What to do & what to avoid this Ramadan
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As the holy month of Ramadan begins, Muslims worldwide are urged to maximise its spiritual benefits by engaging in acts of worship and avoiding behaviours that could diminish their rewards.
Essential Acts of Worship During Ramadan
Recite the Holy Quran Regularly
Since the Quran was revealed in Ramadan, scholars emphasise that its recitation is central to the month's observance. Ramadan without the Quran would be like a room without windows and lights, completely dark.
Practice Generosity and Charity
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was known for his unmatched generosity during Ramadan. Abdullah Ibn Abbas narrated:
'The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was the most generous of all people, and he was the most generous during the month of Ramadan when Jibril would meet him... the Prophet ﷺ would be more generous than strong winds (which cause rain and prosperity).' [Sahih al-Bukhari: 3220]
Provide Iftar to Others
Sharing iftar meals with fasting individuals is highly encouraged. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
'Whoever gives iftar to one who is fasting will have a reward like his, without that deducting from the fasting person's reward in the slightest.' [Sunan-at-Tirmidhi: 807, Sunan Ibn Majah: 1746]
Hosting friends, relatives, and neighbours for iftar or donating food to mosques are ways to multiply rewards.
Eliminate Harmful Habits
Ramadan is an ideal time to quit smoking, backbiting, cursing, and excessive phone or computer use. Scholars advise that abandoning bad habits enhances the spiritual and personal growth achieved through fasting.
Show Kindness to Workers and Subordinates
Compassion and fairness towards maids, employees, and service workers during Ramadan reflect Islamic teachings. Scholars encourage easing their workload and treating them with patience and respect.
Engage in Frequent Supplication (Dua)
Ramadan is a period of divine mercy and forgiveness. Worshippers are urged to seek Allah's forgiveness and make sincere dua for personal and communal well-being.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Ramadan
Breaking Fasts Without Valid Reasons
Deliberately skipping a fast without a legitimate excuse is a major sin, with severe warnings mentioned in Islamic teachings.
Neglecting Obligatory Prayers
Some individuals fast diligently but neglect their daily prayers, which scholars say contradicts the essence of Ramadan. Many also stay up for night prayers on the 27th of Ramadan but miss the Fajr prayer—a practice criticised by religious leaders.
Engaging in Arguments and Gossip
Backbiting, quarrelling, and inappropriate behaviour reduce the spiritual benefits of fasting. The Prophet ﷺ said:
'Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah has no need of his giving up his food and drink (i.e., Allah will not accept his fasting).' [Sahih al-Bukhari: 1903]
Wasting Time on Unproductive Activities
Instead of engaging in acts of worship, many spend excessive time on social media, watching movies, or listening to music, missing out on the blessings of Ramadan.
Neglecting Worship Due to Laziness
The Prophet ﷺ strongly warned against those who fail to seek forgiveness and engage in worship during Ramadan. In a hadith, he ﷺ said:
'Verily, Jibril (AS) came to me and he said: 'Whoever reaches the month of Ramadan and he is not forgiven, then he will enter Hellfire and Allah will cast him far away. So, say 'Amin'.' I said 'Amin'.' [Sahih Ibn Hibban: 907]
Overindulging in Iftar Feasts
The trend of preparing lavish meals for iftar has become widespread. Experts highlight how this distracts many, particularly women, from worship and often leads to wastefulness.
As Ramadan progresses, religious scholars urge believers to remain mindful of these practices to ensure they fully benefit from the month's spiritual opportunities.
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