Ramadan is not only about fasting, it is a sacred period of worship, with prayer the central focus of a believer’s daily life. As fasting cleanses the body, prayer is the food for the soul, fortifying us towards Allah.
In this holy month, the reward for the prayers is multiplied, and Allah’s mercy is abundant. It is a time to focus and make sure to offer the prayer on time, in addition to various other forms of worship, such as Taraweeh, Tahajjud, and additional recitation of the Qur’an.
Allah (swt) reminds us in the Qur’an:
“Establish prayer, for prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds; and the remembrance of Allah is the greatest (thing in life).”
(Surah Al-Ankabut 29:45)
The Five Daily Prayers in Ramadan: A Foundation of Faith
1. The Importance of Praying on Time
One of Ramadan’s best gifts is that as fasting is centered around the times of Fajr (pre-dawn) and Maghrib (sunset), Muslims become more aware of time than ever before. This consciousness of time should encourage individuals to pray each of the five prayers on time.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“The best of deeds is to offer prayer at its proper time.”
(Sahih Muslim 85)
To ensure timely prayers:
- Keep an accurate record of the prayer times using a prayer timetable/app.
- Work, have meals, and rest according to Salah timings, instead of delaying it.
- Use reminders or alarms so you won’t miss any prayer.
2. The Link Between Fasting and Salah
Fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink; it is a time to purify one’s heart and actions. Salah plays a key role in this spiritual purification.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever does not give up false speech and evil actions while fasting, Allah is not in need of him leaving his food and drink.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1903)
Hence, fasting is to be complemented with prayer, good conduct (taqwa) and more remembrance of Allah. Someone who undertakes fast but ignores Salah is missing the essence of spiritual transformation through Ramadan.
Taraweeh: The Special Night Prayer of Ramadan
1. What is Taraweeh?
Taraweeh is a prayer performed at night after Isha during Ramadan; it is a Nafil prayer (voluntary but highly recommended). It is prayed in twos called Rak’ahs, usually in multiples of 8, 10, or 20, depending on the masjid or the individual.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Whoever stands (in prayer) in Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, all his past sins will be forgiven.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 37, Sahih Muslim 759)
This Hadith emphasizes the opportunity of Taraweeh in the realm of great rewards and forgiveness.
2. Praying Taraweeh at Home vs. the Mosque
In Congregation:
- Taraweeh prayers In The Masjid. Taraweeh prayer in the masjid is encouraged because it promotes togetherness.
- The Prophet ﷺ prayed the Taraweeh prayer in congregation among people for the first few nights, and then he prayed it in the house, fearing that it might be made compulsory upon his Ummah.
At Home:
- You can pray Taraweeh at home if you are unable to go to the masjid.
- Short Surah or Mushaf (copy of the Qur’an) can be read.
What matters would be that they are prayed whether at home or the masjid, consistently and sincerely.
The Last Ten Nights: Seeking Laylat al-Qadr
1. The Most Powerful Night of the Year
Laylat al Qadr (The Night of Decree) falls within the last ten nights of Ramadan; a better night than a thousand months, Surah Al-Qadr 97:3. It is a night of written decrees, of forgiven sins, of Allah’s mercy raining down.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Look for Laylat al-Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan, particularly on the odd-numbered nights.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 2017)
2. How to Maximize Worship in the Last Ten Nights?
Here’s what to do to maximize the benefit of these holy nights:
- Increase Qiyam-ul-Layl (Night Prayers) – Extend your night prayers beyond Taraweeh.
- Read a lot of Dua – The most excellent dua to recite on Laylat al-Qadr is:
“O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 3850)
- Use nights for Dhikr and Quran Recitation – fill with remembrance of Allah.
- Give charity generously — Charity on Laylat al Qadr is immensely rewarded.
Tahajjud: The Pre Dawn Prayer of the Pious
Tahajjud is a Sunnah prayer offered in the last third of the night, before Suhoor and Fajr. This is a time that Allah’s mercy is nearest to His servants.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The closest that a servant comes to his Lord is in the last third of the night. If you can be among those who remember Allah at that time, then do so.”
(Sunan al-Tirmidhi 3579)
Ramadan is the best time to develop the habit of waking up for Tahajjud, making duas with a sincere heart and getting closer to Allah.
Other Spiritual Acts to Enhance Ramadan Prayers
- Reciting and Reflecting on the Qur’an
- The Qur’an was revealed in the month of Ramadan (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185).
- Daily, even a few verses of the Quran a day, increases the blessings of your fasting and supplication.
- Making Constant Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)
- Each of SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, Allahu Akbar and La ilaha illa Allah said throughout the day has countless rewards.
- Dua Between Adhan and Iqamah
- The Prophet ﷺ said: “A supplication made between the Adhan and the Iqamah is not rejected.” (Sunan Abi Dawood 521)
- Seeking Forgiveness (Istighfar)
- Ramadan is the best time to repent and seek Allah’s mercy, as He forgives abundantly during this month.
Conclusion: Strengthening Our Connection with Allah
Prayer in Ramadan is not just an obligation, it is an opportunity to be renewed in our hearts and get closer to Him. Through the order of our daily prayers, Taraweeh, night prayers, and remembering:
- Strengthen our faith.
- Cleanse our hearts and deeds.
- Realize the highest success of receiving Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.
And as we move forward in Ramadan, let us resolve to make Salah our number one priority, where we not only fast with our bodies, but pray with our hearts.
“O Allah, make us among those who establish prayer, bless us with the barakah of Ramadan, and forgive our sins, O Most Merciful.” Aameen.
