Fasting and Ramaḍān
The Purpose of Fasting
Fasting, or Ṣawm, is one of the five pillars of Islam and is an important act of worship through which a Muslim seeks to develop greater taqwā — consciousness and awareness of Allah ﷻ.
The fast of Ramaḍān is not simply about staying away from food and drink. It is a form of worship that trains the body, disciplines the desires, strengthens patience, and brings the heart closer to Allah ﷻ.
Allah ﷻ says:
“O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwā.”
— Qur’an 2:183
The purpose of fasting is therefore much deeper than hunger and thirst. It is an opportunity to become more conscious of Allah ﷻ and to improve ourselves as Muslims.
1. Developing Taqwā
The Qur’an directly connects fasting with taqwā.
Taqwā means being conscious of Allah ﷻ, being mindful of His commands, and protecting ourselves from what displeases Him.
When we fast, we willingly leave things that are normally permissible — such as food and drink — simply because Allah ﷻ has commanded us to do so.
This develops obedience and awareness of Allah ﷻ.
Even when nobody else can see us, we refrain from eating and drinking because we know Allah ﷻ sees us.
This strengthens sincerity and develops a deeper sense of accountability before our Creator.
2. Learning Self-Control
Fasting teaches us that we do not have to act upon every desire we experience.
During the fast, we experience hunger and thirst, yet we exercise restraint.
This discipline can extend beyond food and drink.
We should also learn to control:
- Our anger
- Our speech
- Our desires
- Our temper
- Our eyes
- Our ears
- Our behaviour
A successful fast should therefore influence the way we behave, not simply the way we eat.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that fasting should also protect a person from inappropriate speech and behaviour.
3. Developing Patience
Fasting develops ṣabr — patience.
A person may become hungry, tired, thirsty, or irritated, but they continue fasting because they are seeking the pleasure of Allah ﷻ.
This teaches us to remain patient when things do not go exactly as we want.
The patience developed through fasting can then be carried into other areas of life — dealing with difficulties, controlling anger, resisting temptation, and remaining steadfast upon obedience.
4. Strengthening Sincerity
Fasting has a special connection with ikhlāṣ — sincerity.
A person could secretly eat or drink while nobody else knows, yet a sincere Muslim refrains because they know Allah ﷻ knows what they do in private.
This teaches us to worship Allah ﷻ whether people are watching us or not.
Fasting therefore helps develop the understanding that our worship is for Allah ﷻ alone.
5. Appreciating the Blessings of Allah ﷻ
Many of the blessings we enjoy every day are things we can easily take for granted.
Food, drink, health, family, shelter, and security can become so familiar that we forget to appreciate them.
When we experience hunger and thirst during fasting, we are reminded of how dependent we are upon Allah ﷻ.
At the time of ifṭār, even a simple drink of water can become deeply meaningful.
We recognise that every blessing we have comes from Allah ﷻ.
Fasting therefore develops shukr — gratitude.
6. Developing Compassion for Others
Fasting also helps us understand, to some extent, the experience of those who regularly face hunger and hardship.
It should increase our compassion towards those who are less fortunate and encourage us to give ṣadaqah, feed others, and support those in need.
Ramaḍān is therefore not only a month of personal worship; it is also a month of generosity, kindness, and concern for others.
7. Controlling the Desires of the Nafs
The nafs can constantly seek comfort, pleasure, and immediate satisfaction.
Fasting teaches us that our desires do not control us.
We may have food directly in front of us, but we wait.
We may be thirsty, but we wait.
We may want to become angry, but we restrain ourselves.
This strengthens our ability to control the nafs rather than allowing the nafs to control us.
The lesson extends beyond Ramaḍān: we should learn to choose what pleases Allah ﷻ over what simply pleases ourselves.
8. Increasing Our Worship
Ramaḍān is an opportunity to increase our worship.
Alongside fasting, a Muslim should strive to increase:
- Ṣalāh
- Qur’an recitation
- Dhikr
- Duʿāʾ
- Istighfār
- Ṣadaqah
- Good deeds
- Kindness towards others
The fast creates an environment in which the believer can focus more deeply on their relationship with Allah ﷻ.
It is not simply a month of changing our eating schedule; it is an opportunity to change our spiritual habits.
9. Understanding That Fasting Is More Than Hunger
A person can technically abstain from food and drink while still allowing their tongue, eyes, ears, and behaviour to fall into sinful actions.
The purpose of fasting is greater than physical abstinence.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned against allowing fasting to become merely hunger and thirst.
Therefore, during Ramaḍān, we should make a conscious effort to avoid:
- Backbiting
- Lying
- Arguments
- Insults
- Gossip
- Looking at what is impermissible
- Listening to what is impermissible
- Wasting our time
Instead, we should use the fast as an opportunity to purify our body, tongue, mind, and heart.
