Welcoming Ramadan: Spiritual Advice from Sahifa Sajjadiya

March 1, 2025

As the blessed month of Ramadan approaches, we are reminded of the countless blessings, immense mercy, and opportunities for growth that God bestows upon His servants during this sacred time. Imam Zayn al-Abidin (p), as narrated in Sahifa Sajjadiya, offers a heartfelt supplication in Dua 44, the Dua for the Arrival of Ramadan, seeking divine assistance in making the most of the sacred month.

Here are 5 ways to prepare for the Holy Month of Ramadan, drawing inspiration from Imam al-Sajjad’s  supplication:

1. Renew your Gratitude for the Blessing of another Ramadan. 

Imam al-Sajjad (p) begins by thanking God for the opportunity to witness another Ramadan:

“And praise be to God, who made from those paths His month, the month of Ramadan.”

The Imam highlights the month as a special opportunity for the believer to seek closeness to God through fasting, worship, and spiritual reflection. 

Like the Imam, we should begin in gratitude. Before engaging in worship, take time to sincerely thank God for another chance to seek His mercy. Reflect on past Ramadans, create or build off previous goals, and enter this month with an eager and open heart. 

Ask yourself:

• How can I utilize the coming days and nights to progress further down the path to God? 

2. Purify your Intentions & Prepare your Heart

Ramadan is a time of sincerity and devotion. Imam Zayn al-Abidin (p) asks God to grant him the ability to observe Ramadan with pure intentions:

“Inspire us with the knowledge of His grace and the reverence for His sanctity. And caution against what You have forbidden within it. And help us to fast in it by restraining our limbs from acts of disobedience toward You.”

Fasting is a practice that is intended to be much more than just abstaining from food and drink; it calls on us to ourselves, both externally and internally. This means we must be mindful of using our bodies in ways that please God and aligning our hearts with the mission of seeking proximity to Him. 

Preparing your heart for Ramadan means freeing it from resentment, envy, and attachment to worldly distractions. We must make a conscious effort to cleanse ourselves not only of material distractions but also of inner emotional blockages. We should let go of grudges, release negative self-talk, and forgive both ourselves and others.

Before the month begins, ask yourself: 

• Am I fasting out of habit, or am I truly seeking closeness to God?
• What are my intentions? Am I approaching this month with mindfulness, gratitude, and a willingness to embrace its transformative power?

 Make your best effort to fast not only with your body but with your heart, mind, and soul as well. 

3. Strive toward Perfection

Imam Zayn al-Abidin (p) continues in his dua, “And make us among those who are worthy of the highest rank in Your presence, through Your mercy.”

Ramadan is not just a time to fast; it is the most sacred and conducive time to improve yourself. In order to make way for growth, we must challenge ourselves to confront our flaws and shortcomings and, in revisiting our past mistakes, seek God’s forgiveness with sincerity. After all, Ramadan is the season of forgiveness, a time when God mercy descends more abundantly than at any other time of the year. Through tawbah (repentance), we free the heart from the burden of guilt and shame, allowing space for spiritual growth and light.

Reflect on the following:

• What are my strengths? What are my shortcomings?
• How can I come out of this Ramadan a better person and a more devoted Believer? 

4. Engage in Acts of Worship

The Imam implores God for divine assistance in worshiping Him. Fasting, prayer, and Quran recitation during Ramadan are not merely physical acts but deeply spiritual practices that elevate us to a higher state of being. These are important tools that help us break free from worldly distractions and communicate freely with our Creator. 

You can prepare for Ramadan by establishing a habit of Qur’an recitation, being timely and present in your prayers, and engaging in sincere supplication. 

Consider:

• What are some ways to increase the quality of my worship before Ramadan begins? 

5. Practice Generosity 

The Imam (p) teaches us that Ramadan is not just about personal worship but also about serving others. He states, “We ask You by the right of this month and by the right of him who worships You within it, from its beginning to the time of its passing… to make us more worthy of Your generosity.”

How do we become more worthy of God’s generosity during the month of Ramadan and beyond?

We do so by striving to live a life inspired by the attributes of the Divine, practicing generosity, compassion, justice, etc. in our everyday interactions. 

The reward and impact of worship alone pales in comparison to the coupling of your worship with the service of others. Giving in charity, helping those in need, and reconciling relationships with family and friends are ways to prepare for a spiritually uplifting Ramadan. Practice generosity, whether it be with your words, actions, time, or wealth, to kickstart these good habits for Ramadan. 

As we prepare for Ramadan, let us take inspiration from Imam al-Sajjad’s words in Sahifa Sajjadiya, ensuring that we approach this month with gratitude, pure intentions, a growth mindset, sincere worship, and generosity. May God grant us all the ability to make the most of this blessed month and emerge from it spiritually transformed.