Common Mistakes To Avoid During Ramadan

Common Mistakes To Avoid During Ramadan

The Holy Month of Ramadan is a time all Muslims look forward to, as it's a sacred opportunity for spiritual growth that can draw us closer to Allah. To truly make the most of it, we must be mindful of how we spend this precious time. This means not only engaging in worship and reflection but also avoiding common mistakes that can diminish the blessings of this month. Some of these mistakes happen out of habit, while others stem from a lack of awareness. The beauty of this month, however, is that it offers a chance to improve, so that our fasting, worship, and overall experience align with what this blessed month is meant to be.

One of the most common mistakes is making Ramadan all about food. While suhoor and iftar are blessings from Allah, some spend excessive time preparing elaborate meals, filling their tables with more than they need. The Prophet(PBUH) said, 

“The son of Adam does not fill any vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for the son of Adam to eat a few mouthfuls to keep him alive. If he must, then one-third for food, one-third for drink, and one-third for air.” [Sunan Ibn Majah 3349]

Ramadan is about self-restraint, yet for many, it becomes a time of indulgence. A more balanced approach to meals not only allows for better worship but also instills gratitude for the simple blessings of food.

Another mistake is neglecting suhoor. Some skip it altogether, thinking it’s easier to sleep through until Fajr, but suhoor carries immense barakah. The Prophet (PBUH) said, 

“Eat suhoor, for in suhoor there is blessing.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 1923] 

Even a small meal or a sip of water counts. It’s not just about physical nourishment—it’s about following a practice that brings spiritual reward. To grasp a better understanding about this pre-dawn meal, have a look at one of our previous blogs, "The Importance of Suhoor in Ramadan: Why You Should Never Skip It".

Furthermore, another common mistake many Muslims are probably guilty of committing during the month of Ramadan is messing up their sleep schedule, either they end up sleeping too much or too little. Some people, in an attempt to pass the fasting hours quickly, sleep excessively during the day, missing out precious time they could utilize to partake in various acts of worship. While on the other hand, they spend their nights staying awake and engaging in social gatherings or entertainment and opting to sleep throughout the day resulting in wasting time they could've made more efficient use of. An important message the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught us was about consistency where he said, 

“The most beloved deeds to Allah are those done consistently, even if they are small.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 6464]

This verse acts as a reminder to avail the opportunity of Ramadan to build upon better habits. Ramadan isn’t about temporary bursts of worship but about steady, meaningful devotion that lasts beyond the month.

In addition to this, neglecting prayer is noted to be another common mistake. Arguably one of the most disastrous mistakes for a Muslims, regardless of it being in the month of Ramadan or not.  Ramadan is the holiest month in the entire Hijri calendar. It is the month Muslims all around the world take part in by fasting, praying and practicing spiritual reflection. Their fasting consists of abstaining from food, any kind of drinks, and any other physical needs, instead they direct their attention towards self-discipline, gratitude, forgiveness and, most importantly,  bettering their connection with Allah (SWT). The Prophet (PBUH) said, 

“The covenant that distinguishes between us and them (disbelievers) is the prayer, and whoever neglects it has disbelieved.” [Sunan al-Tirmidhi 2621]

It’s a powerful reminder that our fasts mean little if we neglect our salah. The five daily prayers should be prioritized, and Taraweeh should be approached with sincerity, not as a mere routine but as a cherished opportunity to stand before Allah.

Backbiting and arguing are also common yet harmful mistakes. Fasting isn’t just about refraining from food and drink; it’s about guarding our tongues and actions. The Prophet (PBUH) said,

“Whoever does not give up false speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 1903] 

Fasting should refine our character, teaching us to be more mindful of our words and interactions. If someone tries to argue, the Sunnah is to respond with, 

“I am fasting.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 1904]

Another overlooked mistake is wasting time. In the age of social media, it’s easy to lose hours scrolling through endless feeds, engaging in distractions that add no real value. While it’s understandable to need breaks, Ramadan is too precious to spend on things that don’t benefit us. The Prophet (PBUH) said, 

“There are two blessings that many people waste: health and free time.” [Sahih al-Bukhari 6412] 

The free time we have in Ramadan should be spent in remembrance of Allah, in reading the Quran, and in acts of kindness rather than being squandered on mindless distractions.

Ramadan is a journey of growth, and mistakes are part of being human. What matters is recognizing them and making an effort to improve. Whether it’s being more mindful of our prayers, controlling our tongues, or using our time wisely, every small step brings us closer to Allah. The essence of Ramadan isn’t just in the physical act of fasting but in the transformation it brings to our hearts and lives. And that is what truly matters.