A Month of Mercy, Not Negligence
Ramadan is essentially a month of spirituality, a golden chance to polish our hearts, come close to Allah and seek forgiveness. It is not only related to refraining from food and drink but from sin, bad habits, and acts that reduce the benefits of fasting.
Allah (SWT) commands in the Qur’an:
“O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you, that you may attain Taqwa (consciousness of Allah).”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)
However, many commit sins and mistakes during Ramadan (some without even realizing it), which can diminish or eliminate the benefits of fasting. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned:
“There are people who fast but gain nothing from their fast except hunger, and there are those who stand in prayer but gain nothing from their prayer except sleeplessness.”
(Sunan Ibn Majah 1690)
Therefore, we also have to be careful of common sins the entire month to have our fast accepted and for our hearts to be purified.
Engaging in Backbiting, Gossip, and Slander
Among the most destructive sins in Ramadan (and outside of it) are ghibah (backbiting) and namimah (slander). Fasting is not just about physical restraint but also about controlling the tongue and heart from harm.
The Prophetﷺ said:
“Whoever does not give up false speech and evil actions, Allah does not need him leaving his food and drink.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1903)
How to Avoid It?
- Pause first, ask, “Would I say this to their face?
- Associate with righteous people and avoid gossip.
- Avoid gossip and engage in Dhikr.
Wasting Time on Distractions and Entertainment
There are a lot of people who spend time on social networks, TV, and other useless things, but Quran, Sala,h and self-improvement are neglected.
Allah (SWT) warns:
“By time, indeed, mankind is in loss, except for those who believe, do righteous deeds, and advise each other to truth and patience.”
(Surah Al-Asr 103:1-3)
How to Avoid It?
- Recite the Quran every day to keep yourself doing something beneficial.
- Less screen time, fill that scrolling void with the recitation of the Quran, followed by Tafsir lectures.
- Use time for self-reflection and learning instead of pointless entertainment.
Neglecting Salah or Rushing Through It
Fasting does not give us any reason to miss Salah or delay it too. There are those who pray without focus ( khushu’) or who will delay their prayers out of drowsiness or laziness.
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“The first deed for which a servant will be brought to account on the Day of Judgment is Salah.”
(Sunan Abi Dawood 864)
How to Avoid It?
- Pray on time and with concentration. Understand that Salah is more important than fasting itself.
- Make du’a after prayer and take time to connect with Allah.
- Prepare for Salah with sincerity, knowing it is a direct conversation with Allah.
Losing Control of Anger and Arguments
Ramadan is a time of patience and self-restraint, yet some fall into anger, yelling and needless fighting.
The Prophetﷺ said:
“When one of you is fasting, he should not behave foolishly or argue. If someone insults him, let him say: ‘I am fasting.’”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 1894, Sahih Muslim 1151)
How to Avoid It?
- Use self-restraint, get out of arguments and quarrels.
- Make Dhikr and ask Allah for a way out when you are angry.
- Maintain a gentle tone.
Eating Excessively at Iftar and Suhoor
Ramadan is a month of moderation, but some people eat and waste food excessively. Eating more than needed nullifies the benefits of fasting and makes a person lazy in worship.
Allah (SWT) says:
“Eat and drink, but do not waste extravagantly. Indeed, He does not like those who waste.”
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:31)
How to Avoid It?
- Be moderate in breaking your fast, as per the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ (dates and water).
- Do not eat junk food and heavy meals that make it hard for you to stand in Taraweeh.
- Share food with others to gain rewards and prevent wastage
Neglecting Charity and Zakat
Ramadan is a month of generosity, yet people refrain from giving charity. Charity cleanses money, and its rewards are multiplied, particularly in this sacred month.
The Prophet ﷺ was described as:
“The most generous of people, and he was even more generous in Ramadan.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 6)
How to Avoid It?
- Donate something to charity every day, even if it’s just a little.
- Ensure you pay Zakat al-Fitr before the Eid prayers, so that the poor can also join in the Eid celebrations.
- Support causes like Education, water projects, and farmers.
Conclusion: Staying Spiritually Mindful in Ramadan
Ramadan is a gift which we should guard from being wasted in sins and heedlessness. If we make a conscious effort to conduct our actions, speech, and intentions, we will maximise our rewards and end Ramadan in a state of purification and closeness to Allah. May Allah grant us the ability to stay away from sins, purify our hearts, and leave Ramadan with our fasts accepted and sins forgiven.
“O Allah, make us among those whose Ramadan is accepted, forgive our mistakes, and guide us to Your straight path.” Ameen.
