Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an, the month of mercy and forgiveness, the long-awaited month of the year. It is where people find themselves eager to revive their hearts, form a bond with their Creator and simply cleanse themselves thoroughly from within! Therefore, is it not natural for one to be keen on making the most out of this blessed month by avoiding the distractions and obstacles?

Many of our daily routines and practices act as potential obstacles for us during the month of fasting, thus hindering our productivity and *golden* opportunity for spiritual growth. We must not allow that to happen, rather we should benefit from every moment to come in order to prevent ourselves from being disappointed at the end of the month.

The ‘Not-to-do’ list:

1) Having the wrong intentions

The reward a person gets from fasting during Ramadan is simply tremendous. This is why it becomes a major loss for one if the entire month is fasted for the sake of showing-off rather than for the sake of Allah swt (1).

It was narrated from Abu Hurairah that the Messenger of Allah SAW said:
“Every deed of the son of Adam will be multiplied for him, between ten and seven hundred times for each merit. Allah said: ‘Except for fasting, for it is for Me and I shall reward for it.'” 1
Purify your intentions every single day in order to not miss out on such a great reward!

2) Overeating at suhur/iftar

Due to the special meals that are prepared during the month of Ramadan, people tend to overeat, hence, gain weight by the end of the month. This, however, is a habit that MUST be avoided, because the quality of our prayers are thus affected. Overeating at suhur could lead to missing or being late to fajr prayers. Similarly, heavy iftar meals result in late maghrib prayers. Moreover, the feeling of satiation discourages one from standing for taraweeh- Ramadan’s special bonus!

The importance of moderate intakes of food is vividly portrayed in this hadith:

Miqdam bin Ma’dikarib said:
“I heard the Messenger of Allahย SAW saying: ‘The human does not fill any container that is worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat what will support his back. If this is not possible, then a third for food, a third for drink, and third for his breath.” 2
Ramadan is a month of spiritual growth and excessive consumption of food will only result in negative consequences, thus we should try our best to avoid that.

3) Over-indulging in lavish iftar parties

This is an especially negative point for women, as they are given the responsibility of preparing the meals. Spending an entire day trying to host an iftar party results in less time for worship and spiritual nourishment as well as exhaustion by the end of the day, hence, the inability to pray taraweeh. Moreover, the majority of these iftar parties involve more of idle talk and time wastage rather than quality ‘ibadah.

Tips:

  • Take a simpler approach when hosting an iftar party (where you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen)
  • Avoid attending all the gatherings you are invited to
  • Introduce activities in gatherings to include more ‘ibadah such as fund raising for charity, reading duas, sharing reminders and prophetic lessons, etc. 3goals-of-ramadan-image

4) Engaging in useless activities and wasting time

This would include watching TV, playing games, engaging in useless debates, gossiping and idle talk. Gossiping and backbiting are not only useless but are also forbidden in Islam.

Allah swt (1) warns us in the Noble Qur’an about this condemned act:

“O you who have believed, avoid much [negative] assumption. Indeed, some assumption is sin. And do not spy or backbite each other. Would one of you like to eat the flesh of his brother when dead? You would detest it. And fear Allah ; indeed, Allah is Accepting of repentance and Merciful.” (Surat Al-ฤคujurฤt; 49:12)

We should avoid wasting time during the month of Ramadan as every moment grants us the opportunity to gain Allah’s forgiveness. Enormous rewards can be earned if time is spent wisely and for the sake of Allah swt (1).

Tips:

  • Reciting, learning and memorizing the Qur’an
  • Keep your tongue moist with the remembrance of Allah swt (1)
  • Prepare an iftar meal for the orphans and poor
  • Donate money and clothes to charities
  • Distributing water to the poor, etc.

5) Unhealthy meals

Unhealthy, oily food is very common during Ramadan, but these must be avoided as they unfortunately lead to obesity and heart diseases. They also affect the quality of our ‘ibadah due to the fatigue caused by fatty foods.

Tips:

  • Avoid eating oily, fatty foods
  • Increase you intake of fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Drink adequate amounts of water to avoid dehydration
  • Have more sunnah and energizing foods, especially at suhur e.g. dates, olives, watermelon, honey, etc. 4

Ramadan is a beautiful month revolving around ‘ibadah, a gift from Allah swt (1) to erase our sins and to help us establish a strong, long-lasting bond with Him. Do not waste this chance by pursuing trivial activities. Treat it as your last Ramadan, thus stimulating yourself to maximize your rewards.

May Allah swt (1) make us from those who fully utilize this month and from those who win His acceptance and forgiveness. Ameen.

