Ramadan is just around the corner, and we are all busy preparing for this blessed month. Every person has their unique way of celebrating Ramadan, and every Muslim strives to spend it in a way that pleases Allah (SWT). But how can we make our Ramadan truly meaningful and a source of earning Allah’s (SWT) pleasure? The answer lies in following the Sunnah of fasting in Ramadan. He (PBUH) observed Ramadan most simply and modestly, teaching us various practices to follow during this sacred month. By following the Sunnah in our Ramadan routine, we not only gain blessings in this world but also earn immense rewards in the Hereafter. “O you who believe! Fasting is made for you as it was for people before you so that you may become better Muslims” (Quran 2:183) Read on to learn more about how to fast like the Prophet (PBUH).

Teachings of the Prophet (PBUH) About Ramadan

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) did everything for the sake of Allah (SWT). Prophet Muhammad’s fasting was only for the love of Allah. The objective of fasting was not only to be hungry and thirsty. But he (PBUH) taught us to be kind, generous, helpful, and calm during fasting. He  (PBUH) taught us that fasting brings us closer to Allah (SWT). The Holy Prophet’s (PBUH) sunnah focuses on Islamic teachings on fasting. The Prophet (PBUH) said: “There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Rayyan, through which only those who fast will enter on the Day of Judgment. After they enter, it will be closed, and no one else will enter through it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1896; Sahih Muslim, 1152)

Best Sunnah Practices In Ramadan

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) spent Ramadan in a very decent manner. He (PBUH) spent this blessed month in worship and kind deeds. Some of the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) during Ramadan are mentioned below:
  • Eating suhoor: The Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to have Suhoor and taught us to never skip Suhoor. As it gives us energy to fast and keeps us active during fasting.
  • Doing iftar: Our beloved Prophet (PBUH) broke his fasts with Date and Water. This simple iftar is relevant today also as it’s healthy and gives us instant energy after breaking the fast
  • Praying Taraweeh: He (PBUH) prayed Taraweeh during Ramadan. Taraweeh is a Sunnah prayer that has so many rewards and blessings.
  • Ask for forgiveness: The Holy Prophet (PBUH) spent his days and nights of Ramadan, especially asking forgiveness from Allah (SWT).
  • Staying in a mosque (for men): He (PBUH) spent the last ten nights of Ramadan in a mosque only called Itikaf. This practice helps us to spend the last ten nights only in the worship of Allah, far from worldly matters.

Prophetic Diet In Ramadan

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) always had a simple diet. He (PBUH) consumed food that was healthy and light. Some foods he consumed included:
  • 1- Barley bread and soup 
  • 2- Tharid 
  • 3- Honey 
  • 4- Cucumbers with dates 
He (PBUH) always focused on a healthy diet. Eating healthy and in moderation is the Sunnah of our beloved Prophet (PBUH). This practice is followed by even non-Muslims as it keeps the body healthy and immunity strong.

The Prophet’s (PBUH) Habits To Follow In Ramadan

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized spending Ramadan in good deeds. He (PBUH) with his actions taught us that Ramadan is not just about leaving food and water. In fact, the real meaning of Ramadan is to cleanse our minds and souls and to get closer to Allah (SWT).  He (PBUH) taught us the practice of the following deeds in Ramadan: 
  1. Speak good words and avoid arguments
  2. Give to the poor and needy
  3. Spend more time in prayer
  4. Ask for forgiveness 
  5. Be compassionate and humble.

Sunnah of the Last Ten Nights of Ramadan

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) spent the last ten nights of Ramadan in voluntary prayers.  He spent time in praying and asking for forgiveness. During the last ten nights of Ramadan, the Prophet (PBUH) performed Itikaf. He read the Quran, offered prayers, and recited supplications at this time. He abandoned all material and turned his attention solely to Allah. Aisha (RA) said: “The Prophet (PBUH) used to do Itikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until he passed away.” (Bukhari) Even in his last Ramadan, he did Itikaf for 20 days, showing how important it is. For the last ten days of Ramadan, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) taught us a special dua:

Seeking Laylat-Ul-Qadr:

Laylat-Ul-Qadr is the most blissful night in the month of Ramadan. The prayers done on this night are better than the prayers of a thousand months. Laylat-Ul-Qadr falls in the last ten odd nights of Ramadan. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) spent these odd nights only in worship and seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT). He said: “Seek Laylat-ul-Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2017; Sahih Muslim, 1169)

Conclusion:

To sum up, Ramadan is a blessed month and the fifth pillar of Islam. With the habits of the Prophet (PBUH) during fasting, we can get close to Allah (SWT). The Prophet (PBUH)  reminded believers that fasting is about devotion to Allah (SWT) and not only about avoiding food and drink. He also stressed the importance of sincerity in all acts of worship. Muslims can make sure that their fasting is purposeful, spiritually fulfilling, and approved by Allah. Moreover, he (PBUH) explained the significance of Lalylat-Ul-Qadr. By following his Sunnah, we can get the blessing of Laylat-Ul-Qadr and Ramadan. May Allah (SWT) help us in following the Sunnah of fasting in Ramadan.