Habits we need to quit during Ramadan

During the Holy month of Ramadan, our lifestyle changes for good. Unfortunately, most of us go back to our old ways soon after the Ramadan is over. Sadly, some people don’t even change their ways during the month of Ramadan as they remain who they are and don’t even care what opportunities the holy month […]

During the Holy month of Ramadan, our lifestyle changes for good. Unfortunately, most of us go back to our old ways soon after the Ramadan is over. Sadly, some people don’t even change their ways during the month of Ramadan as they remain who they are and don’t even care what opportunities the holy month provides or offers. 

For those who want to utilize the opportunities this holy month has to offer, below are a few tips to help us work on habits we need to avoid this Ramadan to achieve full benefits and rewards. Note that this may be a bit difficult to practice, but one day at a time and we will be okay. 

Reduce TV influence: A lot of us are addicted to our television sets and have easily made it our companion over the years. But we need to understand that indulging in watching too much TV this period defeats the whole essence of our fast. Fasting is not just staying away from food but reducing activities and things that take too much of our time away from our creator. On the other hand, if you cannot do away with it or reduce its influence on your life this period, your best bet is to watch inspirational or religious programmes. This way, you will be getting reward for knowledge. 

Social Media: It’s no longer a surprise when my phone keeps beeping as messages pour in but I will say I am amazed at the number of whatsapp messages, instagram notifications and Facebook messages and notifications I get during sahur (early morning meal). In my head, I’m like, really! Do these people ever stay away from social media? Some people are so addicted that the first thing they do when they wake up is to go straight to social media. The question I often ask when I respond to their messages is if they said the supplementary prayers or the obligatory prayers before they started chatting. Interestingly, even when in the mosque for tarawee prayers, you see people laughing and giggling about things on social media. This shouldn’t be so. 

Quit gossips: Interestingly, gossips go on even during Ramadan, Ya Allah! We should remember we fast for spiritual and religious reasons; shaming and backbiting others isn’t spiritual or religious, especially during this month. We could spend more of our time praising Allah for his goodness in our lives. 

Control our temper: Many throw tantrums and are quick to anger during the month of Ramadan, especially when hunger pangs start taking its toll on the stomach. It is said that a hungry man is an angry man but we should remember the whole essence of Ramadan. The fasting during the month of Ramadan is all about controlling yourself and not letting your hunger and thirst take over your human morals. Let’s learn that fasting is controlling your hunger, thirst and attitude. Keep the smiles.

 Quit overindulging in food: Fasting for hours, yes, isn’t easy but also not an excuse to over indulge in eating when the fast is over for the day. Too much eating during this month isn’t good for your health and by the way, you will be contradicting the essence of the fast when you over indulge. Ramadan is about doing things moderately. Over eating during sahur will not make the fast easy for you the next day but tougher; yes, it will be tougher. So please don’t over eat. 

Reduce listening to music: It is true that music is a soul lifter for many but during this month of Ramadan, we could sacrifice a little part of our luxury for Allah. We are not saying that all songs are to be completely shut out this month but songs that have no moral values shouldn’t be our top priority this period and shouldn’t even after the Ramadan fast. 

Regulate sleep: It is common for one to easily feel sleepy for long hours during the month of Ramadan but we should try as much as possible not to make it a habit throughout this holy month. Also, our sleep pattern naturally changes during this month so it is advisable to adjust your sleep pattern so you can sleep early in order to wake up for night prayers and sahur. Taking little naps though can also help boost your energy during Ramadan; note, I said naps and not hours of sleep. 

Ramadan Mubarak!