Every moment of Ramadan is a precious gift, and no one wants to let it slip away. Yet, with daily responsibilities and distractions, it’s easy to lose focus without a clear plan. That’s why it’s important to understand what to do in Ramadan and what to avoid, so you can make the most of this blessed month.
Ramadan is not only a month of staying away from food and drink; it is a time to develop taqwa (piety) and reconnect with Allah. It is the month in which we recharge our imaan (faith) for the entire year. Through acts of worship, positive habits, and mindful living, even small changes can bring great barakah.
In this article, we will share that What to do in Ramadan to help you make the month more meaningful. InshaAllah, some of these actions will turn into lifelong habits that stay with you even after Ramadan ends. You may also find it helpful to print this guide and keep it as a daily reminder throughout the month.
Observing Fasting Throughout Ramadan:
Fasting every day of Ramadan is Fard (compulsory) and is one of the most important parts of what to do in Ramadan. It is the core duty of this blessed month, requiring Muslims to fast from Subhe Sadik (pre-sunrise) until sunset each day. Through fasting, believers learn self-discipline, patience, and develop a stronger connection with Allah. Allah says in the Quran:
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
Meaning: “Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and 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 Ramadan.” [Surah Al-Baqarah: 185]
Read Quran daily:
You will be rewarded with ten good deeds for every single letter you recite from the Quran. This powerful reward highlights just how important the Quran should be in our daily lives and how central it is to what to do in Ramadan.
Ramadan is the perfect time to build meaningful routines, so why not make daily Quran recitation part of your lifestyle—starting in this blessed month? If you read just one juz (part) of the Quran each day, you can complete the entire Quran by the end of Ramadan.
For those who are not yet confident in reading the Quran, Ramadan is also a beautiful opportunity to start learning it step by step. Many people now choose to learn through online Quran academies, which makes it easier to study from home at your own pace while still gaining proper guidance. Even learning a few verses with correct recitation can be incredibly rewarding during this blessed month.
Many people find it most peaceful to recite the Quran after Fajr prayer, when the mind is calm and the heart is focused. Others prefer reading between Asr and Maghrib. There is no single right time—what matters most is finding a routine that works for you and staying consistent.
Reading the Quran becomes even more impactful in Ramadan. As fasting increases our awareness of Allah, it helps us reflect more deeply on the Quran’s message and apply its teachings to our daily actions. This is one of the most rewarding and spiritually uplifting parts of what to do in Ramadan.
Giving Charity and Paying Zakat:
Charity and Zakat are among the most important acts of worship in Ramadan. This blessed month softens our hearts and reminds us of those who struggle, making it the perfect time to give generously. Zakat is an obligation for those who are eligible, as it purifies our wealth and helps maintain balance within the community. Alongside Zakat, giving voluntary charity (Sadaqah) brings immense reward, even if it is small. Feeding someone who is fasting, helping a needy family, or supporting a good cause are all powerful ways to earn Allah’s pleasure. Making charity a regular habit during Ramadan is a beautiful part of what to do in Ramadan, as it strengthens compassion, gratitude, and our connection with Allah.
Allah’s Messenger ﷺ was more generous in Ramadan than in any other month. Abdullah Ibn Abbas (R) said:
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was the most generous of all people, and he was the most generous during the month of Ramadan when Jibril would meet him……the Prophet ﷺ would be more generous than strong winds (which cause rain and prosperity).” [Sahih-al-Bukhari: 3220]
Develop Good Habits and Avoid Harmful Ones:
Ramadan is the perfect opportunity to build good habits and let go of bad ones. During this blessed month, you can develop habits like praying Salah in congregation, reciting the Quran regularly, helping others, contributing to your community, and remembering Allah throughout your day.
At the same time, Ramadan is a chance to leave harmful habits behind, such as smoking, backbiting, cursing, lying, laziness, wasting time, or excessive phone and computer use. Striving to overcome these habits not only strengthens your discipline but also helps ensure that your fasts are accepted by Allah. Making these positive changes is an essential part of what to do in Ramadan to grow spiritually and improve your life long after the month ends.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
الصِّيَامُ جُنَّةٌ مَا لَمْ يَخْرِقْهَا (بكَذِبٍ أو غِيبةٍ)
Meaning: “Fasting is a shield, as long as you do not damage it (by telling lies or backbiting)”. [Sunan an Nasa’i: 2235]
Increase Your Duas and Supplications:
Ramadan is a special and blessed month when Allah forgives sins and accepts sincere repentance. As believers, one of the most important aspects of what to do in Ramadan is to turn to Allah, seek His forgiveness, and purify our hearts through sincere repentance.
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
إِنَّ لِلَّهِ عُتَقَاءَ فِي كُلِّ يَوْمٍ وَلَيْلَةٍ يعني في رمضان
Meaning: “Verily, Allah has people He redeems in every day and night of Ramadan.” [Musand Ahmad: 7450]
Share Iftar with Others:
Gain double rewards by giving Iftar to a fasting person. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Whoever gives Iftar to one who is fasting will have a reward like his, without that deducting from the fasting person’s reward in the slightest.” [Sunan-at-Tirmidhi: 807, Sunan Ibn Majah: 1746]
So, feel free to invite friends and relatives to Iftar. Be generous in sharing some with your neighbours. Not only will this earn you rewards from Allah, but it will also strengthen your bond with them. If your local Masjid arranges ‘open for all’ Iftars, you can also donate there to gain maximum Sawab.
Perform I’tikaf in the Last Days of Ramadan:
During Ramadan, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ would dedicate the last ten days to I’tikaf in the Masjid, focusing on worship, reflection, and seeking the blessings of Laylatul Qadr.
Abdullah Ibn Umar (R) narrated:
أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم كَانَ يَعْتَكِفُ فِي الْعَشْرِ الأَوَاخِرِ مِنْ رَمَضَانَ
Meaning: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to observe I’tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan. [Sahih Muslim: 1171]
Standing in prayer on Laylatul Qadr:
“LaylatulQadr is better than a thousand months.”
{Surat Al-Qadr 97: Verse 3}
The rewards from prayers of this night is equivalent to a thousand months. This is a great opportunity to get closer to Allah and build up your spirituality.
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