Resources:

  • Avoid burnout during Ramadan- Productive Muslim: http://productivemuslim.com/avoid-burnout-during-ramadan/

Did you like the article? ๐Ÿ™‚ Let us know in comments section what was the best tip and if there is any tip you would like to share ๐Ÿ™‚ย 

  1. ย  Sunan Ibn Majah
  2. ย  Jami’ at-Tirmidhi
  3. http://productivemuslim.com/avoid-burnout-during-ramadan/
  4. ย  http://productivemuslim.com/avoid-burnout-during-ramadan/

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195 replies on “Ramadan’s ‘Not-to-do’ list: 5 Things to Avoid This Ramadan”

  • manalmalik1994@gmail.com'
    manal malik
    June 19, 2015 at 12:50 pm

    jazak Allah it is very useful. ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 19, 2015 at 1:58 pm

      Wa iyyaki sister Manal
      I’m glad you found it useful ๐Ÿ™‚

      • Profumarta@yahoo.com'
        Umar
        June 21, 2015 at 7:04 am

        Nice advice.Jazha khalu khairan.sister ibtihal where are you studying? I am interested in an msc too.Pls reply me.

        • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
          June 21, 2015 at 5:42 pm

          JazakAllah khair for the feedback brother
          I am studying Islamic Economics at the Islamic Online Univeristy.

    • always.smile.positive.attitude@gmail.com'
      Romana
      June 20, 2015 at 6:57 am

      Alhamdulillah..well-written. May Allah give you success in both world..Ameen

      • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
        June 20, 2015 at 3:24 pm

        JazakAllah khair for the feedback
        Ameen, wa iyyakum

  • lukasaiden@outlook.com'
    luke
    June 19, 2015 at 5:49 pm

    Nice one.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 6:39 am

      Alhamdulillah, jazakAllah khair for your feedback.

  • rizvia1989@gmail.com'
    Rizvia Dina
    June 20, 2015 at 5:20 am

    Alhamdulillah very useful article. Every Muslim should follow this.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 6:41 am

      Alhamdulillah, all praise is due to Allah subhanhu wa ta’ala.
      Indeed, we should all try our best to implement what we learn, may Allah help us to do that, Ameen.

  • shabana.madathil08@gmail.com'
    Shabana Nurudeen
    June 20, 2015 at 5:24 am

    Jazakkallah khair.. When ever I got distracted with duniya simply go thru ur articles and that makes me calm and help me obedient to my Creator.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 3:26 pm

      Wa jazakum
      Alhamdulillah, I’m glad you are finding this blog useful
      BarakAllahu feekum, may Allah help you to do good deeds at all times, Ameen.

  • simplenagpal786@gmail.com'
    simple nagpal
    June 20, 2015 at 5:33 am

    Asalam alaikum
    The articles on the blog are always motivating. ALLAH (s.w.t.) bless us all

    Is is permissible to listen to Quran arabic and english translation that we download from the internet in our mobile phones.
    How shoukd we listen to it. Is there any special ruke to follow.can we listen it while doing put houselhold chores and play it on some audio player and while travelling in a vehicle.

    Please advise
    JazakaAllah Khayran

    • Tariqbaig19@gmail.com'
      Mohd. Tarique Baig
      June 20, 2015 at 10:29 am

      wa alaikum as salaam , as long as u are listening and not disrespecting you can surely play it on a player ๐Ÿ™‚ and about keeping it in mobile phones , i think the mobile should be taken care of as we do with The Quraan. Not keeping it here and there as The Holy Quraan is kept in it . Let the experts say more about it ๐Ÿ™‚

  • simplenagpal786@gmail.com'
    simple nagpal
    June 20, 2015 at 5:35 am

    Asalam alaikum
    The articles on the blog are always motivating. ALLAH (s.w.t.) bless us all

    Is it permissible to listen to Quran arabic and english translation that we download from the internet in our mobile phones.
    How should we listen to it. Is there any special rule to follow.can we listen it while doing household chores and play it on some audio player and while travelling in a vehicle.

    Please advise
    JazakaAllah Khayran

    • nwabud@gmail.com'
      nwabud khu lak pam
      June 20, 2015 at 7:23 am

      yes but pay attention to what u listen..bcoz u r listening Quran..

    • Rabi_lone@yahoo.com'
      Rabi Lone
      June 20, 2015 at 10:31 am

      In Surah Al-A’raaf ayat#204. So, when the Qur’an is recited, listen to it, and be silent that you may receive mercy. [i.e. during the compulsory congregational prayers when the Imam (of a mosque) is leading the prayer (except Surat Al-Fatiha), and also when he is delivering the Friday-prayer Khutbah]. [Tafsir At-Tabari, Vol.9, Pages 162-4]

  • enakhimwnlukman@yahoo.com'
    lukman
    June 20, 2015 at 5:40 am

    It’s really educative,especially the food parts,jazakumullah

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 3:28 pm

      JazakAllah khair for your feedback brother

  • salma.binthe@yahoo.com'
    salma hoque Binthe
    June 20, 2015 at 5:41 am

    Alhamdulillah…

  • salisgambo1@yahoo.com'
    Mohammed Salisu Gambo
    June 20, 2015 at 5:47 am

    Alhamdullah and jazakumullahu big khair.
    Kindly assist with the to-do list and most preferred and sunna duas during Ramadan.

