Ramadan is a highly anticipated month for Muslims worldwide. During this time, it is recommended to increase worship, as all deeds performed are multiplied in reward. Fasting for the entire month of Ramadan is one of the primary acts of worship that Muslims must observe. If done perfectly, a Muslim can achieve the title of piety, as promised by Allah SWT in Q.S Al-Baqarah verse 183. To attain this title, Muslims should follow the recommendations of Prophet Muhammad found in his hadiths. These instructions are the most perfect and effective way to achieve one’s goals while also being the easiest tips to implement for the whole soul. Some of the recommendations are obligatory, while others are sunnah.
The first etiquette of fasting is to end sahur by delaying it as much as possible. Sahur is a food full of blessings and at the same time violates the custom of the Ahlul Kitab. Dated food is considered the best for sahur. The second etiquette of fasting is breaking the fast immediately when the time has come. The Prophet SAW encouraged breaking fasts soon and advised breaking the fast with some ruthab or dry dates if there are no ruthab available. After ifthar, Muslims should recite readings to attain God’s reward. In carrying out fasting, Muslims should avoid rafats or immoral acts, as it can erase all the rewards of fasting. Muslims should also leave all unlawful acts, such as backbiting, dirty words, and lies. These acts can reduce the merits of virtue and bring sins.
To attain maximum rewards and virtues, Muslims should avoid wasteful activities that can bring sins. These activities include being busy watching competitions, soap operas, and matches, hanging out uselessly, walking back and forth on the streets with bad friends who like wasting time, moving cars around, jostling on sidewalks and alleys, lazy night prayers, dhikr, and worship. In the month of Ramadan, some people neglect obligatory prayers and congregational prayers. Some individuals make the holy month of Ramadan a season to relax, and some play with dangerous items like firecrackers and fireworks. Some are busy doing transactions at the market and shopping at supermarkets and supermarkets. Women are busy with sewing clothes and collecting various fashions, collecting them in the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan, which are the glorious days of Ramadan. Many people are negligent and do not have time to gain rewards and virtues.
The instructions for fasting provided by the Prophet SAW are the most perfect and effective means of achieving the goals of fasting, and they are also easy to implement. Some of these instructions are obligatory, while others are sunnah. It is recommended to end sahur as late as possible, as it is considered a meal full of blessings. Dates are the best food for sahur. When it is time to break the fast, it should be done immediately. Breaking the fast with some ruthab or wet dates is recommended, and if they are not available, then dry dates or a few sips of water are acceptable. It is also recommended to recite a special reading after breaking the fast.
Muslims should avoid immoral acts while fasting, such as backbiting, dirty words, and lying, as these actions can erase the rewards of fasting. It is also essential to reduce wasteful activities such as watching competitions, soap operas, and matches, and hanging out with bad friends who like to waste time. The month of Ramadan should not be used as an excuse for sleeping all day and neglecting obligatory prayers and congregational prayers. Anger and emotions should be controlled, and Muslims should not shout or engage in arguments.
In conclusion, following the instructions of the Prophet Muhammad while fasting during the month of Ramadan is crucial to achieving the title of piety promised by Allah SWT. Muslims should adhere to the ethical guidelines provided in the hadiths and avoid immoral acts and wasteful activities. By doing so, they can make the most of this blessed month and earn the reward of Allah SWT.
(red. ahdi z. amri)
