The blissful month of Ramadan is here! It is a month of Allah’s boundless mercy. But are we making the most out of this month or just trying to fill a bucket with a hole?

Ramadan is an opportunity for us to reflect upon our lives, get closer to Allah, and lead successful lives. However, we unintentionally commit mistakes that hinder us from truly benefiting from this auspicious month. Here are ten huge mistakes to avoid in Ramadan.

1. Not Waking Up for Suhoor

It is a misconception that suhoor is optional and one can skip it. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) commanded Muslims to wake up for suhoor and eat it because it distinguishes between Muslims and non-Muslims. Also, it is one of the most blessed hours of the day. Getting up and eating suhoor pleases Allah immensely. So it would be a grave mistake to miss the opportunity of earning Allah’s pleasure.

2. Eating Excessively in Suhoor and Iftar

While Ramadan is a month of fasting, some people worsen their health during the holy month. It is because they associate the spirit of Ramadan with eating at Iftar and Suhoor. Going out to restaurants and overeating deteriorates health. Consuming fried food and sugary drinks leads to problems like bloating, weight gain, and other health issues. Therefore, eat healthy and in the right quantity to stay energetic all day.

3. Wasting Time

The most common fasting mistake to avoid is wasting time on unnecessary things. People engage in activities like video games, night matches, movies, and excessive use of social media during Ramadan. You can play games but only in a limit. The purpose of Ramadan is to utilize the month for worship and prayer. All such activities deter one from achieving this objective.

4. Skipping Prayers

This is another mistake that people make. Some people sleep after suhoor and miss the Fajar prayer, while some are too lazy to pray Isha. Some people do not guard their prayers by delaying them unnecessarily. The best prayers are those that one offers on time. So strengthen your bond with Allah by offering prayers with utmost dedication and submission.

5. Losing Temper

This is one of the biggest mistakes to avoid in Ramadan. The purpose of fasting is to build self-control, endurance, and patience. If you are unable to control your temper during the fast, your fast is rendered futile. Allah does not want people to starve but to learn important life lessons for their own good. Fasting should help a person acquire tolerance, mutual respect, and unity among Muslims.

6. Prioritizing Household Chores Over Worship

This is a common mistake most people make. When Ramadan approaches, they indulge in a self-created cooking and cleaning spree. While cleanliness is half of faith, some people make it complete faith by ignoring prayers and worship for the sake of excessive cleaning. Similalrly, it is not important to spend hours in kitchen preparing food. Food must be simple, healthy, and satiating. Therefore, focus on satisfying your spiritual needs in Ramadan rather than wasting time in the kitchen.

7. Missing the Nights of Ramadan

Ramadan nights are golden opportunities to earn eternal bliss. Getting up for Tahajjud and worshipping Allah at night is one of the best deeds of Ramadan. Missing this chance is the biggest mistake to avoid in Ramadan. The last ten nights are so virtuous that every Muslim must spend those in the search of the Night of Power.

8. Not Doing Charity

Ramadan is a month of caring for the underprivileged. It is a month of giving and sharing happiness. That is why charity is an essential part of Ramadan. Not doing enough charity in Ramadan deprives one of Allah’s pleasure. Charity is not just financial. If you cannot help someone financially, try to offer moral support. Even the smallest acts of kindness earn Allah’s pleasure, for example, helping someone at work, school, or in the community. Participating in charity drives is also a virtuous act. Therefore, spread love and brotherhood through kindness and empathy in the holy month.

9. Sleeping Excessively

A common fasting mistake to avoid is sleeping excessively. Every minute of this blissful month is precious. Therefore, spend as much time as possible imploring and glorifying your Creator. Supplicate after Fajr prayer. It is one of the most blessed times of the day, which some of us miss out on. Similarly, sleeping excessively during the day makes a person lethargic. So, spend Ramadan by following an active and balanced routine.

10. Not Drinking Enough Water

Drinking enough water is very important during Ramadan. Some people make the mistake of not hydrating enough. Consequently, they face health issues like constipation, worsening urinary function, and others. Sometimes, people end up going to the hospital, which makes them miss fasts. Therefore, to avoid such circumstances, drink enough water during the non-fasting hours to replenish your energy.

Concluding Remarks

Life is unpredictable. We never know if we will see Ramadan in the coming year or not. Therefore, we must avail this sacred month to succeed in both worlds. Be wary of the mistakes to avoid in Ramadan, and enjoy the blessings of the holy month.