are opened and none of its gates are closed, and a heavenly caller announces: O seeker of good, come near! O seeker of evil, stop short! Allah has those He saves from the Hellfire, and that is during every night.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhī 682)
5. Keep your eyes on the prize
Ramadan offers an abundance of spiritual opportunities. Between fasting, reading the Quran, giving charity, feeding the needy, performing extra prayers, and seeking the Night of Power, the potential for reward is significant. Remember that Allah has promised a reward for fasting, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
“Fear Allah your Lord, pray your five prayers, fast your month of Ramadan, give charity from your wealth, and obey those in authority over you. You will enter the Paradise of your Lord.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi 616)
6. Remind yourself that fasting will be easy
Enter Ramadan with a positive mindset. Allah has promised ease for His servants when He mentioned the month of Ramadan. He said:
“Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.” (Quran, 2:185)
7. Last but not least, make dua
The best preparation we can make for Ramadan is to turn to Allah in dua, asking for guidance, strength, and acceptance. Mental preparation is important, but ultimately, success in observing the fasts and performing acts of worship comes from Allah’s support. Al-Hafiz Ibn Rajab, may Allah have mercy on him, reported that some of the scholars of the past said the pious predecessors would pray the following supplication:
“O Allah, keep me safe until Ramadan, keep Ramadan safe for me, and accept it from me.” (Lataif al-Ma‘arif, p. 148)
With Ramadan approaching, it is time to put our "game faces on." Just as the martial artists and athletes I mentioned use the weeks and days before a big event to prepare, we too can use this time to get our minds ready for the Month of Mercy. Think of the month of Shaban as our training camp and implement the strategies above during this time. Once we are all set, it is truly game on! May Allah allow us to reap the blessings, mercy, and rewards of Ramadan this year and always. Amen.
Wendy Díaz is a Puerto Rican Muslim writer, award-winning poet, translator, former educator, and mother of six (ages ranging from toddler to teen). She is the co-founder of Hablamos Islam, a non-profit organization that produces educational resources about Islam in Spanish (hablamosislam.org). She has written, illustrated, and published over a dozen children’s books and currently lives with her family in Maryland. Follow Wendy Díaz on social media @authorwendydiaz and @hablamosislam.
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