10 Things Not To Do In The Month Of Ramadan
During Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting, prayer, reflection and community and there are certain behaviours and actions that are considered inappropriate or counterproductive to the spirit of this holy month. Ramadan is a way for Muslims to wipe away their sins and bad deeds, it is a month of forgiveness, Muslims believe the Shaitaan (Devil) is locked away in the 30 days and nights during Ramadan hence preventing from any wrong-doing during the holy month and here are ten things Muslims avoid during Ramadan:
1. Eating or Drinking During Fasting Hours
Fasting from dawn to sunset is a core principle of Ramadan and eating or drinking during these hours without a valid reason such as illness or travel, breaks the fast. The fast is seen as a way to purify the soul and develop empathy for the less fortunate, it also strengthens one’s relationship with God. And also a time for increased prayer, reflection and charity and there are exemptions to fasting for those who are ill, pregnant, nursing, menstruating or traveling. Children typically begin fasting once they reach puberty, though some may start earlier in a gradual way.
2. Engaging in Gossip Or Backbiting
Ramadan is a time for spiritual growth and speaking ill of others or engaging in gossip not only harms relationships but can also nullify the rewards of fasting, engaging in gossip or backbiting during Ramadan is not only discouraged but also goes against the principles of the holy month. Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, increased devotion and self-discipline and it is a time for Muslims to focus on purifying their souls and avoiding actions that lead to negative consequences, both for themselves and others.
3. Arguing Or Getting Angry
Maintaining patience is crucial during Ramadan, arguments and conflicts can spoil the tranquility of the month and losing temper undermines the purpose of self-restraint, during Ramadan emotions and behaviours can sometimes be heightened due to fasting, lack of sleep and the increased focus on worship and self-reflection. It's important to remember that Ramadan is a time for spiritual growth, self-discipline and practicing patience and tolerance and getting angry or engaging in arguments during this month can hinder these goals.
4. Overindulging in Food After Iftar
After breaking the fast (Iftar), it's important to avoid overeating and eating in moderation and being mindful of your health aligns with the principles of Ramadan. Overindulging in food after iftar, especially during Ramadan, is something that many people experience, after fasting for a long day, it can be tempting to eat more than usual, but it can lead to a number of physical issues like indigestion, bloating, or feeling sluggish.
5. Neglecting Prayers (Salah)
Fasting is accompanied by increased devotion to prayer, missing obligatory prayers or neglecting additional voluntary prayers (like Taraweeh) during Ramadan reduces the spiritual benefit of the month. Neglecting Salah (prayer) during Ramadan is a serious issue in Islam and salah is one of the five pillars of Islam, it's crucial for Muslims to maintain it, especially during Ramadan, a month that is highly regarded and holds great spiritual significance. Remember, Ramadan is not just about fasting from food and drink but also about striving to improve your relationship with Allah through worship and obedience.
6. Using Offensive Language or Swearing
Words matter, and Ramadan is about refining one's character, using inappropriate language or swearing during this time goes against the ethos of the month. Using offensive language during Ramadan can be considered inappropriate, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught that during Ramadan, one should strive to purify not only the body but also the heart and mind and this includes maintaining good manners, speaking kindly, and refraining from anything that could break the fast in terms of both physical and spiritual aspects. Swearing or using offensive language is seen as a disruption to this goal of self-purification.
7. Engaging in Excessive Social Media Use
Spending too much time on social media can distract from the spiritual goals of Ramadan, such as reflection, prayer, and Quran recitation. Engaging in excessive social media use during Ramadan can present a number of challenges, especially considering that Ramadan is a time for reflection, spiritual growth, and self-discipline. Excessive screen time can conflict with these goals in several ways and it distracts you from worship and reflection, reduces the quality of rest and increases negative comparisons and mental fatigue.
8. Smoking or Using Tobacco
Just as eating and drinking are prohibited during the fast, smoking also breaks the fast and should be avoided during Ramadan. During Ramadan, smoking or using tobacco is generally considered impermissible (haram) for Muslims, as it breaks the fast. The fast requires refraining from eating, drinking, and engaging in other activities such as smoking, from dawn until sunset. Many Islamic scholars also emphasize the harmful health effects of smoking, which further discourages its use, especially during Ramadan when spiritual and physical purification is encouraged.
9. Skipping Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal)
The pre-dawn meal, suhoor, is essential to provide energy for the day of fasting and skipping it may make the fast more difficult, it's an important Sunnah (tradition). Skipping suhoor (the pre-dawn meal) during Ramadan is generally not recommended, suhoor provides essential nourishment and hydration that helps you sustain your fast throughout the day. While it's technically possible to fast without having suhoor, it can make the fast harder, as you might feel more fatigued or dehydrated.
10. Being Disrespectful to Others
Showing kindness and respect to family, neighbours, and even strangers is essential and disrespecting others or being inconsiderate harms the spirit of Ramadan. During Ramadan, a month of fasting observed by Muslims, it's especially important to practice patience, kindness, and respect toward others and being disrespectful during this time can have a negative impact not just on relationships but also on spiritual growth.
Staying mindful of these guidelines helps ensure that Ramadan is a time of genuine reflection, self-control, and increased closeness to Allah.