As we find ourselves just finishing the blessed month of Rajab and moving into Sha‘ban, our hearts naturally begin to turn toward Ramadan. Rajab has always felt like an invitation — a quiet knock on the soul — reminding us that something sacred is approaching, and that preparation itself is an act of worship. Sha‘ban offers us more time and grace: time to increase salawat, to forgive others, and to make up missed fasts and prayers.
These are the months when istighfar softens the heart. They remind us to renew our intentions and approach Ramadan with sincerity rather than haste.
This is also a time to reflect deeply on why we do what we do. Why we write. Why we create. Why we work, illustrate, and tell stories. The answer always returns to the same place: our ummah. We create to serve, to remind, and to reconnect ourselves to the depth and beauty of our faith.
I attended an Islamic halaqa recently, and one of the reflections centered on Surah An-Nasr. One sister spoke about how it was among the last surahs revealed, and how, when the Prophet ﷺ returned to Makkah with victory, his response was not pride but humility. Even at the peak of success, his head was bowed in gratitude, a reminder of how profound his journey was, and how true victory is marked by remembrance and humility.
Our society feels heavy and dim. Focusing on our history is an act of hope. Our past is filled with resilience, brilliance, scholarship, and devotion — proof that this ummah has weathered darkness before and emerged with light. Remembering that strengthens us.
Rajab and Sha‘ban remind us that our work is not rushed. It is intentional. Rooted. Offered sincerely. And as Ramadan draws closer, I pray that what we create — and who we become in the process — is a source of light, healing, and remembrance.
Ten Ways to Prepare in Sha‘ban
-
Increase dailyadhkar, istighfar, and salawat. Aim for moments after prayer, while driving, or during household chores.
-
Add 10 minutes of Qur’an reading to your daily routine. If you’ve neglected it, now is the perfect time to begin again.
-
Make up 5–10 missed prayers or fasts.
-
Wake up 15 minutes before Fajr to pray tahajjud.
-
Make a list of 10 people you need to forgive, ask forgiveness from, make du‘a for, do an extra favor for — or someone you need to return something to.
-
Reconnect with your taqwā. When you feel the pull of the dunya, remember Allah in your actions and intentions. Say Bismillah ar-Rahman ar-Raheem before doing the dishes, making food, leaving your home, or feeding your cat, the small things add up.
-
Increase your monthly sadaqah by $10 or more.
-
Our ummah needs us. Seek out trustworthy charities to support, make space for extra duʿā’ for those living under oppression, occupation, torture, and war, and revive the sunnah in your daily life, because tending to our own light helps strengthen the whole community.
-
Declutter your home so Ramadan feels calm, not chaotic. Plan meals simply, avoid excess, and prepare prayer spaces that feel clean, inviting, and peaceful.
-
Motivate and energize yourself during the final days before Ramadan.
Oh Allah, bless us in Rajab and Sha‘ban, and allow us to reach Ramadan.
