The Main Priorities of Ramadan: Following the Way of the Prophet
Ramadan is a blessed month filled with opportunities for immense reward, yet many find themselves overwhelmed with conflicting advice on what should take top priority. With so much information available, it’s easy to feel like you’re running in circles, trying to do everything at once. But where does the line stop? What was the way of the Prophet ﷺ in the holy month of Ramadan? Let’s take a look at his guidance so we can focus on what truly matters.
1. Fasting with Purpose and Sincerity
The primary act of worship during Ramadan is fasting, which should be observed with sincerity and consciousness of Allah.
“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَقُونَ”
“O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you that you may attain Taqwa.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)
2. Increasing in Prayer and Connection with the Qur’an
The Prophet ﷺ would increase in prayer, particularly in the night prayers (Qiyam al-Layl) and Taraweeh. Ramadan is also the month in which the Qur’an was revealed, making it a time to engage deeply with its recitation and reflection.
“عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنهَا قَالَتْ: كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ يَجِتَهِدُ فِي رَمَضَانَ مَا لا يَجِتَهِدُ فِي غَيْرِهِ”
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ would exert himself in Ramadan more than in any other time.” (Sahih Muslim)
3. Giving in Charity and Helping Others
The Prophet ﷺ was known for his immense generosity, and during Ramadan, his acts of charity increased significantly.
“عَنْ ابْنِ عَبَّاسٍ رَضِيَ اللَّهُ عَنهُمَا قَالَ: كَانَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ أَجودَ النَّاسِ وَكَانَ أَجودَ مَا يَكُونُ فِي رَمَضَانَ”
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous in Ramadan.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
4. Seeking Forgiveness and Making Du’a
Ramadan is the time to seek Allah’s mercy and forgiveness, making du’a a central focus of our worship.
“قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ: مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذُنُوبِهِ”
“Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
Conclusion
Rather than feeling overwhelmed, we should focus on the core priorities of Ramadan: fasting with sincerity, increasing in prayer and Qur’an, giving in charity, and seeking forgiveness. By following the way of the Prophet ﷺ, we ensure that our Ramadan is filled with the deeds that bring us closest to Allah.
May Allah grant us all a blessed and fruitful Ramadan!
