Ramadan Do's and Don'ts: A Family Guide
Message from the writer: "Making the most of Ramadan means focusing on its main values and avoiding what's unnecessary. In this blog we will learn what are some do's and don'ts in Ramadan for our little home."
What Should We Focus On During Ramadan?
Do's:
1. Embody the Essence of Fasting
Ramadan is the month when Allah revealed the Qur'an as guidance for humanity (Qur'an 2:185). This blessed month is our annual spiritual reset, a time to strengthen the very foundation of our faith. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, sitting alongside Shahada, Salah, Zakat, and Hajj.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, "Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven" (Bukhari and Muslim).
The key words are "with faith", meaning with presence of heart, not just going through motions.
2. Improve on your prayers
If you've been struggling with consistency, Ramadan is your opportunity to rebuild. For those still learning or perfecting their Salah technique, the My Salah Course offers comprehensive guidance on every aspect of prayer, from wudu to the final salaam. Understanding what you're saying and why you're saying it transforms prayer from ritual into conversation with Allah.
3. Involve Your Children Meaningfully
Don't make the mistake of excluding children from Ramadan because they're not fasting yet. Do involve them in age-appropriate ways. Let them help prepare Suhoor, decorate the home with Ramadan decoration, distribute charity, and attend Tarawih even if they can't stay for all the rakat. When children feel included, they develop positive associations with Ramadan that last a lifetime.
When children see these pillars working together, they understand Islam as a complete way of life, not just separate acts of worship.
The Five Pillars Activity book is the perfect company to teach children.
What Should We Avoid This Ramadan?
Don'ts:
1. Let Ramadan Become Just About Food
It's easy to fall into the trap where Ramadan becomes defined by elaborate iftars and late-night feasts. Don't spend so much time cooking that you have no energy for Tarawih. Don't let meal planning consume your thoughts when you should be making dhikr. The Prophet (peace be upon him) broke his fast with dates and water, something simple that allowed him to quickly return to worship.
This doesn't mean Iftar can't be special or that families shouldn't gather, but keep it balanced. One or two home-cooked dishes are enough. The time you save can be spent in prayer, in reading Qur'an, or in quality conversation with family about faith.
2. Neglect the Basics While Chasing Extra Acts
Some people get so excited about extra prayers and late-night Qiyam that they neglect their obligatory prayers or pray them rushed and distracted. The five daily prayers are after all the foundation. Pray them on time, with focus, with proper recitation. Everything else is built on this base.
3. Waste the Last Ten Nights
Nearing the end of Ramdan, the spirit may not be as full as when the month begins. But Allah prepares a reward like no other in the last ten nights. The last ten nights contain Laylatul Qadr, a night better than a thousand months (Qur'an 97:3). Don't let these nights pass in sleep or distraction.
Plan ahead so you can maximise these nights. Prepare simple meals in advance, reduce social commitments where possible, and dedicate yourself to worship. Make long, heartfelt dua.
4. Compare your Ramadan to others
Some people will pray twenty rakat of Tarawih, memorise ten juz, and give thousands in charity. Alhamdulillah for them. But your journey with Allah is personal. Do what you can with sincerity, and Allah multiplies the reward. A single prostration made with complete presence of heart can be more beloved to Allah than a hundred done distractedly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I push myself to do everything during Ramadan or focus on what I can sustain?
Focus on consistency over intensity. Choose acts of worship you can realistically continue, and remember that sincerity matters more than quantity. Don't let comparison with others make you feel inadequate, your personal journey with Allah is what counts.
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