Thekabarnews.com—As Ramadan gets closer, Islamic leaders are telling Muslims to get their hearts ready. Islamic scholars also say that people should clean their hearts by sincerely repenting (tawbah) and asking for forgiveness (istighfar). They should also plan meals and other things.

The Qur’an says that people who believe in Allah ﷻ should always ask him for help. In Surah Al-Baqarah (2:222), Allah ﷻ says,

إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحِبُّ ٱلتَّوَّـٰبِينَ وَيُحِبُّ ٱلۡمُتَطَهِّرِينَ

“Indeed, Allah loves those who are constantly repentant and loves those who purify themselves.” (Quran | Surah Al Baqarah: 222).

In Surah Az-Zumar (39:53), Allah ﷻ says the same thing:

قُلۡ يَٰعِبَادِيَ ٱلَّذِينَ أَسۡرَفُواْ عَلَىٰٓ أَنفُسِهِمۡ لَا تَقۡنَطُواْ مِن رَّحۡمَةِ ٱللَّهِۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ يَغۡفِرُ ٱلذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًاۚ إِنَّهُۥ هُوَ ٱلۡغَفُورُ ٱلرَّحِيمُ

Say, “O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah. Indeed, Allah forgives all sins. Indeed, it is He who is the Forgiving, the Merciful.” (Quran | Surah Az Zumar: 53).

Scholars can tell from these verses that people need to get spiritually ready for Ramadan.

The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also stressed the importance of asking for forgiveness. Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said:

“O people, repent to Allah, for I verily repent to Him one hundred times a day.” (Hadith Muslim 4/2076).

Ibn Maajah narrated that ‘Abd-Allah ibn Mas’ood (may Allah be pleased with him) said, “Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said, “The one who repents from sin is like one who did not sin.” Al-Albaani, in Saheeh Ibn Maajah, classifies this as hasan.

Scholars say that real repentance has three parts: stopping the sin right away, feeling terrible about it, and promising not to do it again. People should say they are sorry. Alternatively, they should do something to make up for what they did wrong.

In his commentary on Sahih Muslim, Imam An-Nawawi said that it is always important to repent, but it is even more important to do so during good times like Ramadan. Additionally, Ibn Rajab Al-Hanbali said in Lata’if al-Ma’arif that being ready in the heart before Ramadan lets people fully enjoy its kindness and forgiveness.

Numerous modern scholars contend that Ramadan functions as a time of purification. In fact, the first thing you need to do to be clean is say you are sorry.

Muslims always hear from the Qur’an, authentic hadith, and famous scholars as they get ready to fast, pray, and give to charity. They are told that they should return to Allah ﷻ with all their heart.

Always express your apologies, seek forgiveness, and prepare for Ramadan with an open heart. This way, you will be eager to begin anew and advance spiritually.