  • aiahkotb@gmail.com'
    Aiah
    June 20, 2015 at 5:51 am

    MashaAllah very benefitial. Jazakom Allah khair

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 8:36 pm

      JazakiAllah khair for the feedback ๐Ÿ™‚

  • scratist1@gmail.com'
    Bawa Yakubu
    June 20, 2015 at 5:57 am

    Indeed I enjoyed reading the article and it really revived me on certain aspects regarding Ramadan and not Ramadan alone, but one’s personal life. Talking about the fatty foods I am aspiring to become a footballer one day but am still searching for my lack, redy about the fatty foods and how it makes you gets tired during the month of Ramadan is something I learnt quite well. I’ll learn to abide by it and not only in this month but for the rest of my life to avoid fatique which is essential to my health standards.

    My best tips its the 5th point about unhealthy foods. Great tips there. May Allah reward your good work.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 3:30 pm

      Ameen
      JazakAllah khair for the feedback and may Allah make it easy for you to achieve your dreams

  • ziyaadj@outlook.com'
    Ziyaad
    June 20, 2015 at 6:01 am

    JazaakAllah ghayr, really practical anf useful tips. May Allah (swt) grant us understanding and ability to practice.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 4:20 pm

      Wa jazakum. Alhamdulillah, I’m glad it was useful.
      Allahumma Ameen

  • mohdsaif7933@gmail.com'
    mohd saif
    June 20, 2015 at 6:08 am

    Alhamdulillah very useful article..

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 3:57 am

      JazaAllah khair for the feedback

  • idrees_852@yahoo.com'
    Muhammad idrees
    June 20, 2015 at 6:16 am

    Very informative. ..may Allah give you long life. ..

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 4:29 pm

      Ameen, wa iyyakum
      JazakAllah khair for the feedback

  • razeen.musab@gmail.com'
    Musab Razeen
    June 20, 2015 at 6:23 am

    Very useful and pragmatic article

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 5:11 am

      Alhamdulillah, jazakAllah khair for the feedback

  • Lillies0721@gmail.com'
    Marium
    June 20, 2015 at 6:25 am

    Jazak Allah for this article, much needed reminder.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 4:54 am

      JazakAllah khair for the feedback

  • nisar.bukhari@gmail.com'
    Syed Nisar Bukhari
    June 20, 2015 at 6:27 am

    JazaKallah Extremely nice blog…..

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 8:22 am

      JazakAllah khair for the feedback ๐Ÿ™‚
      Always come back for more!

  • naso4ril@yahoo.com'
    Nasir Ahmad
    June 20, 2015 at 6:40 am

    May Allah reward you abundantly.
    May Allah guide and sustain us on the right path.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 8:11 am

      Allahumma Ameen ๐Ÿ™‚

  • write2sana@live.com'
    Sana
    June 20, 2015 at 6:47 am

    Jazakallah.

  • jereminhamilasal@yahoo.com'
    jeremin
    June 20, 2015 at 6:51 am

    masha Allah…may Allah swt grant us understanding and patience…

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 8:27 am

      Ameen

  • rehan359@gmail.com'
    Rehan Mesbah
    June 20, 2015 at 6:59 am

    Thanks for the guideline. Jazak Allah Khairun

  • atherally@gmail.com'
    Athar
    June 20, 2015 at 7:06 am

    Assalam o Alaikum,

    Always learned a new lesson from your articles. May Allah give us strength to obey all commandments of Quraan and Sunnah !!! Aameen

    JazakaAllah Khair

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 9:47 am

      Wa alaykum alsalam
      Alhamdulillah, I’m glad you are finding this blog beneficial
      Ameen

  • awais.farooq82@gmail.com'
    Awais Farooq
    June 20, 2015 at 7:07 am

    Jazakumullah..

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 3:58 am

      Wa jazakum

  • assidiq01@yahoo.com'
    Abubakar
    June 20, 2015 at 7:08 am

    Jazakallahu khairan. May Allah reward you abundanly, you guys are really doing well interms of educating us.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 9:48 am

      Ameen, may Allah accept it

  • Fathia4618@gmail.com'
    Fathia
    June 20, 2015 at 7:13 am

    Mansha Allah it is very important to understand the value and important of Ramadan. I liked this article because it reminded the valuebility of Ramadan.i will visit this article and refer to my Muslim brothers and sisters.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 4:02 am

      JazakAllah khair for your feedback
      May Allah reward you for sharing

  • mohdikram2010@gmail.com'
    Mohd Ikram
    June 20, 2015 at 7:16 am

    Asalam alaikum

    Alhamdulillah very useful article. we should follow it. May Allah bestowed mercy all upon us.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 5:00 am

      Wa alaykum alsalam
      Alhamdulillah, may Allah help is in implementing these tips!
      Ameen

  • nwabud@gmail.com'
    nwabud khu lak pam
    June 20, 2015 at 7:19 am

    very good article..inshallah..

  • Fara77ahmad@gmail.com'
    Fara
    June 20, 2015 at 7:24 am

    Wonderful reminder for myself. Thank you.