10. Preparing for Life After Ramaḍān
One of the greatest purposes of Ramaḍān is to develop habits that continue after the month ends.
The real success of Ramaḍān is not simply reaching Eid.
We should ask ourselves:
Has my relationship with Allah ﷻ improved?
Have I become more patient?
Have I become more grateful?
Have I become more careful with my speech and actions?
Has my Ṣalāh improved?
Have I developed greater taqwā?
If fasting has helped us become better Muslims, then its lessons can continue throughout the rest of the year.
Fasting as a Journey Towards Allah ﷻ
Fasting is ultimately an act of submission and worship.
We leave food and drink during the prescribed hours because Allah ﷻ has commanded us to do so. We control our desires because we want His pleasure. We remain patient because we trust His wisdom. We increase our worship because we want to draw closer to Him.
Ramaḍān gives us the opportunity to step away from excessive attachment to the dunya and refocus our hearts upon the Ākhirah.
The hunger of the body can become nourishment for the soul.
The thirst we experience can remind us of our dependence upon Allah ﷻ.
And the restraint we practise can teach us that true freedom is not having everything we desire, but having the strength to control ourselves for the sake of Allah ﷻ.
The purpose of fasting is therefore not simply to experience hunger and thirst. It is to develop taqwā, strengthen our relationship with Allah ﷻ, discipline the nafs, increase our worship, and become better servants of Allah ﷻ.
Rules of Fasting — Ḥanafī Madhhab
Fasting (Ṣawm) is one of the five pillars of Islam. During the month of Ramaḍān, every adult Muslim who is able to fast is required to fast, subject to the exemptions and concessions established by the Sharīʿah.
The fast is an act of worship in which a person deliberately abstains from certain things for the sake of Allah ﷻ, from true dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib).
The following section gives an introduction to the main rules of fasting according to the Ḥanafī madhhab, within the tradition of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jamāʿah.
1. What Is a Fast?
A fast is the intention to fast and to abstain from eating, drinking, and sexual relations from the beginning of the fasting time until sunset.
Allah ﷻ says:
“Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread, then complete the fast until the night.”
— Qur’an 2:187
The fasting period therefore begins at true dawn and ends when the sun has set.
2. Who Must Fast?
The fast of Ramaḍān is obligatory upon a person who is:
- Muslim
- Sane
- Mature
- Physically capable of fasting
- Not in a state that prevents fasting, such as menstruation or postnatal bleeding
Children are not obligated to fast until they reach maturity, although they may be encouraged to fast according to their ability and circumstances.
3. The Intention (Niyyah)
The intention is necessary for a valid fast.
The intention is fundamentally an act of the heart. It is not necessary to verbally announce the intention.
According to the Ḥanafī madhhab, for the fasts of Ramaḍān, a person may make the intention during the night and, under the appropriate conditions, may also make the intention during the day before Islamic midday (ḍuḥwah kubrā).
However, developing the habit of making the intention before going to sleep or before Fajr is preferable because it removes uncertainty.
A simple intention in the heart is sufficient:
“I intend to fast tomorrow for the sake of Allah ﷻ.”
4. Suḥūr
Suḥūr is the pre-dawn meal eaten before beginning the fast.
It is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and contains blessing.
Even if a person does not feel particularly hungry, having something for suḥūr is encouraged.
The important point is that eating must stop when true dawn enters.
5. When Does the Fast Begin?
The fast begins at the entrance of Fajr.
Once Fajr begins, the fasting person must abstain from the things that invalidate the fast.
It is therefore important to know the correct local Fajr time rather than relying solely on sunrise.
6. When Does the Fast End?
The fast ends at sunset.
Once the sun has completely set and Maghrib time has entered, the fasting person may break their fast.
It is Sunnah to hasten the ifṭār once sunset has definitely occurred.
A person should not unnecessarily delay breaking the fast.
7. Eating and Drinking While Fasting
Deliberately eating or drinking after Fajr and before sunset invalidates the fast.
This applies whether the amount is large or small.
Therefore, during the fast, a person must abstain from food and drink, including water.
However, if a person forgets that they are fasting and eats or drinks, the fast is not invalidated according to the Ḥanafī madhhab. Once they remember, they should immediately stop eating or drinking and continue the fast.
8. Smoking and Similar Substances
Smoking deliberately during the fasting period invalidates the fast.
A fasting person should also avoid deliberately introducing substances into the body through routes that invalidate the fast according to the rules of the Ḥanafī madhhab.
9. Sexual Relations
Sexual intercourse during the fasting hours of Ramaḍān deliberately invalidates the fast and carries serious consequences.
The person must sincerely repent to Allah ﷻ and the relevant rulings of qaḍāʾ and kaffārah apply.
