Ramadan is not just about abstaining from food and drink—it is a month of purification, renewal, and mercy. Yet many Muslims fall into mistakes that reduce the blessings and rewards of fasting.
1. Forgetting the True Purpose of Fasting
Mistake: Many see fasting as a ritual of hunger and thirst, without realizing its deeper spiritual aim.
Correction: Allah says: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may attain taqwÄ.” [Qur’an 2:183]
Remember that fasting is about increasing God-consciousness, patience, and self-control. Renew your intention daily, reminding yourself that this fast is for Allah, not for people.
2. Neglecting Suįø„Å«r (Pre-Dawn Meal)
Mistake: Some skip suįø„Å«r out of laziness or to “sleep more.”
Correction: The Prophet ļ·ŗ said: “Eat suįø„Å«r, for in suįø„Å«r there is blessing.” [Sahih al-BukhÄrÄ«, 1923]
Even a sip of water counts as suįø„Å«r. It strengthens the body for the day and carries spiritual reward.
3. Overeating at IftÄr
Mistake: Turning ifį¹Är into a banquet defeats the point of fasting. Overeating makes one lazy for Maghrib and TarÄwÄ«įø„.
Correction: Follow the Sunnah—break fast with dates and water, pray Maghrib, then eat moderately. The Prophet ļ·ŗ advised: “The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach.” [Sunan Ibn MÄjah, 3349 | Sahih]
4. Wasting Time in Distractions
Mistake: Spending Ramadan nights and days watching TV, scrolling social media, or playing games.
Correction: Replace idle time with Qur’an recitation, duŹæÄ’, or dhikr. The Prophet ļ·ŗ said: “There are two blessings which many people lose: health and free time.” [Sahih al-BukhÄrÄ«, 6412] Ramadan is too precious to waste.
5. Losing Temper and Arguing
Mistake: Some become irritable, snapping at others because they are hungry or tired.
Correction: The Prophet ļ·ŗ said: “When any one of you is fasting, let him not utter obscene speech or raise his voice in anger. If someone insults him, let him say: I am fasting.” [Sahih al-BukhÄrÄ«, 1894] Use fasting as training in patience.
6. Backbiting and Gossip
Mistake: Speaking ill of others while fasting ruins its spirit.
Correction: The Prophet ļ·ŗ said: “Whoever does not give up false statements (i.e. telling lies), and evil deeds, and speaking bad words to others, Allah is not in need of his (fasting) leaving his food and drink.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 6057] Protect your tongue with dhikr, Qur’an, or silence.
7. Delaying Maghrib Prayer
Mistake: Some postpone Maghrib to eat more at ifį¹Är.
Correction: The Sunnah is to break the fast immediately at sunset with something light such as dates and water, then perform Maghrib prayer without delay. After the prayer, one may return to eat the main meal. This balances both hastening to break the fast and safeguarding the prayer’s time.
8. Missing TarÄwÄ«įø„ and QiyÄm al-Layl
Mistake: Neglecting the nightly prayers due to laziness or entertainment.
Correction: The Prophet ļ·ŗ said: “Whoever prayed at night the whole month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgive.” [Sahih al-BukhÄrÄ«, 2009] Even praying a few rak‘Ät at home counts if one cannot attend the masjid.
9. Neglecting the Qur’an
Mistake: Ramadan passes without completing or engaging with the Qur’an.
Correction: Ramadan is the month of Qur’an [Qur’an 2:185]. Set a daily goal (e.g., one juz’ a day) and reflect upon verses. Even a small portion with understanding is better than rushing without reflection.
10. Oversleeping the Days Away
Mistake: Spending most of the day sleeping, waking only before ifį¹Är.
Correction: The Prophet ļ·ŗ and his companions were active during Ramadan—fighting battles, teaching, and worshipping. Sleep moderately, but spend your day in useful acts, worship, and serving others.
11. Being Wasteful with Food
Mistake: Preparing excessive food and throwing away leftovers.
Correction: Allah says: “Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils.” [Qur’an 17:27] Share extra food with neighbors or the needy. Simplicity in food brings more blessing.
12. Abandoning Work and Responsibilities
Mistake: Using fasting as an excuse to neglect family duties, work, or studies.
Correction: Fasting is meant to increase discipline. Continue fulfilling responsibilities while remembering Allah. This balance reflects true taqwÄ.
13. Neglecting DuŹæÄ’ at IftÄr
Mistake: Failing to make duŹæÄ’ at the time of breaking fast.
Correction: The Prophet ļ·ŗ said: “Three supplications are not rejected: the supplication of a fasting person at ifį¹Är, the supplication of the just leader, and the supplication of the oppressed.” [Sunan al-TirmidhÄ«, 3598 | Hasan] Make heartfelt duŹæÄ’ before breaking fast.
14. Treating Ramadan as a Burden
Mistake: Complaining about hunger, thirst, or long days.
Correction: The believer views fasting as an honor. The Prophet ļ·ŗ said: “The smell of the fasting person’s mouth is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk.” [Sahih al-BukhÄrÄ«, 1894]
15. Failing to Guard the Eyes and Ears
Mistake: Watching harÄm shows or listening to sinful speech while fasting.
Correction: Fasting is for the whole body, not only the stomach. Lower your gaze, guard your hearing, and feed your soul with Qur’an, dhikr, and beneficial knowledge.
16. Neglecting Charity
Mistake: Limiting Ramadan to personal worship without helping others.
Correction: Ibn ‘AbbÄs (Ų±Ų¶Ł Ų§ŁŁŁ Ų¹ŁŁ) said: “The Prophet ļ·ŗ was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous in Ramadan.” [Sahih al-BukhÄrÄ«, 3554] Give daily charity, even if small.
17. Not Seeking Tawbah and Forgiveness
Mistake: Ramadan passes without sincere repentance.
Correction: Ramadan is the month of mercy. Allah frees people from Hell each night. Use it to cry for forgiveness, repent from sins, and start anew.
18. Returning to Sin After Ramadan
Mistake: Treating Ramadan as a temporary boost, then returning to old habits.
Correction: The true sign of an accepted Ramadan is consistency afterward. Carry forward small, regular deeds. The Prophet ļ·ŗ said: “The most beloved of deeds to Allah are those that are consistent, even if small.” [Sahih al-BukhÄrÄ«, 6464]