  • hisham.qureshi81@gmail.com'
    Shami
    June 20, 2015 at 7:26 am

    JazakAllah khair Dr. Bilal …

  • fnahghs@hotmail.com'
    fatima
    June 20, 2015 at 7:28 am

    Jazaka’allah khayran

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 4:35 pm

      Wa iyyaki sister ๐Ÿ™‚

  • moctardiaby65@yahoo.fr'
    Aboubacar
    June 20, 2015 at 7:54 am

    Alhamdulillah

  • ariffmohamed75@yahoo.com'
    Ariff
    June 20, 2015 at 7:57 am

    Assalaamu Alaikum !
    Indeed this is an eye-opener,I found it very useful and since it is printed version,I can read it for my son and discuss it with him.
    JazaakAllah!

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 4:58 am

      Wa alaykum alsalam
      JazakAllah khair for the feedback brother, I’m glad it was useful.
      Yes do share it with friends and family so that all may benefit in sha Allah!

  • g@live.se'
    swedish pal
    June 20, 2015 at 8:09 am

    Jazakallah khayran

    And may allah Grant us jannatul firdaus inshallah

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 8:28 am

      Ameen ๐Ÿ™‚

  • saimartin@live.com'
    Sainabou Martรญn Sonko
    June 20, 2015 at 8:17 am

    MaashaAllah! What a beautiful reminder it is for all Muslim brothers and sisters. May Allah (S.W.T.) make it easy for all Muslims practice all the tips for the month and avoid the undesirable elements in it. Fa TabaarakaAllah!

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 8:15 am

      Ameen

  • oyekanmitt@gmail.com'
    taoheed badmus
    June 20, 2015 at 8:24 am

    nice one admin expecting more of this article
    jazakallahu khaeron

  • habonholif5@hotmail.com'
    Habon
    June 20, 2015 at 8:26 am

    Jaza’akumul Allah khayran

  • abiodunagbo@gmail.com'
    Nana-Awau
    June 20, 2015 at 8:31 am

    Jazakallahu Khaeran, I find the text very helpful. May Allah grant us all Ibadah, Aameen

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 9:44 am

      Ameen

  • naiyera@aol.com'
    Naiyera
    June 20, 2015 at 8:31 am

    truely useful we all know most of these informations but gentle reminder like this will make a change eventually . So that we all practice this blessed month in a most productive way not just throwing and attending Iftar parties!
    I really liked the idea of connecting Iftar party with a fund raising it will go long way in terms is multiplying the sawab.
    Want to thank you for the article.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 8:18 am

      JazakiAllah khair for your feedback sister, we really appreciate it!
      Alhamdulillah, I’m glad you found it useful ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Sakaadejoke4luv@yahoo.com'
    AZeezat
    June 20, 2015 at 8:36 am

    Very useful and understanding. May Allah accept all our prayers.

  • muhammad.aminu600@gmail.com'
    Aminu muhammad shehu
    June 20, 2015 at 8:38 am

    assalamu alaikum, l have learned alot through your ramadan tips jazakumullahu khairan fiduniya wal akhirah. Thanks.

  • Nihal.Kilany3@gmail.com'
    Nihal Kilany
    June 20, 2015 at 8:45 am

    It’s very useful and the idea of writing such an article in this time is marvelous and beneficial to whoever reads it Thank you. However I believe you might have written more points other than those, as people waste Ramadan in many other ways like over sleeping, not pray on time ( where Ramadan is an opportunity for developmemt in Ibadah ) , nit making duaa right before Iftar ( as it is -by GOD’s will – accepted ) , … etc

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 4:42 pm

      JazakAllah khair for the feedback
      True, there are many other points to mention as well, may Allah reward you for your input ๐Ÿ™‚

  • mtbellokamal@gmail.com'
    Ahmad
    June 20, 2015 at 8:46 am

    Alhamdulillah very useful article Jazakallahu khir.

  • ibrahimsunusi50@gmail.com'
    June 20, 2015 at 8:48 am

    Alhamdulillah I gained alot of things which he who posted this shall be rewarded abundantly. I also would like to be updated about this kind of articles

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 8:27 am

      Alhamdulillah, all praise is due to Allah
      Ameen ๐Ÿ™‚
      To receive notifications about new articles kindly subscribe to the blog, a green box should appear when you open up the blog, fill in your details and in sha Allah you will be updated!

  • Bnkhanrn@gmail.com'
    Bnkhan
    June 20, 2015 at 8:48 am

    These articles are so beautiful . They motivate you to be your best. May Allah swt shower you with His mercy for sharing!

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 8:37 pm

      Alhamdulillah, I’m glad you are finding the blog beneficial
      Ameen to the beautiful dua’

  • Roma4yac@gmail.com'
    Romana
    June 20, 2015 at 8:49 am

    MashAllah that’s really very helpfull Allah give you reward of spreading such a nice tips and I really make routine according to that and if we think that’s our last Ramadan than we really get and collect much more Rehmat in that Ramadan so also remember me in your prays and remember my name (romana) in your prays thanks

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 4:13 am

      Alhamdulillah, I’m glad you found it helpful
      In sha Allah, do remember is in your prayers as well
      Ameen

  • abutankozee@gmail.com'
    Abubakar Tanko Abdulrahman
    June 20, 2015 at 8:51 am

    I found it very useful. JazakAllah khairan

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 8:23 am

      Alhamdulillah, all praise is due to Allah
      JazakAllah khair for the feedback

