Before Ramadan
- Repent, restore people’s rights and learn the rulings you are likely to need.
- Set a realistic routine for Quran, night prayer and charity while fulfilling work and family responsibilities.
From the confirmed beginning of Ramadan to the confirmed beginning of Shawwal.
Making the most of Ramadan
A practical approach to fasting, prayer, Quran, charity and the Night of Decree without overburdening yourself.
Ruling at a glance
Fasting Ramadan is obligatory for an accountable Muslim who is able. Illness, travel, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstruation and missed fasts require rulings appropriate to the situation.
Each day
- For obligatory fasting, intend the fast during the night. Have a late suhur and break the fast promptly at sunset.
- Guard prayer, speech and your gaze. Fasting is more than avoiding food.
- Read the Quran thoughtfully, give charity even if little, and make plenty of supplication.
Night prayer and the last ten nights
- Pray Tarawih attentively. Praying with the imam until he finishes carries the reward of a night’s prayer.
- Increase worship in the last ten nights, perform i‘tikaf if able and seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd nights.
Beneficial actions
- ✓ Fast with faith and hope for Allah’s reward.
- ✓ Pray during Ramadan and seek Laylat al-Qadr.
- ✓ Read Quran, give charity and provide food for those fasting.
- ✓ Supplicate, maintain family ties and avoid disputes.
Important reminders
- ! Do not let staying up cause you to miss Fajr or necessary work.
- ! A short clip cannot resolve every disagreement about what breaks a fast; ask about your situation.
- ! Promises of forgiveness do not justify persisting in major sins or violating people’s rights without repentance.
Evidence and sources · English renderings of the meaning
Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward will have previous sins forgiven.Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim · Sahih ↗
Whoever stands in prayer during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward will have previous sins forgiven.Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim · Sahih ↗
Whoever stands in prayer on the Night of Decree with faith and seeking reward will have previous sins forgiven.Reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim · Sahih ↗