Maintaining Good Character and Patience
True fasting shapes character by cultivating patience, humility, and self-control in both actions and speech.
Hadith citations
“Fasting is a shield…”
Sunan an-Nasai Book 22, Hadith 2228
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Ramadan Sunnahs to Be Followed | Qur’an & Hadith Guide – Alim
Discover essential Ramadan sunnahs from the Qur’an and authentic Hadith to perfect your fast and attain taqwa.
Guidance from the Qur’an and Sunnah with Alim.org References
Ramadan is a sacred month of worship, discipline, and spiritual renewal. It is a time when hearts are softened, intentions are purified, and believers strive to draw closer to Allah. Alongside the obligatory fast, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ taught a set of sunnahs that elevate fasting from a physical act to a deeply transformative spiritual experience. Observing these sunnahs allows the believer to perfect their fast and attain the true purpose of Ramadan—taqwa (God-consciousness).
Making the Intention (Niyyah) for Fasting
Fasting begins in the heart. The intention to fast should be made sincerely for Allah, affirming that the fast is an act of worship and obedience.
Hadith citations
“Actions are judged only by intentions…”
Al-Muwatta Hadith 18.5“Whoever does not make the intention to fast before dawn, there is no fast for him.”
Sunan an-Nasai Book 22, Hadith 2331Spiritual reflection
Renewing intention daily reminds the believer that fasting is not habit, but devotion—done solely for Allah’s pleasure.Eating Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal)
Eating suhoor, even if it is only a sip of water, is a blessed practice of the Prophet ﷺ.
Qur'anic citations
“…Eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct from the black thread…”
— Qur’an 2:187Hadith citations
“Eat suhoor, for indeed there is blessing in suhoor.”
Sunan an-Nasai Book 22, Hadith 2150Spiritual reflection
Suhoor strengthens both body and soul, reminding the believer that Allah places barakah in obedience, even in small acts.Hastening to Break the Fast (Iftar)
The Prophet ﷺ encouraged breaking the fast promptly at sunset, as it reflects obedience and trust in Allah.
Hadith citations
“The people will continue to be upon goodness so long as they hasten to break the fast.”
Sahih Muslim Book 13, Hadith 2554“When one of you breaks his fast, let him do so with dried dates. If he does not find them, then with water, for it is purifying.”
Tirmidhi Book 8, Hadith 695Spiritual reflection
Breaking the fast with humility and gratitude transforms iftar into an act of worship, not indulgence.Recitation of the Qur’an in Ramadan
Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed, making its recitation central to the believer’s spiritual life.
Qur'anic citations
“The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur’an was revealed…”
— Qur’an 2:185Hadith citations
“…Gabriel used to meet him every night during Ramadan to revise the Qur’an with him…”
Sahih Bukhari Vol. 4, Book 61, Hadith 3556Spiritual reflection
Consistent Qur’an recitation illuminates the heart and aligns the believer’s life with divine guidance.Making Du‘a While Fasting
The fasting person is in a special state of closeness to Allah, and their supplications are accepted.
Qur'anic citations
“When My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near…”
— Qur’an 2:186Hadith citations
“The supplication of the fasting person at the time of breaking fast is not rejected.”
Fiqh-us-Sunnah 3.132Spiritual reflection
Ramadan is a season of answered prayers—ask for forgiveness, guidance, and a heart firm upon faith.Night Prayers (Taraweeh & Qiyam-ul-Layl)
Night prayers in Ramadan revive the soul, strengthen faith, and draw the believer closer to Allah through quiet devotion.
Hadith citations
“Whoever stands in prayer during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
Sunan an-Nasai Book 47, Hadith 5027Spiritual reflection
Standing in prayer at night revives the heart and strengthens one’s bond with Allah.Giving Charity and Helping Others
Generosity in Ramadan reflects gratitude to Allah and spreads mercy, easing the hardship of others while purifying the heart.
Qur'anic citations
“Whatever you spend in the cause of Allah, He will replace it.”
— Qur’an 34:39Hadith citations
“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous in Ramadan.”
Sunan an-Nasai Book 22, Hadith 2095Spiritual reflection
Charity in Ramadan purifies wealth and nurtures compassion for those in need.Avoiding Sinful Speech and Actions
Guarding one’s words and behavior preserves the spiritual reward of fasting and protects the heart from moral decay.
Hadith citations
“If one does not give up false speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving food and drink.”
Sahih Bukhari Vol. 3, Book 30, Hadith 1904Spiritual reflection
Guarding one’s speech preserves the reward of fasting and protects the heart from spiritual loss.Seeking Laylat al-Qadr
The final nights of Ramadan offer a rare opportunity to attain immense reward through sincere worship and devotion.
Qur'anic citations
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”
— Qur’an 97:3Hadith citations
“Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan.”
Tirmidhi Book 8, Hadith 792