  • khawla92@ymail.com'
    June 20, 2015 at 9:00 am

    It was too beneficial to me I benefit a lot from this articles inshal we will work with this tips inorder to gain more time to worship allah thanks and jazakom allah khir.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 4:55 am

      Alhamdulillah, I’m happy to hear that it was beneficial sister Khawla ๐Ÿ™‚
      May Allah help us implement these tips, Ameen

  • hawayusifsamba@gmail.com'
    hawa Yusif Samba
    June 20, 2015 at 9:02 am

    Alhamdu lillahi Rabbil aalamin, jazaakallahu akhaira Sheik. May the almighty Allah bless you more for this reminder.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 8:34 pm

      Ameen

  • arikya@msn.com'
    Alhassan Arikya
    June 20, 2015 at 9:08 am

    Thanks for the enlightenment, may Allah Almighty reward you abundantly.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 8:31 pm

      You are most welcome brother, jazakAllah khair
      Ameen

  • ThidaNaknawa@gmail.com'
    thida
    June 20, 2015 at 9:27 am

    I have one question
    If we hear the Azan call
    Should we stop intake of food or we can continue till Azan call end….

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 9:57 am

      According to scholars, one must stop eating as soon as they hear the athan, and Allah knows best.

  • kennykentipsy@yahoo.com'
    Abdul Gafar
    June 20, 2015 at 9:35 am

    Very useful jazakAllah khair…I will work on which ever is my weakness

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 3:31 pm

      BarakAllah feek brother, may Allah help us all to overcome our weaknesses

  • jibriel3@gmail.com'
    Jibriel Suale
    June 20, 2015 at 9:48 am

    JazakaAllah Khayran.

    Very Very Useful. May Allah ( SWT) reward you for your efforts.

    The blog is always filled with beneficial articles.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 4:30 pm

      Ameen
      Alhamdulillah, I’m glad you’re finding this blog beneficial, always come back for more!

  • Rabi_lone@yahoo.com'
    Rabi Lone
    June 20, 2015 at 10:05 am

    Beautiful….effective article. JazakAllah .

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 4:23 pm

      JazakAllah khair for your feedback
      Let’s try to implement what we learn in sha Allah

  • m_naeem32@yahoo.com'
    Mohammed Naeemuddin
    June 20, 2015 at 10:05 am

    Jazakallahakhair for these helpful tips. Keep fasts whole of the month with eagerness and zeal. Even if you can’t observe fast due to some serious illness or for any other reason permissible in shariah, strictly avoid eating before others out of the respect for the sanctity of ramadan. To all intents and purposes, you must appear as if you are fasting.
    Try to recite the Qur’an distinctly and with understanding. Along with frequent recitation, be careful to grasp the meaning of the Holy Qur’an with a clear impact of its message on your mind and heart.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 4:26 pm

      BarakAllah feek brother
      JazakAllah khair for the suggestions and tips!

  • salaudeen_islam@yahoo.com'
    Islam
    June 20, 2015 at 10:15 am

    Asalam alaikum
    The articles on the blog are always
    motivating. ALLAH (s.w.t.) bless us all

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 4:34 pm

      Ameen
      I’m glad you find the blog beneficial, always come back for more!

  • gbolahanotun@yahoo.com'
    otun
    June 20, 2015 at 10:18 am

    this is onederfull pls i knw dere is more to it pls kindly enlighten me more on other tins to avoid durinf this month

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 8:30 am

      Some other things to avoid can be:
      Vain talk, wasting time, getting angry, not helping out others, complaining a lot, being impatient, not making dua’ during the special times, and the list goes on…

  • fauziyazaman@gmail.com'
    faauziya
    June 20, 2015 at 10:21 am

    I loved this article!!…jazak allah!!..very good job u guys r doing !..keep it up..

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 4:38 pm

      Alhamdulillah, all praise is due to Allah
      JazakiAllah khair for the kind words sister ๐Ÿ™‚

  • zia.dba13@gmail.com'
    zia
    June 20, 2015 at 10:25 am

    Nice article. .jazakAllah khair..

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 4:11 am

      JazakAllah khair

  • paragonsh@gmail.com'
    Nida
    June 20, 2015 at 10:26 am

    jaazak Allah khair .. its very helful.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 4:07 am

      Alhamdulillah
      JazakAllah khair

  • maryamnenemuhammad@gmail.com'
    Maryam Muhammad
    June 20, 2015 at 10:38 am

    Ma Sha Allah. Jazaakillah khairan sister. It was certainly helpful. May Allah have mercy on us all, strengthen our imaan, increase our taqwa and grant us Jannah In Sha Allah. Ameen.
    Ramadan Mubarak.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 8:28 pm

      JazakiAllah khairan for your feedback sister
      Ameen ๐Ÿ™‚

  • fziya95@gmail.com'
    fathima ziyadha
    June 20, 2015 at 10:42 am

    jazakallahu khair and keep posting !!! ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 4:03 am

      Wa iyyaki sister ๐Ÿ™‚
      We will in sha Allah, keep coming back to the blog for more!