The details of kaffārah are important and should be learned separately rather than treating every broken fast as automatically requiring kaffārah.
10. Menstruation and Postnatal Bleeding
A woman does not fast while experiencing ḥayḍ (menstruation) or nifās (postnatal bleeding).
If her menstruation or postnatal bleeding begins during the fasting day, that day’s fast is no longer valid.
The missed Ramaḍān fasts are then made up later through qaḍāʾ.
Unlike Ṣalāh, the missed fasts are made up after Ramaḍān.
11. Illness
A person who is genuinely ill and fears that fasting will worsen their illness, delay recovery, or cause significant harm may have a concession not to fast.
The missed fasts are then made up later when the person is able.
The determination of whether fasting will cause genuine harm should be taken seriously. Where appropriate, a trustworthy Muslim medical professional and qualified scholar should be consulted.
12. Travelling
A traveller who meets the conditions of being a musāfir has a concession regarding fasting.
They may choose to fast or not fast, depending upon their circumstances.
If they do not fast because of the concession of travel, the missed fast must be made up later.
The rulings of travel are detailed, so a person should learn the relevant rules before undertaking a journey during Ramaḍān.
13. Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
A pregnant or breastfeeding woman may have a concession not to fast if there is a genuine and valid Sharīʿah concern regarding harm to herself or her child.
The exact rulings concerning qaḍāʾ and fidyah depend upon the circumstances and the Ḥanafī ruling applicable to them.
14. Vomiting
Vomiting has different rulings depending upon whether it occurs voluntarily or involuntarily, and upon the amount involved.
If vomiting occurs involuntarily, the fast is not automatically invalidated.
However, deliberately causing oneself to vomit can affect the fast under specific conditions.
This is an example of why fasting rulings should not be reduced to simple lists without understanding the details.
15. Swallowing Something Accidentally
If something enters the mouth unintentionally and is swallowed accidentally, the ruling depends upon the circumstances.
Similarly, things that naturally occur, such as saliva, do not invalidate the fast.
A Muslim should not become excessively worried about ordinary bodily functions.
Islamic rulings distinguish between deliberate actions, genuine mistakes, forgetfulness, and matters beyond a person’s control.
16. Backbiting and Sinful Speech
Backbiting, lying, arguing, swearing, and other sins do not necessarily invalidate the legal validity of the fast, but they can seriously damage its spiritual reward and purpose.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught that fasting should protect a person from sinful speech and behaviour.
Therefore, fasting should involve more than simply staying away from food and drink.
A person should also strive to fast with their:
- Tongue
- Eyes
- Ears
- Hands
- Heart
17. Using Miswāk and Maintaining Cleanliness
Using miswāk is permissible while fasting and is from the Sunnah.
A fasting person should continue maintaining good oral and personal hygiene.
The fast does not require a person to neglect cleanliness.
18. Taking a Bath While Fasting
A person may bathe while fasting.
Water touching the outside of the body does not invalidate the fast.
However, care should be taken not to deliberately allow water to enter the mouth or nose excessively in a manner that could invalidate the fast.
19. Intentionally Breaking a Fast
A person should not deliberately break an obligatory Ramaḍān fast without a valid Sharīʿah excuse.
If someone deliberately breaks the fast, they must repent sincerely to Allah ﷻ and the appropriate qaḍāʾ and, where applicable, kaffārah rulings must be followed.
The exact ruling depends upon how the fast was broken and the circumstances involved.
20. Making Up Missed Fasts — Qaḍāʾ
If a person misses a Ramaḍān fast for a valid reason, they must make it up when they are able.
Allah ﷻ says:
“Whoever is ill or on a journey, then an equal number of days are to be made up later.”
— Qur’an 2:185
A person should keep track of missed fasts and make a genuine effort to complete their qaḍāʾ.
21. Fidyah
Fidyah is a form of compensation associated with certain circumstances where a person is permanently unable to fast.
For example, an elderly person who is genuinely unable to fast and has no reasonable expectation of becoming capable of fasting may have the ruling of fidyah.
This should not be confused with simply choosing fidyah instead of fasting when one is capable of fasting.
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The Spirit Behind the Rules
The rules of fasting are not intended to make Ramaḍān unnecessarily difficult.
Rather, they provide a clear framework that allows us to worship Allah ﷻ correctly while recognising genuine human circumstances.
There are times when we fast, times when we break the fast, and times when we make up a missed fast. Each is governed by the commands of Allah ﷻ and the Sunnah of His Messenger ﷺ.
The believer’s attitude should therefore be:
“I fast because Allah ﷻ has commanded me to fast, and I follow the concessions because Allah ﷻ has permitted them.”
This is part of submission to Allah ﷻ.
Ramaḍān is not simply about knowing what breaks the fast. It is about using the fast to develop taqwā, patience, self-control, gratitude, sincerity, and obedience to Allah ﷻ.
