The month of Ramadan is one of the holiest months in Islam, revered by Muslims for its blessings and spiritual significance. However, with the arrival of this sacred month, many people face challenges in adhering to the rules of Ramadan and committing to their religious practices. The rituals of Ramadan in Islamic countries, although unified by Sharia principles, vary according to the culture of each country. In Saudi Arabia, the holy month is centered on spirituality and worship, where Muslims are keen to perform Umrah and visit the holy mosques. The entire country is enveloped in a religious atmosphere, with mosques, especially in Mecca and Medina, filled with worshippers.

Rules of Ramadan in The Different Countries 

In the Maghreb countries, special rituals are performed in preparation for Iftar, where the Ramadan table is adorned with Harira, a traditional Moroccan soup, along with dates and local sweets like Chebakia. Ramadan in these countries is characterized by a warm family atmosphere, with families gathering daily around the Iftar table.

In Pakistan, mosques organize Quranic study sessions during Ramadan, and people prepare Iftar in collaboration with their neighbors, with everyone participating in the preparation of meals. Pakistan is famous for its traditional dishes such as “Pakora” and “Samosa,” and mercy tables are set up in various cities to distribute food to the poor.

In this article, we will discuss the most important rules of Ramadan that should be kept in mind to make the most of this blessed month.

 Rules of Ramadan

1. Fasting Rules: The first rule of Ramadan is related to fasting. Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, and every sane, adult Muslim must fast from dawn until sunset. Fasting rules include abstaining from food and drink, as well as refraining from desires and sins. Fasting is not merely abstaining from food and drink; it is also a practice of self-control and patience. One of the most important Rules of Ramadan related to fasting is the necessity of sincerity in intention, as the intention must be purely for the sake of Allah. Additionally, Muslims must avoid anything that invalidates fasting, such as deceit and dishonesty, as the goal of fasting is not only to deprive oneself of food and drink but also to elevate the soul and draw closer to Allah.
   Other aspects that should be considered within the fasting rules include being keen on eating Suhoor and Iftar at their designated times. Breaking the fast at the prescribed time follows the Sunnah and provides the fasting person with the energy needed to continue worship. At the same time, Suhoor helps in enduring the hardship of fasting. These practices are part of the belief in Rules of Ramadan that reinforce the concepts of discipline and moderation.
2. Prayer Rules in Ramadan: Prayer is one of the essential acts of worship in Islam, and in Ramadan, its importance increases. One of the Rules of Ramadan that Muslims must adhere to is maintaining the five daily prayers on time, in addition to being diligent in performing Tarawih prayers. Prayer during Ramadan gives the fasting person a sense of psychological comfort and helps them continue fasting with vigor and vitality. Additionally, Tarawih prayers are an opportunity to increase good deeds and draw closer to Allah. Prayer in Ramadan should not just be a religious obligation but a means of spiritual closeness and renewal of faith.
   Besides Tarawih, it is also encouraged to perform Qiyam prayers in the last third of the night, which are acts of worship that increase devotion and open the doors of mercy and forgiveness. Ramadan prayer rules also impose the requirement of humility and tranquility during prayer, avoiding anything that distracts from devotion, such as mobile phones or preoccupation with worldly matters.
3. Iftar Rules: Among the Rules of Ramadan related to Iftar, it is preferable to break the fast with dates and water, as recommended by Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). This habit helps the body gradually regain its energy after long hours of fasting. It is also advised not to overeat during Iftar to avoid feeling heavy and sluggish. Iftar should be an opportunity to eat healthy and balanced meals that help the fasting person continue their fast energetically the next day.
   Another important aspect of the Iftar rules is not wasting time preparing large, lavish meals but instead focusing on balanced meals that contain essential nutrients the body needs. This approach enhances the feeling of fullness without overburdening the body and hindering the ability to perform evening prayers, such as Tarawih. Fasting individuals should also ensure they drink sufficient water after Iftar until Suhoor to avoid dehydration, which could affect the body’s performance during the next day’s fast.
4. Suhoor Rules: Suhoor is the meal consumed before dawn by fasting Muslims, and one of the Rules of Ramadan is to make sure to have this meal. Suhoor gives the fasting person the strength to endure the long fasting hours and is considered a source of energy. The prophetic tradition encourages delaying Suhoor until just before dawn, and it is preferable for the Suhoor meal to include foods rich in fiber and proteins that help maintain the feeling of fullness for longer periods.
   Another important aspect to consider in the Suhoor rules is avoiding salty or spicy foods that may increase thirst during the day. It is also preferable to consume fruits and vegetables with high water content, such as cucumbers and watermelon, as they help maintain the body’s hydration. On the other hand, it is advised to avoid carbonated or caffeinated beverages as they may cause sleep disturbances and increase fatigue during the day.
5. Zakat and Charity Rules in Ramadan: Zakat is one of the pillars of Islam, and one of the essential Rules of Ramadan is for Muslims to be keen on giving their Zakat during this holy month. Zakat purifies the soul and increases the reward and blessings. In addition to Zakat, Muslims are encouraged to give charity during Ramadan, as this month is an opportunity to draw closer to Allah by helping those in need and providing assistance to the poor.
   The rules of Zakat and charity in Ramadan also include ensuring that the funds reach those truly deserving and that the assistance goes to those in greatest need. This reinforces the value of Zakat and charity as a means of strengthening social bonds and achieving social justice. Muslims must also ensure their intentions are purely for the sake of Allah when giving Zakat or charity to achieve the desired spiritual benefit.
6. Social Relations Rules in Ramadan: Ramadan is not just a month of worship but also a month of social connection. One of the Rules of Ramadan to be observed is to strengthen social relations with family and friends. Ramadan should be utilized to connect with family members and increase closeness between neighbors and friends. Additionally, communication should be based on respect and tolerance, avoiding conflicts and quarrels.
   Another focus of the social relations rules during Ramadan is organizing communal Iftar gatherings that strengthen family bonds and enhance relationships between individuals. However, these gatherings should be modest and avoid extravagance or wastefulness. Ramadan is also an opportunity to reconcile old disputes and rebuild bridges between family members and friends, fostering a spirit of love and harmony among people.
7. I’tikaf Rules in the Last Ten Days: One of the most prominent acts of worship in Ramadan is I’tikaf in the last ten days of the month. I’tikaf involves dedicating oneself to worship inside the mosque, drawing closer to Allah through supplication, remembrance, and Quranic recitation. One of the important Rules of Ramadan is to ensure that I’tikaf is observed for those who are able, as these days contain Laylat al-Qadr, which is better than a thousand months.
   I’tikaf is considered a special opportunity for Muslims to dedicate themselves entirely to worship and distance themselves from daily life distractions. Within the I’tikaf rules, the worshiper must maintain calm and serenity inside the mosque and dedicate their time to prayer, Quranic recitation, and remembrance. It is also advised not to engage in excessive conversation or worldly matters to achieve the spiritual goals of I’tikaf.
8. Quran Recitation Rules: The Quran is the primary guide for Muslims, and during Ramadan, it is encouraged to read and reflect upon it. One of the Rules of Ramadan is for Muslims to aim to complete the Quran at least once during the month. Quranic recitation in Ramadan offers the fasting person an opportunity to reflect on its meanings and apply its teachings. The recitation should be done calmly and with concentration, ensuring the verses are understood and implemented in daily life.
   It is also preferable for Muslims to allocate a daily time for reading and reflection, similar to how Tarawih prayers include Quranic recitation. It is important to encourage family members and children to read the Quran, and organizing group recitation sessions can enhance spirituality and deepen the understanding of religious teachings.
9. Health Rules in Ramadan: Health is an important aspect that fasting individuals must consider. Among the Ramadan health rules is avoiding direct exposure to the sun during the day, especially in hot summer days. It is also advised to drink sufficient water between Iftar and Suhoor to maintain hydration. Additionally, moderate physical activity should be practiced, avoiding excessive exertion that may negatively impact health.
   Muslims should be aware of their body’s needs and avoid bad habits such as consuming foods high in fats and sugars, which may cause weight gain or lead to health problems. It is also recommended to engage in light exercise after Iftar, such as walking, to improve digestion and enhance physical fitness.
10. Rules of Maintaining Good Manners in Ramadan: Lastly, one of the essential Rules of Ramadan is maintaining good manners and avoiding bad behavior. Fasting individuals should practice patience and tolerance, avoiding gossip, slander, and lying. Good manners during Ramadan are part of worship and contribute to improving social relationships, spreading love, and fostering unity among people.

