Preparation for the Month of Ramadan

A Spiritual Journey through Tafsir al-Mizan

The arrival of Ramadan is not merely a change in daily schedule; it is an invitation to a divine banquet. In his monumental work, Tafsir al-Mizan, Allamah Tabataba’i provides a profound ontological perspective on this holy month, viewing it as a period where the human soul can transcend the material world and realign with its primordial nature (Fitra).
To prepare for Ramadan through the lens of Al-Mizan, one must understand that the month is defined by two pillars: the Fast and the Quran.

The Philosophy of the Fast (Sawm)

Tabataba’i explains that the essence of fasting is “restraint. ” It is not simply an act of deprivation, but a method of strengthening the will. By voluntarily abstaining from physical necessities—food, drink, and sensory pleasures—the believer weakens the “animalistic soul” (an-nafs al-bahimiyyah) and empowers the “rational soul. “

Preparing for Ramadan, therefore, starts with mental recalibration. We should view the fast as a means of gaining Taqwa (God-consciousness). In Al-Mizan, Taqwa is described as a spiritual shield. Preparing involves:

  • Gradual Restraint: Beginning to control one’s speech and gaze before the month begins. 
  • Intentionality (Niyyah): Recognizing that the fast is an act of “returning” to Allah, stripping away the dependencies we have on the material world.

Reconnecting with the Quran

Ramadan is the “Spring of the Quran. ” Tabataba’i emphasizes that the Quran was revealed in this month because of the inherent sanctity and capacity of this specific time. To prepare, one must approach the Quran not just as a book of laws, but as a “Manifest Light” (Nur). Allamah suggests that the Quran and the fast are inextricably linked; the hunger of the body allows for the nourishment of the spirit through the Word of Allah. Preparation involves setting aside dedicated time for Tadabbur (deep reflection), moving beyond mere recitation to understanding the “inner meanings” of the verses.

The Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr)

The pinnacle of Ramadan is Laylat al-Qadr. In Tafsir al-Mizan, Tabataba’i posits that this night is when the annual decrees of human affairs are determined. Preparing for the month means preparing for this specific night from day one. It requires a “cleansing of the heart” through:

  • Repentance (Tawbah): Clearing the obstacles of past transgressions to receive divine grace. 
  • Supplication (Du’a): Recognizing one’s absolute poverty before the Creator.

Practical Steps for Readiness

Based on the spiritual framework of Al-Mizan, here are key focus areas for the pre-Ramadan
period:
Area of Focus Spiritual Objective
Dietary Discipline Reduccing intake to prepare the body for the physical demands of fasting.
Social Conduct Practicing silence and avoiding idle talk (Laghw) to preserve spiritual energy.
Financial Purification Giving Sadaqah or settling dues to enter the month with a “light” conscience.

Ultimately, Tafsir al-Mizan teaches us that the Month of Ramadan is a journey toward the
“Station of Proximity. ” Preparation is the process of shedding the heavy garments of the material world so that, when the crescent moon appears, we are light enough to ascend.

With Duas,
Dr. Kirmani