“So that you may attain taqwā.”
— Qur’an 2:183
Spiritual Lessons of Ramaḍān
Ramaḍān is much more than a month in which we abstain from food and drink. It is a month of worship, purification, reflection, discipline, and returning to Allah ﷻ.
Allah ﷻ describes the purpose of fasting by saying:
“O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain taqwā.”
— Qur’an 2:183
The greatest spiritual lesson of Ramaḍān is therefore the development of taqwā — becoming more conscious of Allah ﷻ, more obedient to Him, and more careful about what pleases or displeases Him.
1. Developing Taqwā
Throughout the day, the fasting person knows that Allah ﷻ is aware of them.
Even when nobody else is present, they refrain from eating and drinking because they know Allah ﷻ sees them.
This develops a sense of muraqabah — awareness that Allah ﷻ is always aware of us.
Ramaḍān teaches us to carry this awareness beyond the fasting hours and into the rest of our lives.
We should ask ourselves:
“Would I still do this if I remembered that Allah ﷻ is watching me?”
This is one of the foundations of taqwā.
2. Strengthening Our Relationship With the Qur’an
Ramaḍān has a special connection with the Qur’an.
Allah ﷻ says:
“The month of Ramaḍān is that in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.”
— Qur’an 2:185
The believer should therefore make the Qur’an a central part of Ramaḍān.
Rather than simply trying to complete a certain number of pages, we should also take time to listen, understand, reflect, and act upon its guidance.
The goal is not for our relationship with the Qur’an to end when Ramaḍān ends.
3. Learning Self-Control
Fasting teaches us that we are capable of saying no to our desires.
Food and drink are normally permissible, yet during the fasting hours we willingly leave them because Allah ﷻ has commanded us to do so.
This develops discipline.
We learn that we do not have to satisfy every desire immediately and that obedience to Allah ﷻ is more important than following our nafs.
This lesson can then be applied to other areas of life, including controlling our anger, speech, desires, spending, entertainment, and habits.
4. Controlling the Tongue
Ramaḍān should be a month in which we become particularly careful about our speech.
We should strive to avoid:
- Backbiting
- Lying
- Gossip
- Arguments
- Insults
- Slander
- Excessive and pointless conversation
A person may abstain from food and drink while still harming their fast spiritually through their tongue.
Therefore, we should aim to make our tongue busy with Qur’an, dhikr, duʿāʾ, istighfār, and beneficial speech.
5. Patience and Perseverance
Ramaḍān teaches ṣabr — patience.
We experience hunger and thirst, adjust our routines, stay awake for additional worship, and continue fulfilling our responsibilities while fasting.
All of this requires patience.
The lesson is that patience is not only needed during Ramaḍān. It is needed throughout life — when facing hardship, resisting sin, dealing with people, and remaining consistent in worship.
6. Gratitude for Allah’s Blessings
When we are fasting, ordinary blessings can suddenly become deeply appreciated.
A glass of water.
A simple meal.
A comfortable home.
Good health.
The ability to eat whenever we wish.
Ramaḍān reminds us that these are not things we should take for granted.
When we break our fast, we should recognise that every blessing comes from Allah ﷻ.
This develops shukr — gratitude.
Allah ﷻ says:
“If you are grateful, I will surely increase you.”
— Qur’an 14:7
7. Developing Compassion
Experiencing hunger and thirst can help us appreciate the difficulties faced by people who do not have enough food or basic necessities.
This should encourage compassion and generosity.
Ramaḍān is therefore a month in which we should increase:
- Ṣadaqah
- Feeding others
- Helping those in need
- Supporting the poor
- Caring for family and neighbours
- Acts of kindness
Our worship should make us more compassionate towards Allah’s creation.
8. Increasing Generosity
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was particularly generous during Ramaḍān.
Ramaḍān teaches us not to become so focused on our own worship that we forget those around us.
Giving from what Allah ﷻ has blessed us with is an expression of gratitude and a means of purification.
We should remember that generosity is not limited to money. A smile, helping someone, feeding another person, spending time with family, and relieving someone’s difficulty can all be forms of goodness.
9. Repentance and Returning to Allah ﷻ
Ramaḍān provides an opportunity to step back and examine our lives.
We can ask ourselves:
What sins have I become accustomed to?
Which habits are taking me away from Allah ﷻ?
What do I need to change?
Rather than allowing guilt to push us away from Allah ﷻ, we should use Ramaḍān as a reason to return to Him.
Make sincere tawbah, ask Allah ﷻ for forgiveness, leave the sin, and make a firm intention not to return to it.
Ramaḍān is a month of mercy and an opportunity to begin again.
10. Increasing Duʿāʾ
Ramaḍān is also a time to increase our duʿāʾ.