  • adomuhammad44@gmail.com'
    Ado Muhammad
    June 20, 2015 at 10:44 am

    JazakaAllah khairan for the reminder. May God in his infinite mercies grant you the ability to do more.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 4:37 pm

      Wa jazakum
      Ameen, jazakAllah khair for the dua’

  • hamdirose@yahoo.com'
    hamdi
    June 20, 2015 at 10:52 am

    maashaAllah it was very educational

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 4:28 pm

      JazakAllah khair

  • uagaladima@gmail.com'
    usman Adam Galadima
    June 20, 2015 at 10:56 am

    Alhamdulillah may God help us all

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 4:37 pm

      Ameen

  • alabiaspa@gmail.com'
    Haulah
    June 20, 2015 at 11:10 am

    Alhamdulillah, it was very good. Jazakallahu khairun.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 4:08 am

      Alhamdulillah
      JazakAllah khair for the feedback

  • huzefarafeeq10@gmail.com'
    Huzefa
    June 20, 2015 at 11:10 am

    MashaAllah such a nice article. May Allah reward you.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 8:35 pm

      JazakAllah khair for the feedback
      Ameen

  • motalib.bocus@yahoo.com'
    abdoolbocus
    June 20, 2015 at 11:18 am

    Very clear advice.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 4:28 pm

      Alhamdulillah, jazakAllah khair for the feedback

  • kelliehafez0225@gmail.com'
    June 20, 2015 at 11:30 am

    Alhamdulilah Dr. Bilal points were concise and specific easy to
    follow and In Shaa Allah will bless us all to have a productive and
    beneficial Ramadan.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 7:07 pm

      Alhamdulillah, jazakAllah khair for the feedback
      Ameen

  • aldhakeeltulawie@yahoo.com'
    Aldhakeel Tulawie
    June 20, 2015 at 11:31 am

    Worth-reading.. Shukran! Ramadan mubarak!

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 3:59 am

      JazakAllah khairan for the feedback

  • itstorasna@gmail.com'
    Rasna
    June 20, 2015 at 11:31 am

    Jazak Allah Khair !
    Will try my maximum to utilize this ramadan. In sha Allah.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 8:38 pm

      May Allah help you achieve that, Ameen

  • zinaza41@gmail.com'
    Aziza
    June 20, 2015 at 11:35 am

    Assalam Alaykum.
    Thanks alot for this article. I am alone now for two weeks but I think I Will try to make ftaar for other Who go to mosque until I get back home. Thanks ร  lot

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 5:17 pm

      Wa alaykum alsalam,
      BarakAllahu feeki sister that is a great idea! May Allah reward you immensely ๐Ÿ™‚

  • masooma.aus@gmail.com'
    masooma
    June 20, 2015 at 11:41 am

    Subhanallah..Very nice and useful…

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 4:42 pm

      Alhamdulillah, jazakAllah khair for the feedback

  • shafaq_amir@live.in'
    shafaq
    June 20, 2015 at 11:42 am

    Ma Sha Allah , a very powerful reminder , to be pondered upon !
    Jazakallah khairan

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 5:21 pm

      Alhamdulillah
      JazakAllah khair for the feedback

  • althea_abdulkarim@yahoo.com'
    Thea
    June 20, 2015 at 11:44 am

    Salam… MashaaAllah , an awesome reminders not only the month of the holy Ramadhan but the whole life itself, i really like to read an Islamic article coz it’s most beneficial to us, and thought about the day of ressurection for preparation and also a beneficial to us in this world, alhamdulillah for the information regarding the obsevance of the Hily month, jazaakhillahukhair Sheikh Dr Billal Phillips for the good knowledge you’ve for us, may Allah reward you more and Blessed inshallah… Shukran maasalamaa

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 4:04 am

      JazakAllah khair for your feedback
      Ameen

  • salifuissah11@gmail.com'
    June 20, 2015 at 11:45 am

    Very useful to every reader

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 8:32 pm

      Alhamdulillah, may we all strive to implement these tips in sha Allah

  • Salifuwaris@rocketmail.com'
    Abdul-Waris
    June 20, 2015 at 11:46 am

    Masha’Allah this is a very helpful article, love all the tips, may Allah guide us, forgive us and strengthen us on the right path. Ameen

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 6:37 pm

      JazakAllah khair for the feedback brother
      Ameen

  • hinabashir05@gmail.com'
    dr hina bashir
    June 20, 2015 at 11:55 am

    JazakAllah very informativ.. InshaAllah every instruction will b followed.. Ramadhan kareem

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 4:06 am

      In sha Allah
      JazaAllah khair for your feedback

  • sissinou@alquds.com'
    yassine tayeb
    June 20, 2015 at 11:57 am

    ohhhh ibadah means worship cause i’m a native arabic speaker and at first i read it like ุฅุจุงุฏุฉ which means extermination and i was shocked like what? ramadan is a month of killing? hahah
    it’s a good article by the way very helping

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 5:34 pm

      An interesting comment!
      JazakAllah khair for the feedback brother

  • Markassan20@gmail.com'
    Assan M. Ridhwan
    June 20, 2015 at 12:01 pm

    Very detailed and highly useful. Every Muslim,if possible MUST try to reds this article…Alhamdulillah

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 5:28 pm

      Alhamdulillah, jazakAllah khair for the kind words.
      May Allah accept it

  • misbahiram16@yahoo.com'
    misbahiram
    June 20, 2015 at 12:16 pm

    Very nice it is!It realy guide us to spend ramadan i realy liked it inshallah wil try to fulfill actually we must do it
    May allah give us opertunity to do it

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 8:33 pm

      Ameen
      JazakAllah khairan for your feedback, may Allah help us in implementing these tips, Ameen.

