As we near the blessed month of Ramadan, we must focus on what we can improve physically and spiritually. Ramadan provides a great opportunity to get closer to Allah and to build good habits that will increase our deen and make us better people. This article offers five habits to strengthen your faith during Ramadan.
1. Reading the Quran Daily
During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to read the Quran more often, as this is a time to increase their faith. Ramadan highlights the importance of the Quran, as it was during this holy month that it was revealed to Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. Reading the Quran during Ramadan helps Muslims deepen their understanding of faith and get closer to Allah. In Islam, the Quran is considered to be a guide to all Muslims and can provide comfort and direction during tough times. Muslims should make a goal to read the Quran daily during Ramadan, even if it is a small amount. Muslims who struggle to read Arabic can resort to reading the Quran in its English translation (or any other language) to make it easier for them. With time, this habit can carry on outside of Ramadan.
2. Praying More Often
Ramadan is a month of heightened spiritual connection. In Islam, praying is recognized as one of the five pillars of faith, making it especially important during this month. Muslims should strive to pray their five daily prayers on time every day and also try to do a little bit extra, such as praying Sunnah when possible and indulging in night prayers (Qiyam-ul-Layl). This gives them more chances to connect with Allah and receive blessings during Ramadan. Additionally, Ramadan introduces another kind of prayer: Taraweeh. Taraweeh is prayed every night after Isha and lets Muslims join together as a community to pray, listen to the recitation of the Quran, and further increase their faith. Muslims should try their best to attend Taraweeh at their local Masjids as much as they can, but if they cannot, praying Taraweeh at home is an alternative.
3. Limiting Screen Time
Ramadan is a month to focus on your spiritual self and increase your deen. Most of your time should be focused on religious activities such as praying and fasting. Things such as the internet, social media, and TV can be distracting from this holy month, and spending too much time on any of these will decrease the benefits you can receive during Ramadan. Muslims should set a time limit for distractions and focus on themselves instead. Additionally, TV should not only be used for your favorite shows but also to learn more about Islam. There are plenty of Islamic shows to watch during Ramadan that will provide both education and entertainment.
4. Practice Healthy Eating Habits
During Ramadan, adult Muslims are required to fast from sunrise to sunset. Fasting gives you a chance to control what you eat, making it easier to lose weight and stay healthy during Ramadan. When breaking fast, some Muslim households prepare large meals, which results in some Muslims eating a bit too much during Ramadan. Even though you fast the entire day, Muslims should not go crazy and eat as much as they can during the night, as this is not good for your physical health. On top of daily fasting, staying hydrated after breaking fast and regulating the amount of food consumed during dinner will help Muslims stay physically healthy during Ramadan.
5. Watching Your Words
Ramadan is not just about fasting and praying Taraweeh. Muslims are encouraged to avoid any form of sin. Some sins are so normalized that we may commit them without realizing it. Two of these, for example, are lying and gossiping. Both of these sins can be committed in any conversation, and we may be completely unaware of them. During Ramadan, Muslims should watch what they say and choose their words more carefully.
Ramadan is a month of reflection, self-discipline, and spiritual growth. By building these five habits–reading the Quran daily, praying more often, limiting screen time, practicing healthy eating habits, and watching their words–Muslims can not only improve themselves spiritually but also physically and mentally. It is important to note that Ramadan is not only about fasting and praying but also about abstaining from sin and improving our connection with Allah. This Ramadan, we as Muslims should try to use this special month to do the best we can, as this month only comes around once a year.
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