Ramadan: More Than Rituals
In Ramadan, many focus on fasting, night prayers, and completing the recitation of the Quran. While these are integral aspects of the holy month, deeper lessons are often overlooked.
Ramadan is not about abstaining from food but about understanding the value of what we consume. It is not only about long hours of prayer but also about how we manage our time, including our sleep. It is not just about completing multiple Khitmahs of the Quran but about truly engaging with its message.
One of Ramadan’s key spiritual benefits is the ability to empathize with those who struggle daily with hunger. While many of us plan elaborate Iftar meals, millions around the world are uncertain about their next meal. For some, breaking their fast might mean nothing more than a piece of bread or a sip of water.
The Quran reminds us:
“Eat and drink, but do not waste. Surely, He does not like the wasteful” (Quran 7:31).
This verse teaches that Ramadan is not about indulgence but about mindfulness. It encourages gratitude, responsible consumption, and resisting excess. The essence of fasting is not just enduring hunger but developing self-restraint and appreciation.
Ramadan also brings a shift in daily routines, often leading to irregular sleep patterns. While rest is necessary, excessive sleep can cause us to miss valuable moments of worship. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized the importance of balance in all aspects of life, including sleep.
A hadith recorded in Sahih Al-Bukhari states:
“Whenever you go to bed, perform ablution as you do for prayer, lie on your right side, and recite the supplication before sleep.”
This practice instills mindfulness even in rest, preparing both body and soul for the next day’s worship. Another narration highlights an ideal balance:
“The most beloved prayer to Allah is the prayer of Prophet David, PBUH. He would sleep half the night, pray for one-third, and sleep for one-sixth.” Sahih Al-Bukhari.
This teaches that while sleep is necessary, managing it wisely enhances our ability to make the most of Ramadan. Even in the context of Taraweeh, it is important to remember that while night prayers are encouraged, obligatory prayers, such as Fajr, hold greater significance.
Ramadan is known as the month of the Quran, yet many approach it with the goal of completing as many Khitmahs as possible rather than deeply engaging with its teachings. While reciting the Quran is highly rewarding, its true purpose lies in reflection and application.
Allah asks:
“Do they not reflect upon the Quran, or are their hearts locked?” (Quran 47:24).
Instead of simply counting Khitmahs, consider taking a different approach this Ramadan. After each prayer, read one page or even one verse along with its Tafseer and context. Understanding the reasons for revelation and applying its message in daily life can transform your relationship with the Quran.
Ramadan offers a rare opportunity to reset—not just in terms of rituals but in how we approach life. By moderating our eating, refining our sleep habits, and engaging deeply with the Quran, we move beyond routine worship and into a state of true spiritual growth. The goal is not merely to perform rituals but to internalize their meaning, allowing Ramadan to leave a lasting impact beyond its thirty days.
May this Ramadan be one of transformation, mindfulness, and deeper connection with Allah.
By Imam Jafar Hawa
By Imam Jafar Hawa