  • robietafatimah@gmail.com'
    Robieta Fatimag c Torres
    June 20, 2015 at 1:04 pm

    MashaAllah ..InshaAllah we benefited all your said articles Very informative base on Ramadan activities and lead to the purifications of our souls ti be closer to the Creator ( Allah Subhan waTa a’la

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 4:39 pm

      Alhamdulillah ๐Ÿ™‚
      Always come back to the blog for more!

  • ojoyusuph@gmail.com'
    YUSUPH
    June 20, 2015 at 1:14 pm

    Jakumlahu Khaeran…….. I learned a lot from the post. Thanks again.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 4:27 pm

      Alhamdulillah, all praise is due to Allah
      JazakAllah khair for the feedback

  • shahnazs4a@gmail.com'
    Fathimath Shahnaz
    June 20, 2015 at 1:17 pm

    Jazakallahu khair!!
    ๐Ÿ™‚ โ™กโ™ก

  • abusafianu35@yahoo.com'
    Abu Safianu
    June 20, 2015 at 1:44 pm

    Please Sheikh can I have intercourse with my wife during the month of Ramadan? Especially during the lailatul-Khadr period.

  • aliabatool7@gmail.com'
    Alia batool
    June 20, 2015 at 2:45 pm

    jazak ALLAH. it is very usefull blog and keeping in view the surroundings we have now a days it is very important for the revival of emann.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 4:10 am

      JazakiAllah khair for the feedback
      Always come back to the blog for more ๐Ÿ™‚

  • smart.girl28@hotmail.com'
    Amna
    June 20, 2015 at 3:16 pm

    Great article.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 8:30 pm

      JazakiAllah khair

  • kiransultana6@gmail.com'
    kiran
    June 20, 2015 at 3:53 pm

    Jazak Allah khayr

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 4:05 am

      Wa jazakum

  • jassirwani02@gmail.com'
    Jassir
    June 20, 2015 at 5:45 pm

    Jazakallah, I really got good advice from it.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 20, 2015 at 8:27 pm

      Alhamdulillah, all praise is due to Allah
      JazakAllah khair for your feedback brother

  • muinat.Ibrahim@yahoo.com'
    Muinat
    June 20, 2015 at 8:15 pm

    Jazakallah khaira, it’s a form of reminder which is appreciated. May Allah reward you both in this world and hereafter.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 4:56 am

      JazakAllah khair for the feedback
      Ameen ๐Ÿ™‚

  • athena_asamiya@hotmail.fr'
    Yasmina
    June 21, 2015 at 2:29 am

    Assalam alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuhu.
    This is well written and full of advice. One of the tips at the end says to eat fruits a lot, which is absolutely true but better have them in the evening than in the morning. The sugar in the fruits will make the body making insulin to drop the sugar level and will increase cravings during the morning/day. Also, because of the sugar, better eat more vegetables than fruits because sugar makes still fatty even if it comes from fruits ! Eat some but not too much. Think about cucumbers, tomatoes (full of water !), avocados (good fat and filling !), fatty fish (salmon, tuna, they’re filling and with good fat, better than meat if meat eaten often), especially during evening. On morning, better have stuff like bread, pasta, etc. and drink WATER ONLY. Please ๐Ÿ™‚

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 4:15 am

      Wa alaykum alsalam wa rahmatullahi wa baraktuhu,
      JazakiAllah khair sister for your suggestions, very helpful mashAllah ๐Ÿ™‚

  • Aamirkhan0024@gmail.com'
    Aamir Khab
    June 21, 2015 at 5:21 am

    Masha’Allah very well written very informative..
    May Allah swt give us the opportunity to perform Ramadhan according to what He wants.

    Ameen..

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 8:13 am

      Alhamdulillah, jazakAllah khair for your feedback
      Ameen

  • farah.aashraf@gmail.com'
    Farah
    June 21, 2015 at 5:53 am

    Very useful article.JazakAllah for this kind effort.May Allah enable all Muslims to follow them.Ameen.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 8:14 am

      Alhamdulillah, jazakiAllah khair for your feedback sister Farah ๐Ÿ™‚
      Ameen

  • dhuruaafiya@gmail.com'
    aafiya
    June 21, 2015 at 8:11 am

    Jazakallah… Vry usefull article spcly for womens who spend lots f tym making iftaris. I’ll try to avoid all tis things in sha allah.

