Ramadan is a blessed month, a time of reflection, devotion, and spiritual growth.
It is a month when Muslims worldwide strive to draw closer to Allah (SWT) by following the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Sunnahs of the Prophet during Ramadan are not just acts of worship but a roadmap to maximizing the blessings of this sacred month.
In this article, we will explore the Sunnahs of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Ramadan, supported by references from the Holy Quran and Hadith, to help you make the most of this holy time.
1. The Importance of Following the Sunnah in Ramadan
Why the Sunnah Matters
The Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is a practical embodiment of the Quranic teachings.
By following his example, we align ourselves with the divine guidance Allah (SWT) has provided.
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whoever revives a Sunnah of mine that dies out after I am gone, he will have a reward equivalent to that of those who follow it without it diminishing their reward in the slightest.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)
In Ramadan, following the Sunnah becomes even more significant as it helps us attain Taqwa (God-consciousness) and purify our souls.
2. Observing the Sunnahs of Fasting
Intention (Niyyah) for Fasting
The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the importance of intention in all acts of worship. He said:
“Actions are judged by intentions, and every person will have what they intended.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Before beginning the fast each day, make a sincere intention in your heart to fast for the sake of Allah (SWT).
This intention does not need to be verbalized but should be firmly rooted in your heart.
Eating Suhoor: The Blessed Pre-Dawn Meal
The Prophet (PBUH) encouraged Muslims to eat Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, as it carries immense blessings.
Suhoor provides the strength needed to fast and is a time when duas are readily accepted.
The Prophet (PBUH) also advised delaying Suhoor until shortly before Fajr, saying:
It is a Sunnah for those who fast to have suhoor, as confirmed in al-Saheehayn where Anas ibn Maalik (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:
“Have suhoor, for indeed there is blessing in suhoor.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 1923; Muslim, 1059).
“The difference between our fast and the fast of the People of the Book is the eating of Suhoor.” (Sahih Muslim)
Breaking the Fast with Dates and Water
The Prophet (PBUH) would break his fast with fresh dates, and if they were unavailable, he would use dried dates.
If dates were not available, he would drink water. He said:
“When one of you breaks his fast, let him break it with dates, for they are blessed. If he cannot find dates, then with water, for it is pure.” (Sunan Abu Dawood)
This Sunnah not only nourishes the body after a long day of fasting but also symbolizes simplicity and gratitude.
Making Dua While Breaking the Fast
The time of breaking the fast is a moment when duas are highly likely to be accepted.
The Prophet (PBUH) would say:
“Thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is certain, if Allah wills.” (Sunan Abu Dawood)
Make it a habit to raise your hands in supplication during this blessed time, asking Allah (SWT) for forgiveness, guidance, and blessings.
3. The Sunnahs of Taraweeh Prayers
Praying Taraweeh in Congregation
The Prophet (PBUH) prayed Taraweeh in congregation during Ramadan, although he did not make it obligatory.
He said:
“Whoever stands in prayer with the Imam until he finishes, it will be recorded as if he prayed the entire night.” (Sunan Abu Dawood)
Taraweeh is a beautiful Sunnah that strengthens community bonds and enhances spiritual focus during Ramadan.
Reciting the Quran in Taraweeh
The Prophet (PBUH) would recite lengthy portions of the Quran during night prayers, including Taraweeh.
His companions reported that they could hear him reciting Surahs like Al-Baqarah and An-Nisa in a single Rak’ah.
Imam Al-Bukhari narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whoever prays during the night of Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
4. The Sunnahs of Charity and Generosity
Increased Generosity in Ramadan
The Prophet (PBUH) was known for his generosity, but in Ramadan, his giving knew no bounds.
Ibn Abbas (RA) reported:
“The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous in Ramadan.” (Sahih Bukhari)
This Sunnah encourages us to give charity, help the needy, and share our blessings with others during Ramadan.
Providing Iftar for Others
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Whoever provides food for a fasting person to break his fast will have a reward like his, without it diminishing the reward of the fasting person in the slightest.” (Sunan Tirmidhi)
Organizing or contributing to community iftars is a beautiful way to follow this Sunnah and earn immense rewards.
5. The Sunnahs of Quran Recitation
Reciting the Quran Daily
Ramadan is the month of the Quran, as Allah (SWT) revealed:
“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” (Quran 2:185)
The Prophet (PBUH) would recite the Quran extensively during Ramadan, often completing the entire Quran multiple times.
Make it a goal to recite and reflect on the Quran daily, even if it’s just a few verses.
Reflecting on the Quran’s Meaning
The Prophet (PBUH) not only recited the Quran but also pondered over its meanings. Allah (SWT) says:
أَفَلَا يَتَدَبَّرُونَ ٱلْقُرْءَانَ أَمْ عَلَىٰ قُلُوبٍ أَقْفَالُهَآ ٢٤
“Do they not reflect upon the Quran, or are there locks upon their hearts?” (Quran 47:24)
Take time to understand the Quran’s message and apply its teachings in your life.
6. The Sunnahs of Itikaf
Spending the Last Ten Days in Itikaf
The Prophet (PBUH) would seclude himself in the mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan to focus entirely on worship. Aisha (RA) reported:
“The Prophet (PBUH) used to perform Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until he passed away.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Itikaf is a Sunnah that allows us to disconnect from worldly distractions and reconnect with Allah (SWT).
7. The Sunnahs of Laylatul Qadr
Seeking Laylatul Qadr
The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized the importance of seeking Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Decree), which is better than a thousand months. He said:
“Whoever stands in prayer on Laylatul Qadr out of faith and hope for reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih Bukhari)
Spend the odd nights of the last ten days in worship, as the Prophet (PBUH) instructed.
8. The Sunnahs of Forgiveness and Good Character
Practicing Patience and Kindness
The Prophet (PBUH) said:
“Fasting is a shield, so when one of you is fasting, let him not behave obscenely or foolishly. If someone fights him or insults him, let him say, ‘I am fasting.’ (Sahih Bukhari)
It is considered Sunnah to react positively if someone insults you by saying, “I am fasting,” due to the narration from al-Bukhari and Muslim reported by Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), where the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) stated:
“Fasting serves as a shield or protection, so there should be no lewd or rude speech or actions.”
If someone confronts him or disrespects him, he should respond by saying, ‘I am fasting,’ two times.
By the One in Whose grasp is my spirit, the scent from the mouth of a fasting individual is more pleasing to Allah than the aroma of musk. [Allah says:]
‘He abstains from food, drink, and desires for My sake. Fasting is for Me, and I will bestow rewards for it, and a good action earns the reward of ten similar deeds.” Al-Bukhari, 1894; Muslim, 1151.
Ramadan is a time to cultivate patience, kindness, and good character.
Conclusion: Reviving the Sunnah for a Blessed Ramadan
By following the Sunnahs of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Ramadan, we not only earn immense rewards but also draw closer to Allah (SWT).
Let this Ramadan be a time of spiritual renewal, where we revive the Sunnah and strive to embody the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) in every aspect of our lives.
May Allah (SWT) grant us the ability to follow the Sunnah and make this Ramadan a means of attaining His pleasure. Ameen.
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