We should ask Allah ﷻ for forgiveness, guidance, steadfastness, good character, beneficial knowledge, goodness in this life and the Hereafter, and whatever else is good for us.
We should also remember our parents, families, communities, and those suffering throughout the world.
Duʿāʾ reminds us that, ultimately, we are dependent upon Allah ﷻ for everything.
11. Strengthening the Connection With Ṣalāh
Ramaḍān often gives Muslims an opportunity to improve their Ṣalāh.
The five daily prayers remain the foundation, while additional prayers such as Tarāwīḥ provide further opportunity for worship.
A person should not allow Ramaḍān to become a month in which they focus heavily on fasting while neglecting Ṣalāh.
The true benefit of Ramaḍān is seen when our relationship with Ṣalāh becomes stronger.
12. Learning to Value Our Time
Ramaḍān passes quickly.
The days can seem long when we are fasting, yet the month itself can disappear before we realise it.
This teaches us the value of time.
Instead of allowing hours to disappear through excessive social media, entertainment, unnecessary conversations, or other distractions, we should ask ourselves:
“What can I do with this moment that will bring me closer to Allah ﷻ?”
Every day of Ramaḍān is an opportunity that may never return.
13. Leaving Sin
Ramaḍān should not simply change our eating habits.
It should change our behaviour.
If we regularly commit a particular sin, Ramaḍān provides an opportunity to make a sincere effort to leave it.
The purpose of fasting is to develop taqwā, and taqwā should influence the choices we make when Ramaḍān is over.
A successful Ramaḍān should therefore produce lasting change.
14. Appreciating the Mercy of Allah ﷻ
Ramaḍān reminds us of Allah’s immense mercy.
We are given opportunities to worship, seek forgiveness, give charity, recite Qur’an, make duʿāʾ, and return to Allah ﷻ.
The believer should approach Ramaḍān with a balance of hope and fear — hoping for Allah’s mercy and forgiveness while fearing His displeasure and punishment.
This balance helps keep the heart sincere and humble.
15. Preparing for the Ākhirah
Ramaḍān repeatedly reminds us that this world is temporary.
We experience hunger and thirst, break our fast, sleep, wake, worship, and repeat the cycle.
This temporary sacrifice reminds us that the life of this world is not our final destination.
Our ultimate destination is the Ākhirah.
Ramaḍān should therefore encourage us to prepare for the day when we will stand before Allah ﷻ.
16. Continuing the Lessons After Ramaḍān
Perhaps the greatest test comes when Ramaḍān ends.
It is easy to be motivated when the entire community is fasting, mosques are busy, Qur’an is being recited, and everyone is focused on worship.
But what happens afterwards?
The lessons of Ramaḍān should remain with us.
We should try to continue:
- Guarding the five daily Ṣalāh.
- Reciting Qur’an.
- Making dhikr.
- Making duʿāʾ.
- Giving charity.
- Controlling our speech.
- Avoiding sins.
- Practising patience.
- Being grateful.
- Returning to Allah ﷻ when we make mistakes.
The purpose of Ramaḍān is not to create a temporary version of ourselves.
It is to transform us into better servants of Allah ﷻ.
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The Real Success of Ramaḍān
The success of Ramaḍān cannot be measured simply by how many fasts we completed or how many times we finished the Qur’an.
We should also ask:
Did my taqwā increase?
Did I become closer to Allah ﷻ?
Did my Ṣalāh improve?
Did I become more patient?
Did I become more grateful?
Did I control my tongue and my desires better?
Did I repent sincerely from my sins?
Did I become more generous and compassionate?
And, most importantly, did the person I became in Ramaḍān continue after Ramaḍān?
Ramaḍān is a school for the believer. We enter it with weaknesses and shortcomings, and we hope to leave it with stronger īmān, greater taqwā, and a renewed connection with Allah ﷻ.
The month eventually comes to an end, but our journey towards Allah ﷻ does not.
“And worship your Lord until there comes to you the certainty.”
— Qur’an 15:99
Ramaḍān teaches us to fast with our bodies, worship with our limbs, remember Allah ﷻ with our tongues, and — most importantly — turn our hearts towards Him.
Laylat al-Qadr — The Night of Decree
Laylat al-Qadr is one of the most blessed and virtuous nights of the Islamic year. It occurs during the month of Ramaḍān and is a night in which Muslims are encouraged to increase their worship, repentance, duʿāʾ, and remembrance of Allah ﷻ.
The importance of this night is so great that Allah ﷻ dedicated an entire sūrah of the Qur’an to it: Sūrah al-Qadr.
Allah ﷻ says:
“Indeed, We sent it down on the Night of Decree.”
— Qur’an 97:1
1. What Is Laylat al-Qadr?
The word Qadr carries meanings including decree, measure, honour, and greatness.