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 12:39 pm

      JazakiAllah khair for you feedback!
      May Allah help you to do that ๐Ÿ™‚

  • kingfahad088@gmail.com'
    Mohammed Fahad
    June 21, 2015 at 10:14 am

    MashaaAllah….I really got educated. May Allah accept our Ibada

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 12:40 pm

      Ameen

  • mbilal.jst@gmail.com'
    Bilal khan
    June 21, 2015 at 4:02 pm

    Best Article ever!

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 7:46 pm

      JazakAllah khair for the feedback brother, may Allah accept it. Kindly keep us in your dua’s and share these articles with family and friends!

  • ben.angkayah@yahooo.com'
    Ben Saudi
    June 21, 2015 at 4:53 pm

    Alhamdulillah =)

    Shukran for this Reminder, this really helped me a lot and remind me of my responsibility and gave me wisdom of what this Holiest Month is all about, hope to share this In shaa Allah.

    Jazakallahu khairan!

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 21, 2015 at 7:44 pm

      JazakAllah khair for the feedback brother
      Please do share it with friends and family so that all may benefit in sha Allah!

  • idristetteh@gmail.com'
    Idris Tetteh
    June 22, 2015 at 6:03 am

    Maasha Allaah! Alhamdulillah. It was very very useful, far beyond compliments. I only wish it could go viral to reach about a billion Muslims worldwide in shaa Allaah. All the tips were very important and must be applied not only in Ramadhaan but in other months as well. The tips which really touched me were: Read and memorize the Qur’an, and provide food for the orphans and provide water to the poor.

    Allaahu Aq’bar! Allaahu Aq’bar! Allaahu Aq’bar Kabeera! Jazak Allaahu khairan wa feeka barak Allaahu yaa habeebatee. Shukraan.

    May Allaah help you study well and complete your course successfully. May your studies be beneficial to all humans on earth. May Allaah guide and set your affairs in order. Ameen Thumma Ameen Yaa Rabbi!

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 22, 2015 at 12:08 pm

      JazakAllah khair for the lovely feedback brother, may Allah accept it.
      All praise is due to Allah for making it useful to others, may He help us implement it, Ameen.
      Do share these articles with friends and family so that all may benefit in sha Allah ๐Ÿ™‚
      Ameen to the generous dua, wa iyyakum.

  • afsheenrasheed@yahoo.com'
    Afsheen
    June 24, 2015 at 1:12 pm

    ุงู„ุณู„ุงู… ุนู„ูŠูƒู… ูˆ ุฑุญู…ุฉ ุงู„ู„ู‡ ูˆ ุจุฑูƒุงุชู‡
    gr8 advice.. very well written.. may Allah SWT enable us to put these tips into practice and successfully reform ourselves this Ramadan. May He SWT reward you and bless you with the success of this world and in the hereafter. Aameen
    ุฌุฒุงูƒ ุงู„ู„ู‡ ุฎูŠุฑุงู‹ ูƒุซูŠุฑุงู‹ ูƒุซูŠุฑุฉ
    ุฑู…ุถุงู† ูƒุฑูŠู…

    • Ibtihal Al-Khalifin
      June 24, 2015 at 1:26 pm

      ูˆ ุนู„ูŠูƒู… ุงู„ุณู„ุงู… ูˆ ุฑุญู…ุฉ ุงู„ู„ู‡ ูˆ ุจุฑูƒุงุชู‡
      JazakAllah khairan for the feedback ๐Ÿ™‚
      Ameen, wa iyyakum

  • […] If you are observing Ramadan, here are 5 things to avoid during Ramadan’s: http://blog.islamiconlineuniversity.com/ramadans-not-to-do-list-5-things-to-avoid-this-ramadan/ […]

  • hafsajune@gmail.com'
    Hafsa Slimo
    June 26, 2015 at 11:19 am

    jazakal kheir to the author

  • revoqidus@gmail.com'
    Asad A
    June 28, 2015 at 8:57 am

    Please remove this stupid share-button bar/column on the left. It is literally obstructing a chunk of the whole paragraph and is a major turn off for readers!!

  • skanrynureni@gmail.com'
    Nureni
    June 29, 2015 at 7:15 am

    Aameen

  • nashann.nj@gmail.com'
    Nasir Jakim
    June 30, 2015 at 1:49 am

    Thank You Very Much. Now I Know What To Do! ๐Ÿ™‚

  • rrquinzonrn@gmail.com'
    ameera quinzon
    March 3, 2016 at 2:06 am

    Assalamu alaikom! A timely reminder for another Ramadan is coming in about 3 months’ time. In sha Allah this would help all of us to help us in observing the importance of this holy month.

    Thank you sister, Ibtihal for your help.

    May Allah reward you with more valuable insights that you may continue helping others to be mindful of Allah and HIS attributes.

    JazzakAllahu khair!

  • […] [1] Al-Qur’an 2:183 [2] Al-Bukhari and Muslim [3] Al-Qur’an 2:184 [4] Al-Bukhari and Muslim [5]ย Al-Qur’anย 29:45 [6] Al-Bukhari [7] Al-Qur’an 33:35 [8] Al-Bukhari [9] Al-Bukhari and Abu Dawud [10] Al-Qur’an 103:1-3 [11] At-Tirmidhi [12] Abu Dawud Certain text taken from IOU […]