Ramadan Guide 2024: True meaning, goals, & best practices

Ramadan is revered as a holy month of fasting for Muslims all around the world. It extends beyond refraining from food and water and encompasses self-reflection, gratitude, contemplation, and an opportunity for self-improvement.  

This guide aims to provide information on the true meaning of Ramadan, importance of fasting, right goals during this time, and best practices to fully embrace its benefits. 

Meaning of Ramadan and fasting 

The term ‘Ramadan’ رمضان originates from the Arabic root word ‘Ramidha’ رَمِضَ or ‘Ar-Ramad’ الرَمَضُ, which translates to ‘extreme heat’, while the Arabic word for fasting is ‘Sawm’, meaning ‘to abstain or refrain from something’.  

Sawm and siyam are both used as words for fasting in Arabic which literally means “to keep away from something” and a person who observes a fast and abstains is called ‘Sa’im’ صائم. 

Scholars often associate Ramadan with the concept of heat and suggest that just as heat melts substances, Ramadan is a time bestowed by Allah SWT for Muslims to ‘melt away their sins’ or repent for their wrongdoings through increased acts of worship and to seek forgiveness. 

It serves as a time for individuals to detach from material pursuits, focus on their inner spirituality, repent for wrongdoings, and cultivate patience and compassion. 

Why do we fast during Ramadan?  

Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam and has been enjoined upon us as Allah SWT commanded us to do so. He says in Surah Al Baqarah,  

يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ  

“O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will become mindful (of Allah).” (2:183)
 

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًۭى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَـٰتٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍۢ فَعِدَّةٌۭ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ بِكُمُ ٱلْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ ٱلْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا۟ ٱلْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ  

“Ramaḍân is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the decisive authority. So whoever is present this month, let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramaḍân˺.  

Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.” (2:185) 

The act of fasting serves as a demonstration of submission and obedience to Allah and is a means to attain taqwa or God-consciousness. It is a time to reflect on one’s actions, seek forgiveness, and strive for spiritual growth. 

This Ramadan, break your fast with your fellow brothers and sisters in Masjid Al Haram and Masjid An Nabawi. Check out our best Ramadan packages  inclusive of hotels, transfers, and flights and plan your spiritual journey today. 

Why is Ramadan important? 

The month of Ramadan holds great significance for Muslims due to its abundant rewards and blessings, known from both the teachings of our Prophet (Pbuh) and the verses in the Quran. Here are eight virtues of Ramadan that will motivate you in performing the acts of worship in the best manner, 

1. Allah opens the gates of heaven during the month of Ramadan.

The Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: “When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained up.”
(Al-Bukhari 1898 and Muslim 1079)

2. Nightly prayers during Ramadan leads to forgiveness of past sins.

Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Prophet (Pbuh) said: “Whoever spends the nights of Ramadan in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”  (Al-Bukhari 2008 and Muslim 174)

3. Ramadan fasting expiates sins from the previous Ramadan.

The Prophet (Pbuh) said: “The five daily prayers, from one Jumu’ah to the next and from one Ramadan to the next are expiation for (sins committed) in between, so long as you avoid major sins.”  (Muslim 233)

4. Prayers during Ramadan have a special chance of being answered.

Al-Bazzar (Kashf 962) narrated that Abu Sa’id said: The Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: “Allah has people whom He redeems every day and night – i.e., in Ramadan – and every Muslim every day and night has a prayer that is answered.”  

5. Fasting in the month of Ramadan and Shawwal is equivalent to fasting for a lifetime.

Abu Ayyub (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be like fasting for a lifetime.”
(Muslim, Abu Dawud, At-Tirmidhi, An-Nisa’i and Ibn Majah) 

Ahmad (21906) narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan, a month is like ten months, and fasting six days after al-Fitr will complete the year.” 

6. Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj.

“Performing Umrah during Ramadan is equivalent in reward to performing Hajj.”
(Al-Bukhari 1782 and Muslim 1256)

Check out the best time to perform Umrah

7. Observing acts of worship during Laylat al Qadr with sincere intention leads to forgiveness of previous sins.

The Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: “Whoever spends Laylat al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, will be forgiven his previous sins.”
(Al-Bukhari 1910 and Muslim 760)

The Messenger of Allah (Pbuh) said: “There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month which Allah has enjoined you to fast, during which the gates of heaven are opened, and the gates of Hell are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained up. In it there is a night which is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived.” (Al-Nasai 2106, Ahmad 8769, Al-Albani in Sahih al-Targhib 999)  

8. Joining the imam for nightly prayers until he finishes is equivalent in reward to praying the entire night.

Narrated by Abu Dawud (1370) and others from the hadith of Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (Pbuh): “Whoever prays qiyam with the imam until he finishes, it will be recorded for him that he spent the whole night in prayer.” (Classed as sahih by al-Albani in Salat al-Tarawih, p. 15)

What is the purpose of Ramadan fasting?

The blessed month of Ramadan offers invaluable lessons that extend far beyond the mere act of abstaining from food and drink. While it does foster self-control and discipline, it impacts more than the physical realm of the human body. It’s a profound lesson for the mind and soul, instilling an understanding of gratitude and cultivating patience. It helps us be grateful for the countless blessings bestowed by Allah SWT.

The practice of fasting in Ramadan is instrumental in cultivating patience. The ability to resist immediate gratification and endure hardship without complaint is a virtue that is greatly emphasized during the fast. This patience extends to various aspects of life, enhancing resilience and the ability to navigate life’s challenges with grace and perseverance.