Laylat al-Qadr is therefore commonly translated as “The Night of Decree” or “The Night of Power.”
It is a night of tremendous virtue and blessing.
Allah ﷻ says:
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”
— Qur’an 97:3
This means that worship performed with sincerity on this night carries an immense virtue.
A thousand months is more than eighty-three years, making this an extraordinary opportunity for a believer.
2. The Night of the Revelation of the Qur’an
Laylat al-Qadr has a special connection with the Qur’an.
Allah ﷻ says:
“Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree.”
— Qur’an 97:1
Allah ﷻ also says:
“The month of Ramaḍān is that in which the Qur’an was revealed.”
— Qur’an 2:185
This reminds us that Ramaḍān is deeply connected to the Qur’an and that Laylat al-Qadr should be a night in which we increase our relationship with the Book of Allah ﷻ.
3. When Is Laylat al-Qadr?
The exact night of Laylat al-Qadr has not been specified.
This is part of its wisdom, because it encourages believers to seek it throughout the nights of Ramaḍān, particularly during the last ten nights.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramaḍān.”
— Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī
The odd nights are the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th nights.
However, we should not restrict our worship to the 27th night alone. Laylat al-Qadr may occur on any of the last ten nights, and therefore the safest approach is to seek it throughout them.
4. Why Is It Hidden From Us?
Allah ﷻ has not told us exactly which night Laylat al-Qadr is.
This encourages us to strive harder.
If we knew with certainty that it was always one particular night, many people might only worship on that night.
Instead, Allah ﷻ has given us an opportunity to seek His reward throughout the final nights of Ramaḍān.
This teaches us an important lesson:
Sometimes the uncertainty itself is part of the test.
We worship Allah ﷻ because we seek His pleasure, not simply because we know exactly when the reward will be greatest.
5. Increasing Worship
During the last ten nights, a Muslim should strive to increase their worship according to their ability.
This can include:
- Ṣalāh
- Tarāwīḥ
- Tahajjud
- Qur’an recitation
- Dhikr
- Istighfār
- Duʿāʾ
- Ṣalawāt upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ
- Charity
- Repentance
The aim is not simply to remain awake for the entire night without purpose.
Rather, we should use the night in meaningful worship and remembrance of Allah ﷻ.
6. Iʿtikāf
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would observe iʿtikāf during the last ten days of Ramaḍān.
Iʿtikāf involves remaining in the mosque with the intention of worship and dedicating oneself to Allah ﷻ.
It provides an opportunity to step away from the distractions of everyday life and devote greater attention to worship.
Although not everyone is able to perform iʿtikāf, everyone can strive to increase their worship during the last ten nights.
7. The Special Duʿāʾ of Laylat al-Qadr
ʿĀʾishah رضي الله عنها asked the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ what she should say if she found Laylat al-Qadr.
He ﷺ taught her to say:
اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Allāhumma innaka ʿafuwwun tuḥibbul-ʿafwa faʿfu ʿannī
“O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, You love to forgive, so forgive me”
— Jāmiʿ al-Tirmidhī
This is one of the most important supplications to learn for the last ten nights.
Notice what the Prophet ﷺ taught us to ask for: forgiveness.
This teaches us that Laylat al-Qadr should be a time of sincere repentance and returning to Allah ﷻ.
8. Seeking Forgiveness
No matter how many mistakes we have made, we should never believe that it is too late to return to Allah ﷻ.
Laylat al-Qadr provides a beautiful opportunity to sincerely ask Allah ﷻ for forgiveness.
We can reflect upon our lives and ask:
Which sins do I need to leave?
Who have I wronged?
What do I need to make right?
What habits are distancing me from Allah ﷻ?
Then turn sincerely to Allah ﷻ with tawbah and istighfār.
9. The Night of Peace
Allah ﷻ says:
“Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.”
— Qur’an 97:5
Laylat al-Qadr is a night of peace and blessing.
The believer should seek to experience this night away from unnecessary distractions and excessive worldly activity.
It is an opportunity to quieten the heart and focus on Allah ﷻ.
10. Don’t Let the Last Ten Nights Become a Competition
It is easy for Ramaḍān to become focused on numbers:
How many rakʿahs?
How many pages?
How many times did I complete the Qur’an?
How long did I stay awake?
These things can have value, but the quality and sincerity of worship are also important.
A short period of sincere duʿāʾ can be more meaningful for a person’s heart than hours spent worshipping while completely distracted.
The goal is ikhlāṣ — sincerity for Allah ﷻ.
11. Make Duʿāʾ for More Than Yourself
When making duʿāʾ during the last ten nights, remember others as well.
