My Ramadan Routine

Muslims all around the world have embarked on the blessed month of Ramadan. During this sacred month, God commands Muslims to fast or abstain from eating or drinking from dawn to sunset. However, if a Muslim is sick, traveling, or is younger than 18 years old, then the Muslim doesn’t have to fast. If someone is unable to fast on a temporary basis then the missed days can be made up on other days after the month of Ramadan has ended. In situations where a person is unable to fast due to chronic health issues then such a person can feed a needy throughout the month by donating a sum of money called ‘Fidya’.

Islam teaches Muslims to give charity during this blessed month. Also, Muslims are encouraged to do good deeds or acts of kindness and increase in their supplication or recitation of prayers. As a Muslim, I usually wake up for Sehri or early breakfast and prayers before dawn. Typically, I eat a light breakfast consisting of dates, granola bars, milk, and water. Shortly after, I join my parents in congregational Prayers and then recite the Holy Quran.

I believe that partaking in the blessed month of Ramadan motivates me to pursue my goals. One of my main goals and perhaps for other Muslims is to finish reciting the entire Holy Quran during this month. I try to recite at least one part a day even though I have my assignments and classes to focus on too. On the weekends and occasional Fridays, my family and I go to my local mosque where we join other members, listen to the sermon, and then break the fast with dates and water. After the Magrib (evening) Prayers, we enjoy an iftar dinner, which is arranged by various members and their families. Thereafter, Isha or night Prayers are held along with optional Prayers called Taraweeh. Hence, I spend most of my weekend evenings in the mosque but it’s worthwhile to not only reap the blessings but also to spend time with other members who are fasting and striving to connect with God during this blessed month.