Additionally, self-discipline is sharpened during Ramadan as individuals commit to refraining from worldly desires from dawn until sunset. This discipline strengthens willpower and self-mastery, allowing individuals to resist unhealthy habits and impulses, and promotes holistic well-being by encouraging less consumption and more mindful living.

Ultimately, Ramadan acts as a teacher for Muslims, reminding them that there is a greater purpose to their existence. By focusing on spiritual growth, connecting with Allah, and serving the community, they are guided towards leading lives filled with meaning and devotion.

Umrah during Ramadan can be stressful if not prepared ahead of time. Check out our blog for the best tips to be well-organized, informed, and spiritually ready for a fulfilling and serene pilgrimage experience. Learn how to make the most of your journey with our expert advice.

What goals to set during Ramadan? 

Goal setting during Ramadan helps one to structure their spiritual journey, focus their intentions, and measure personal growth. This sacred month offers a unique opportunity to set clear objectives that can lead to transformative outcomes both spiritually and personally.  

As goals can vary from person to person, here are 10 Ramadan goals to achieve during the holy month: 

1. Indulge in additional prayers for increasing Taqwa 
2. Complete the Quran and study its meanings. 
3. Practice patience and control anger. 
4. Increase charitable acts and give more to those in need. 
5. Attend Taraweeh prayers on a daily basis. 
6. Maintain punctuality in performing the five daily prayers. 
7. Engage frequently in Dhikr to remember and glorify Allah. 
8. Strengthen family ties and show kindness to loved ones. 
9. Eliminate a persistent negative habit. 
10. Be the best version of oneself through self-improvement.

The best way to achieve them is to write them down, read them daily, and strive for consistent progress. 

What are the best duas for Ramadan? 

There are numerous duas one can recite during Ramadan, and while there is no particular dua, there are some specifically emphasized by our Prophet (Pbuh).  

It’s encouraged to include the best names of Allah while making dua for a stronger conviction and clearer intention in your prayers. Duas can also be personal and expressed in one’s own language, reflecting the sincerity of the dua.  

Some of the Ramadan duas are,

When breaking the fast, it is recommended to recite what was narrated by ‘Abd-Allaah ibn ‘Umar (may Allaah be pleased with him) who said that when the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) broke his fast, he would say,   

ذَهَبَ الظَّمَأُ وَابْتَلَّتِ الْعُرُوقُ وَثَبَتَ الأَجْرُ إِنْ شَاءَ اللَّهُ  

Transliteration: Dhahabaz zama’u wabtalatal urooq wa thabatal ajr in sha Allah.

Meaning: Thirst is gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is certain if Allah wills. [Abu Dawud]  

Dua for qiyam al layl 

الْلَّهُمَّ اِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Transliteration: Allahumma innaka ‘affuwwun, tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni  

Meaning: O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness; so forgive me.  

Dua for goodness in this life and the next  

رَبَّنَا آتِنَا فِي الدُّنْيَا حَسَنَةً وَفِي الْآخِرَةِ حَسَنَةً وَقِنَا عَذَابَ النَّارِ  

Transliteration: Rabbana aatina fid-dunya hassanatau, wa fil akhirati hassanatau, wa qina ‘adhab an-nar.  

Meaning: Our Lord, give us in this world [that which is] good and in the Hereafter [that which is] good and protect us from the punishment of the Fire. [Surat Al Baqarah 2:201] 

Take these moments to invoke your sincerest duas, knowing that this is a special opportunity for them to be heard and granted, in’sha Allah. 

To get the complete list of duas to be recited during Ramadan, visit our blog here.

What are the best practices during Ramadan?

Here are the best things to do apart from fasting during the holy month of Ramadan in order to achieve goodness, blessings, patience, and Allah’s forgiveness, in sha Allah. 

1. Additional prayers: Perform extra prayers offered during Ramadan, such as Taraweeh, nawafil prayers, and qiyam ul layl.
2. Reflection and mindfulness: Incorporate time for self-reflection and maintain mindfulness in actions and words.
3. Quran recitation: Dedicate time to recite, study, and reflect upon the Quran daily.
4. Dhikr: Increase the remembrance of Allah through Dhikr and the morning-evening adhkar to keep the heart and mind connected to the divine.
5. Nutritious diet: Maintain a balanced and nutritious diet during Suhoor and Iftar to ensure good health and energy.
   Check out the 10 essential Ramadan fasting tips here.
   
6. Giving charity: Fulfill the obligation of Zakat and give more to charity to help the needy.
7. Hosting Iftar: Invite others for Iftar, especially those who might be alone or in need to foster community harmony.
8. Avoid wasting time on social media: Limit time spent on social media to avoid distraction and dedicate more time to worship and reflection.
9. Observe itikaf: Consider observing Itikaf during the last ten nights of Ramadan, seeking closeness to Allah through seclusion and prayer.
10. Positive conduct: Strive to maintain a positive demeanor, letting go of grudges. If faced with anger, remind yourself and others that you are fasting.

Do you want to reap the rewards of Hajj during Ramadan?  According to our beloved Prophet (Pbuh)“Performing Umrah during Ramadan is equivalent in reward to performing Hajj.” (Al-Bukhari 1782 and Muslim 1256).  So why wait? Plan your Umrah trip today. 

Act swiftly to seize this golden opportunity. Our specially tailored packages provide not just an Umrah trip but an immersive experience in spirituality and comfort with premium hotel accommodations.  

Book your package today, and secure your place for a lifetime of rewards.