The holy month of Ramadan, which is also the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is of great importance to the Muslim community.
During this period, Muslims observe fast from dawn to post sunset, in addition to abiding by the preset dos and don’ts of Ramadan. As per the Islamic tradition, it is during this time when the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
Considered to be one of the Five Pillars of Islam, this month is known to detoxify the soul and bring one closer to Allah. Lasting for 29-30 days, Ramadan is regarded as the time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, universal brotherhood, worship and self-control.
Muslims consume one meal during dawn which is known as Suhur, and one meal post sunset, known as Iftar. Many devotees also perform Umrah during Ramadan.
In addition to abstaining from food and drinks from dawn to post sunset , there is a lot more to do and abstain from during the holy month of Ramadan. Let’s go through them one by one.
Here are Nine (9) things to do during Ramadan.
(1) Recite the Quran: Ramadan is a time to communicate with the Almighty. Being the month when the holy book was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) , Ramadan is when one should recite the Holy Quran as many times as possible. People should recite and reflect on the verses of holy Quran in their lives.
(2) Offer prayers: During Ramadan, all Muslims must offer Salat, which implies offering prayers five times a day. Salat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and helps Muslims to seek Allah’s forgiveness and guidance. These prayers are known as Salat al-fajr, Salat al-zuhr, Salat al-‘asr, Salat al-maghrib and Salat al-‘isha. Muslims should perform Dhikr meaning appreciating Allah through their prayers. They must also pray a special prayer called Tarweh. Muslims should pray for the health and prosperity of their family.
(3) Observe fast: Fasting during Ramadan is considered to be one of the best practices as per the Islamic culture. It is also said that during the month of Ramadan, there is an increase in the spiritual rewards of fasting. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam; hence, should be observed with utmost sincerity and faith in Allah.
(4) Do charity: This holy month encourages brotherhood and compassion, and hence, make sure to offer some percentage of your wealth to those in need. Muslims should donate to cater to the requirements of poor and needy during the holy month Ramadan and also for the whole year. muslim-charity.
(5) Practice self-discipline and self-control: During the month of Ramadan, embrace the community spirit of compassion, self-control and self-discipline.
(6) Maintain celibacy: Ramadan is the time to indulge in prayers and create a stronger bond with the Almighty. Hence, the community maintains celibacy during this pious period.
(7) Show respect: One must be tolerant, compassionate and forgiving, as this is what Ramadan aims to teach us. The month of Ramadan promotes brotherhood and unity among the Muslim communities around the world.
(8) Dress appropriately: Modesty is the key, so it is better to dress appropriately by avoiding ill-fitted clothes.
(9) Encourage Unity: Ramadan is the time to promote unity among friends, family and community as a whole. Pray and eat together, as it helps strengthen the bond.
What not to do during Ramadan?
Among the dos and don’ts of Ramadan, the next we look at the don’ts.
Here are some Ramadan don’ts, which one needs to abstain from during the holy period of fasting.
(1) Don’t consume food/water during the fasting period: Fasting is considered to be the most significant element of Ramadan, which is why you need to abstain from eating and drinking between dawn and dusk. After sunset, Muslims who observe Ramadan fast should not drink water or eat food before the Maghrib Azan. Further, smoking and forceful vomiting are not allowed in Ramadan. Doing this can break their fast or nullify their fasting before and after it.
(2) Don’t hold grudges: Ramadan is all about forgiveness, which is why you shouldn’t hold grudges against anyone. During this period, forgive and ask for forgiveness from the Almighty. Therefore, Muslims should focus on positive things during Ramadan. Additionally, it is a great sin for fasting Muslims to engage in illegal or criminal activities.
(3) Don’t chew gum: During Ramadan, it is best to refrain from chewing gum or indulge in smoking.
(4) Don’t listen to loud music/songs: Respect the sentiments of those who are fasting or praying during this holy period. Listening to songs on a loud volume can cause hindrance and is not acceptable during Ramadan. Hence, play music on your headphones so that it is not audible to those around you.
(5) Don’t waste time: Ramadan is a pious period, and hence, you should utilise your time constructively, rather than wasting it by watching TV, shopping or oversleeping. Indulge in praying to Allah and nurture discipline.
Ramadan is not only about abstaining from food and drinks, but also maintaining discipline, peace and unity. It is a time when your heart and soul should be at one with the Almighty. Follow these dos and don’ts of Ramadan diligently. Try to maintain unity and brotherhood in the community, in addition to aiming for self-restraint and discipline.
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