Make duʿāʾ for:
- Your parents
- Your family
- Those who have passed away
- The Muslim Ummah
- Those experiencing hardship
- Those who are oppressed
- Those who are struggling with their faith
- Those who need guidance and forgiveness
The believer’s heart should become more generous as their connection with Allah ﷻ grows.
12. The Spiritual Lesson of Laylat al-Qadr
Laylat al-Qadr teaches us that one sincere night can change the direction of a person’s life.
It reminds us that Allah ﷻ gives His servants opportunities for forgiveness and immense reward.
It also teaches us not to underestimate small periods of sincere worship.
We may think:
“What difference can one night make?”
But Allah ﷻ tells us that this one night is better than a thousand months.
This should give us hope.
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Making the Most of Laylat al-Qadr
As the final ten nights approach, try to make a realistic plan.
Pray.
Recite Qur’an.
Make dhikr.
Make duʿāʾ.
Ask Allah ﷻ for forgiveness.
Give charity.
Avoid unnecessary distractions.
Seek Laylat al-Qadr with sincerity.
And do not wait until the final night to begin.
The nights of Ramaḍān are precious, and we do not know whether we will be alive to experience another Ramaḍān.
Laylat al-Qadr is ultimately an invitation from Allah ﷻ to return to Him.
It is a night of worship, forgiveness, mercy, and immense opportunity.
The believer should approach it with hope in Allah’s mercy, fear of His displeasure, love for Him, and sincere desire for His forgiveness.
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”
— Qur’an 97:3
May Allah ﷻ allow us to reach Laylat al-Qadr, worship Him sincerely, accept our deeds, forgive our sins, and grant us His mercy and closeness. Āmīn.
Eid Preparation
ʿĪd al-Fiṭr is the celebration that marks the completion of Ramaḍān. It is a day of happiness, gratitude, worship, and bringing the Muslim community together.
After a month of fasting, Ṣalāh, Qur’an, dhikr, duʿāʾ, and striving against the nafs, ʿĪd is an opportunity to thank Allah ﷻ for allowing us to complete this blessed month.
However, ʿĪd is not simply about food, clothing, and celebrations. It begins with worship and gratitude to Allah ﷻ.
1. Complete Ramaḍān With Gratitude
Before preparing for ʿĪd, take a moment to reflect upon Ramaḍān.
Ask yourself:
- Did my relationship with Allah ﷻ improve?
- Did my Ṣalāh improve?
- Did I become more patient?
- Did I increase my Qur’an recitation?
- Did I become more generous?
- Did I sincerely repent from my sins?
- Which habits from Ramaḍān do I want to continue?
We should thank Allah ﷻ for allowing us to experience another Ramaḍān and ask Him to accept our worship.
Allah ﷻ says:
“And so that you may complete the prescribed period and glorify Allah for having guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful.”
— Qur’an 2:185
2. Give Ṣadaqat al-Fiṭr
Before the ʿĪd prayer, eligible Muslims should ensure that Ṣadaqat al-Fiṭr (Zakāt al-Fiṭr) has been fulfilled.
It is a means of purification for the fasting person and provides support for those in need so that they can participate in the happiness of ʿĪd.
According to the Ḥanafī madhhab, Ṣadaqat al-Fiṭr is wājib upon those who meet its conditions.
It should ideally be given before the ʿĪd prayer, although giving it earlier in Ramaḍān is also permissible.
The exact amount should be confirmed according to the current calculations and local circumstances.
3. Perform Ghusl
Performing ghusl on the morning of ʿĪd is from the recommended practices of the day.
A Muslim should begin the day clean and prepared to attend the ʿĪd prayer.
This is part of showing respect for the occasion and preparing ourselves to gather with the Muslim community.
4. Wear Clean and Presentable Clothing
It is Sunnah to wear one’s best available clothing on ʿĪd.
This does not mean that expensive or brand-new clothes are required.
The important thing is to dress cleanly, modestly, and appropriately while remembering that ʿĪd is a blessing from Allah ﷻ.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the Companions رضي الله عنهم would give importance to appearing presentable for the occasions of ʿĪd.
5. Apply Fragrance
For men, applying a pleasant fragrance before attending the ʿĪd prayer is from the recommended practices.
Muslims should also ensure that they maintain good personal hygiene.
Women should observe the Islamic guidelines regarding fragrance and adornment when leaving the home and attending public gatherings.
6. Eat Before the ʿĪd Prayer
One of the Sunnahs of ʿĪd al-Fiṭr is to eat something before leaving for the ʿĪd prayer.
It is particularly reported from the Sunnah that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would eat an odd number of dates before going to the prayer.
This is a beautiful reminder that the fast of Ramaḍān has ended.
On ʿĪd al-Fiṭr, fasting is not permitted, as this is a day of celebration and gratitude.
7. Recite the Takbīr
The takbīr of ʿĪd is an important part of the celebration.
