The Month of the Quran and Taqwa

Allah says:

The Quran guides a Muslim's beliefs, worship and dealings with others. Reciting it is itself an act of worship for which a Muslim is rewarded. Alongside recitation, we should seek to understand its meaning and put it into practice. Quran study had a prominent place in the Prophet's worship during Ramadan. Ibn Abbas reported that Jibril would meet him every night of Ramadan and study the Quran with him. Narrated by al-Bukhari (6).

Allah also says:

Fasting Ramadan is one of Islam's five pillars, as established in Ibn Umar's report narrated by al-Bukhari (8). It is obligatory for those who meet its conditions. Among its purposes is training ourselves to obey Allah and guard against sin. Just as we leave food and drink in obedience to Him, we must strive to leave lying, backbiting, forbidden looking and other sins. That effort should continue after Ramadan.

The Great Reward of Fasting and the Gate of al-Rayyan

The Prophet related Allah's words:

All worship is performed for Allah. The special mention of fasting in this hadith highlights its great virtue. In the same report, the Prophet described two joys for the fasting person: joy at breaking the fast and joy when meeting their Lord because of their fasting.

He also said:

Narrated by al-Bukhari (1896, excerpt). These are virtues of fasting generally, not exclusively of fasting Ramadan.

The Gates of Paradise Open and the Devils Are Chained

The Messenger of Allah, may Allah's salah and peace be upon him, said:

We believe this report as it came from the Prophet. It is one of the month's virtues that encourages hope and effort. It does not mean that people lose their ability to choose, or that no sins occur during Ramadan. We still have to resist our desires and leave the things that lead us into sin.

Fasting and Night Prayer Are Means of Forgiveness

The Prophet said:

He also said:

The words “with faith and seeking reward” describe worship done in belief in Allah, His commands and His promise, seeking His reward rather than showing off or simply following everyone else. Standing in prayer here means Ramadan night prayer, which includes Taraweeh.

These are wonderful promises, but they are not permission to persist in sin. The Prophet also said:

Shaykh Ibn Baz explained that expiation through these deeds concerns minor sins, while major sins require repentance. People's rights do not disappear simply because we fast and pray. Money taken unjustly must be returned, and debts must be paid. Hope for forgiveness belongs alongside repentance and repairing the wrong we have done.

Ramadan Contains Laylat al-Qadr

Allah says:

The Prophet said:

It is a great mercy that Allah has placed a night of such virtue within this month. The Prophet instructed Muslims to seek it during Ramadan's last ten nights. Narrated by al-Bukhari (2020). Prepare to benefit from the whole month, and make a particular effort during its last ten nights. Waiting for one particular night should not become a reason to waste the others.

Begin with Sincere Repentance

Allah says:

Do not wait for Ramadan to leave something forbidden. Repentance is a duty now. Stop the sin, regret it and sincerely resolve not to return to it. If another person's rights are involved, restore their right or seek their pardon in a way that discharges what you owe. Verbal wrongs, such as backbiting, have details about how to repair them. Do not disclose hurtful remarks or revive hostility without asking a qualified scholar what your situation requires.

Start with a failing you already recognise: a prayer you delay, money you have no right to keep or a habit that repeatedly leads to sin. Remove the causes you can, seek Allah's help and do not despair if resisting the habit takes repeated effort. For the conditions of repentance, see How to Repent to Allah.

Make Up Outstanding Fasts from the Previous Ramadan

Aishah, may Allah be pleased with her, said:

Anyone who owes make-up fasts and can perform them should complete them before the following Ramadan, rather than delay beyond it without an excuse. If an excuse has continued, the make-up fasts have been delayed, or the illness is not expected to resolve, do not decide on your own that feeding someone replaces fasting. Ask what is required in your circumstances. For the distinctions, read Missed Ramadan Fasts, Fidyah and Kaffarah.

Learn the Rulings You Need

Learn the rulings you need for your own fasting: when it begins and ends, how to intend the fast, what breaks it and what does not, and when an excuse permits breaking it. If you take medication or have particular circumstances, ask a qualified scholar about the ruling and a doctor about the effect of fasting on your health before the month begins.

Start with Ramadan Fasting for Beginners, and consult What Breaks the Fast and What Does Not? when needed. Do not base your worship on a forwarded message whose evidence you cannot verify.

Protect Obligatory Prayer and Make Time for Quran and Night Prayer

Your first priority is keeping the obligatory prayers within their times. Do not stay awake for a permissible activity or voluntary worship until you miss Fajr. Nor should extra Quran reading become an excuse for neglecting a duty.

Choose a time for recitation you can maintain, even if it is modest at first, and increase what you read as you are able. Use a reliable explanation of the Quran to help you understand the passages, combining regular recitation with reflection and action. A daily portion or plan to complete the Quran can help you organise your time; it is not a religiously prescribed quota that everyone else must follow.

Prepare for night prayer in a way that fits your ability and responsibilities. Taraweeh is an important Sunnah, not an obligation, and night prayer is prescribed both within Ramadan and outside it. For its time and method, see Qiyam al-Layl and Tahajjud.

Prepare to Give and Be Kind to Your Family

Ibn Abbas, may Allah be pleased with him and his father, said:

Set aside what you can give to people in need without extravagance or neglecting financial support you are obliged to provide. You might help through food, money or practical assistance.

At home, agree on arrangements that reduce the strain on everyone and leave room for worship and rest. Teach your children about fasting, honesty and patience in a way suited to their ages, and show them through your own conduct. Keeping meals simple and sharing the work leaves the household time for worship, rather than some family members spending the whole day serving everyone else.

Let your meal arrangements follow the Sunnah too. Suhoor, the meal before dawn, is recommended and contains blessing, as established in al-Bukhari (1923); it is not a condition for a valid fast. It is also Sunnah to break the fast promptly once sunset is established. The Prophet encouraged this and explained that sunset marks the end of fasting. Narrated by al-Bukhari (1957, 1954). Do not miss suhoor because of a late night, or postpone iftar believing that the delay earns more reward.