Although a typical day in Ramadan may slightly differ according to the special traditions of each country, Muslims around the globe share common features that make the holy month of Ramadan more special than other days of the year. Let us now explore how Muslims usually spend their time during Ramadan.
1. The Pre-dawn Meal
During Ramadan Muslims fast from dawn to sunset. Typically, they start their day, around 3:00 am, by preparing the pre-dawn meal also known as “Suhoor”.
This meal usually contains protein-rich foods and plenty of water to prevent feeling hungry or dehydrated during the fasting hours which may extend to around 14 hours.
2. Al-Fajr Prayers (Dawn Prayer)
After having “Suhoor”, Muslims make wudu’ to perform Dawn prayers. After which they spend some time reading the Quran and morning zikr till the time of sunrise.
3. Performing Duha Prayer
It is preferable to pray two Rakat after sunrise, these Rakat are known as Al-Duha prayer.
Prophet Muhammad may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him said:
“In the morning, charity is due on every joint bone of the body of every one of you. Every utterance of Allah’s Glorification (i.e., saying Subhan Allah) is an act of charity, and every utterance of His Praise (i.e., saying Al-hamdu lillah) is an act of charity and every utterance of declaration of His Greatness (i.e., saying La ilaha illAllah) is an act of charity; and enjoining M’aruf (good) is an act of charity, and forbidding Munkar (evil) is an act of charity, and two Rak’ah Duha prayers which one performs in the forenoon is equal to all this (in reward).” [Muslim].
4. Working Hours During Ramadan
In most Islamic countries, working days become shorter during Ramadan to facilitate fasting and give a chance for Muslims to perform other acts of worship. Thus, working hours usually start around 9:00 am and extend to Al-Asr prayer (around 3:00 pm).
5. Pre-Iftar Supplication
The few hours before sunset are the golden hours to make duaa, since prophet Muhammad Peace and blessings be upon him said:
“There are three whose supplications are not turned back: A just ruler, and a fasting person until he breaks his fast. And, the supplication of one who has been wronged is raised by Allah up to the clouds on the Day of Resurrection, and the gates of heaven are opened for it, and Allah says, ‘By My Might, I will help you (against the wrongdoer) even if it is after a while”.
6. Al-Iftar and Sunset Prayers
When Muslims hear the calls for sunset prayers, they break their fasting by eating a few dates and sips of milk, Then they perform sunset prayers. Next, they proceed to eat Al-Iftar meal.
7. Family Gatherings During Ramadan
Ramadan is a chance for the Muslim families to gather around the Iftar table. It also helps strengthen the bonds between members of the Muslim community through charity and sharing Iftar meals with the poor.
Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him promised a double reward for those who share their Iftar meals with others as he said, “He who provides a fasting person something with which to break his fast, will earn the same reward as the one who was observing the fast, without diminishing in any way the reward of the latter.” [At-Tirmidhi].
8. Night Prayers and Taraweeh
One of the most prominent features of Ramadan in Muslim countries is the night prayers and the Taraweeh.
Taraweeh is a voluntary night prayer that Muslims perform after Al-Ishaa’ prayer. Though non-compulsory Muslims are encouraged to Perform these prayers due to the greatness of their reward.
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah (blessings and peace of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever prays at night during Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven”.
What is allowed during Ramadan?
All Lawfull things in Islam are allowed during Ramadan except eating and drinking during, and having sexual intercourse during the day time in Ramadan. Allah Almighty said in Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 187:
“It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your wives [for sexual relations]. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek that which Allah has decreed for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset. And do not have relations with them as long as you are staying for worship in the mosques. These are the limits [set by] Allah, so do not approach them. Thus does Allah make clear His ordinances to the people that they may become righteous”.
During Ramadan, all adult Muslims are supposed to strictly fast from dawn until nightfall. This means that all sorts of food and beverages including water, as well as sexual activity, are prohibited during the day hours of the 29-30 days of Ramadan.
Exemptions for Not Fasting Ramadan
There are some Exemptions for Not Fasting Ramadan here are the top cases:
1. People with physical or mental Illness
One of the excuses that Muslims could have that exempts them from fasting Ramadan is the presence of a disabling physical or mental illness.
This usually requires the advice of a specialized doctor to decide whether fasting can cause the person any potential harm or not. In this case, ill persons can make up for the missed days either by Fasting other days or paying Kaffarah, according to their specific medical condition.
2. Travelers
Travelers may be exempted from fasting the day of Ramadan depending on four factors that can be summarized as follows:
- Distance: The distance That exempts travelers from fasting is equal to the distance of shortening the salat.
- Duration: The duration in which the traveler will be staying in the destination country should not exceed three days. Otherwise, the traveler should resume fasting after reaching his destination.
- Exceedance: The Travener should be going beyond the limits of the city in which he is staying.
- Intentionality: According to the majority of scholars, traveling for unlawful reasons, such as gambling trips, does not allow the traveler to break his fast.
3. Females during menstruation or postpartum bleeding
Menstruating Females, and females who still have their postpartum bleeding Should abandon fasting and make up for the missing days after purity.
4. Breastfeeding females
Females who believe fasting could negatively affect their health or the health of their babies are excused from fasting. And are expected to make up for their missed days later.
Read also: Can You Take Naps During Ramadan?
What is not allowed during Ramadan?
Muslim during Ramadan are not allowed to eat, drink, and having sexual activity from dawn until sunset during the daytime in Ramadan. Fasting entails the complete abstinence from these three activities (foot, drink and sex)/
Moreover, many other things that come into or out of the body can invalidate fasting, such as oral medications that reach the stomach, deliberate vomiting, parenteral nutrition, and others.
In addition to that, Muslims are obliged to refrain from bad habits such as smoking, gambling, arguing, fighting, and gossiping, as well as all other sins and bad deeds.
If you have a kid, here is a detailed guide on Ramadan Rules for Ki
Want to Learn More? Join Shaykhi Today!
If you are a new Muslim, or even a non-Muslim who is eager to discover more about Islam. Do not miss the chance! Join us now, or scroll down through our wide range of online Islamic studies courses and choose the one that suits you best.
If you have any inquiries concerning our online programs, do not hesitate to reach out to Shaykhi Online Academy’s student support center for further help.
Conclusion:
Ramadan is a sacred month of fasting, starting with Suhoor before dawn and ending with Iftar at sunset. The day includes prayers, Quran recitation, and adjusted work hours. Evenings are marked by family gatherings and Taraweeh prayers, strengthening faith and community bonds.
Fasting requires abstinence from food, drink, and marital relations during daylight, with exemptions for the sick, travelers, and certain women. Beyond physical restraint, Ramadan promotes spiritual growth by encouraging good deeds and avoiding sins, making it a time of devotion, reflection, and generosity.
