How I’m Preparing My Heart for Ramadan as a Revert

Preparing My Heart for Ramadan: A Revert’s Journey to Spiritual Renewal

In the past few days, I’ve been thinking a lot about Ramadan—how close it is, how much I need it, and how I want to enter it with the best version of myself. As a revert, every Ramadan feels like a renewal, a chance to deepen my connection with Allah and realign my heart with what truly matters.

Preparation isn’t just about meal planning or adjusting my sleep schedule. It’s about softening the heart, purifying my intentions, and making space for more worship. I want this Ramadan to be different—not just a month I go through, but a month that transforms me.

One way I’m preparing is by actively sharing my reflections here on this platform. 

Writing has always helped me process my thoughts, and I hope that by doing this, I can inspire others while keeping myself accountable. Sometimes, we need to remind ourselves why we seek closeness to Allah—why we fast, pray, and strive for something greater.

Ramadan Is Not Just a Month—It’s a Gift

I remember my first Ramadan after embracing Islam. I didn’t fully understand the depth of it then. It was challenging—physically, mentally, and emotionally. But over the years, I’ve come to realize that Ramadan is more than just an obligation—it’s a gift. It’s a time when Allah removes distractions and opens doors for us to return to Him in ways we never thought possible.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

"When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of heaven are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained."
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1899, Sahih Muslim 1079)

This means that Allah gives us a special opportunity—our hearts are lighter, our distractions are fewer, and our chances for spiritual growth increase. But the real question is: Are we ready to take advantage of it?

Purifying My Heart Before Ramadan

One of my main goals before Ramadan is to cleanse my heart from anything that could weigh me down spiritually. I remind myself that the fast is not just about food and drink, but about the soul. The Prophet ﷺ said:

"There is a piece of flesh in the body; if it is sound, the whole body is sound, and if it is corrupt, the whole body is corrupt. Truly, it is the heart."
(Sahih al-Bukhari 52, Sahih Muslim 1599)

A sound heart is free from hatred, envy, grudges, and distractions that pull us away from Allah. That’s why I’ve started making istighfar (seeking forgiveness) daily, hoping to enter Ramadan with a clean heart.

A Powerful Dhikr for Seeking Forgiveness

One of the most beautiful supplications the Prophet ﷺ taught us for seeking Allah’s forgiveness is:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ كَرِيمٌ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun kareemun tuhibbul-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni.

"O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, Most Generous, and You love to forgive, so forgive me."(Sunan At-Tirmidhi 3513, Sahih Ibn Majah 3850 - Authentic)

This dua was specifically recommended by the Prophet ﷺ to be recited in the last ten nights of Ramadan, especially on Laylatul Qadr. But I believe starting this dhikr early helps prepare the heart for the mercy of Ramadan.

Strengthening My Connection with the Qur’an

The month of Ramadan is known as the Month of the Qur’an, as Allah says:

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ

"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion."
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)

Since the Qur’an is the centerpiece of Ramadan, I want to strengthen my relationship with it before the month even starts. This means reciting more, understanding its meanings, and reflecting deeply on how its words apply to my life.

A beautiful dua that helps increase love for the Qur’an is:

اللهم اجعل القرآن العظيم ربيع قلبي، ونور صدري، وجلاء حزني، وذهاب همي

Allahummaj’alil-Qur’anal-‘azeema rabi’a qalbi, wa noora sadri, wa jalaa’a huzni, wa dhahaba hammi.

"O Allah, make the Glorious Qur’an the spring of my heart, the light of my chest, the remover of my sadness, and the reliever of my distress."
(Musnad Ahmad 1/391 - Hasan)

Setting My Ramadan Intentions (Niyyah)

Intentions matter. The Prophet ﷺ taught us that actions are judged by intentions, and having a clear niyyah can change the way we experience Ramadan. I don’t want this Ramadan to be about just completing rituals—I want it to be about transformation.

Some of my intentions include:

✅ Strengthening my connection with Allah through sincere duas and dhikr

✅ Controlling my tongue and avoiding unnecessary arguments or distractions

✅ Making the most of suhoor and iftar by being mindful of what I consume

✅ Giving more in charity, even if it’s something small

✅ Spreading kindness and making dua for others

One of my favorite duas for sincere intentions is:

اللهم إني أسألك الإخلاص في القول والعمل

Allahumma inni as’aluka al-ikhlas fil-qawli wal-‘amal.

"O Allah, I ask You for sincerity in speech and action."

Embracing the Journey

So as these final days before Ramadan slip away, I pray that Allah allows me—and all of us—to enter it with sincerity, gratitude, and an eagerness to improve. May He make it a month of immense barakah and life-changing growth.

And as part of my preparation, I will continue to share reflections here. Writing helps me process my thoughts, and I hope that by doing so, I can inspire others while keeping myself accountable.

This Ramadan, I want to experience the beauty of faith like never before. Not just by fasting from food and drink, but by filling my heart with remembrance, gratitude, and love for Allah.

May Allah allow us to witness this blessed month and make the most of it. Ameen. 🤲💙

What About You?

How are you preparing for Ramadan? Let’s reflect together in the comments.