We glorify Allah ﷻ and acknowledge His greatness.
The takbīr helps us remember that although Ramaḍān has ended, Allah ﷻ remains our Lord and our worship does not end with Ramaḍān.
According to the Ḥanafī madhhab, the takbīrāt of ʿĪd al-Fiṭr begin when leaving for the ʿĪd prayer and continue until the imam begins the prayer.
8. Attend the ʿĪd Prayer
The ʿĪd prayer is one of the great outward signs of Islam and brings the Muslim community together.
According to the Ḥanafī madhhab, Ṣalāt al-ʿĪd is wājib upon those upon whom it is obligatory under its conditions.
It is performed in congregation and consists of two rakʿahs, with the additional takbīrs prescribed according to the Ḥanafī method.
The details of the ʿĪd prayer should be learnt carefully so that it can be performed correctly.
9. Listen to the Khuṭbah
After the ʿĪd prayer, the imam delivers the khuṭbah.
The congregation should listen attentively and benefit from the reminder.
Although the ʿĪd khuṭbah comes after the prayer, it remains an important part of the gathering and should not simply be treated as something to leave immediately before hearing.
10. Take a Different Route Home
It is from the Sunnah to take a different route when returning from the ʿĪd prayer than the route taken when going.
This allows a Muslim to experience more of the community and is an established practice associated with ʿĪd.
11. Spread Happiness
ʿĪd is a time for happiness.
Visit family and friends, check on those who may be alone, give gifts, share food, and show kindness to others.
Children in particular should be allowed to experience the joy of ʿĪd in a wholesome and Islamically appropriate way.
Islam does not require us to spend the day in sadness. Rather, ʿĪd is a legitimate time for celebration and happiness.
12. Remember Those Who Are Struggling
While we enjoy the blessings of ʿĪd, we should remember those who may not have the same circumstances.
Some people may be facing poverty, illness, grief, loneliness, or other difficulties.
We can make ʿĪd meaningful by including others in our happiness through charity, food, gifts, visits, and sincere kindness.
This reflects the lessons of Ramaḍān that we have just completed.
13. Avoid Waste and Excess
Celebration does not mean extravagance.
It is easy for ʿĪd preparations to become focused on excessive spending, elaborate meals, expensive clothing, decorations, and material possessions.
There is nothing wrong with enjoying the blessings Allah ﷻ has given us, but we should avoid isrāf — wastefulness and excess.
Allah ﷻ says:
“Indeed, the wasteful are brothers of the devils.”
— Qur’an 17:27
The best ʿĪd is not necessarily the most expensive one.
It is the one filled with gratitude, worship, family, generosity, and happiness within the boundaries of Islam.
14. Don’t Let ʿĪd Become the End of Your Worship
One of the greatest spiritual dangers is treating the end of Ramaḍān as the end of our relationship with Allah ﷻ.
The mosque should not suddenly become empty.
The Qur’an should not be put away.
Dhikr should not disappear.
Duʿāʾ should not stop.
And Ṣalāh should never be neglected.
Ramaḍān was training us to become better servants of Allah ﷻ. ʿĪd is the beginning of continuing those lessons, not the end of them.
A Simple ʿĪd Morning
A Muslim can prepare for ʿĪd by keeping the morning simple and purposeful:
1. Perform ghusl.
2. Wear clean and presentable clothing.
3. Apply fragrance if appropriate.
4. Eat before leaving for the ʿĪd prayer.
5. Recite the takbīr.
6. Give Ṣadaqat al-Fiṭr if it has not already been given.
7. Attend the ʿĪd prayer.
8. Listen to the khuṭbah.
9. Greet fellow Muslims and spread happiness.
10. Visit family and loved ones.
11. Give charity and remember those in difficulty.
12. Continue the good habits developed during Ramaḍān.
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ʿĪd Is a Celebration of Worship
ʿĪd al-Fiṭr is a day of happiness, but its happiness comes after a month of worship and sacrifice.
We celebrate because Allah ﷻ allowed us to fast.
We celebrate because He allowed us to worship Him.
We celebrate because He gave us the opportunity to seek His forgiveness.
And we celebrate because He guided us to Islam.
The believer therefore begins ʿĪd with takbīr and gratitude, spends the day with family and the wider Muslim community, and enjoys the lawful blessings Allah ﷻ has provided.
But as the day comes to an end, we should carry one important thought with us:
Ramaḍān may be over, but our journey towards Allah ﷻ continues.
May Allah ﷻ accept our fasting, Ṣalāh, Qur’an, duʿāʾ, charity and every act of worship performed throughout Ramaḍān. May He allow us to celebrate ʿĪd with gratitude and joy, forgive our shortcomings, and give us the ability to carry the lessons of Ramaḍān throughout the rest of our lives. Āmīn.