The Role of Elmadrasah.com in Organizing Study Times During Ramadan

During the holy month of Ramadan, daily life patterns change significantly, which may affect students’ academic performance and their ability to organize study times. Educational platforms like elmadrasah.com play a role in helping students achieve a balance between religious and academic commitments by providing tools and customized plans that help students use their time efficiently during this blessed month.

One of the key roles elmadrasah.com plays is offering flexible study schedules that align with the specificities of Ramadan. Students can benefit from study plans that consider fasting and Iftar times, dividing study subjects into periods that match the students’ mental and physical energy throughout the day. For instance, the platform offers suggestions for studying difficult subjects in the morning after Suhoor when concentration is highest, while less complex subjects are reserved for after Iftar.

elmadrasah.com also provides tips and guidance on how to improve focus and increase productivity while fasting. These tips include the importance of taking short breaks between study sessions, drinking water regularly between Iftar and Suhoor, and consuming energy-rich foods to maintain mental activity. The platform also encourages organizing sleep times to ensure students get enough rest, which enhances their ability to study effectively.

Additionally, elmadrasah.com offers a variety of educational resources that students can access at any time, such as educational videos, quizzes, and interactive games that make studying more enjoyable and motivating. This diversity in resources helps students understand their study materials in multiple ways, enhancing their grasp of information.

With these tools and resources, elmadrasah.com effectively helps students organize their time efficiently during Ramadan, enabling them to balance their religious and academic duties. The platform provides a supportive educational environment that encourages continuous learning, even during the most challenging times of the year. In this way, elmadrasah.com is a trusted partner for students and parents in achieving academic success, even during the most challenging months.

Conclusion

Following the rules of Ramadan is essential to achieving the spiritual and physical benefits of this blessed month. Fasting, prayer, Iftar, Suhoor, Zakat, and charity are all acts of worship that Muslims must observe according to the rules of Ramadan. By adhering to these rules, Muslims can make the most of Ramadan and experience a unique spiritual journey that contributes to self-improvement and strengthening their relationship with Allah and the community.