The best Sunnah acts to do while fasting

The Best Sunnah Acts to Do While Fasting

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is not merely a physical act of abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs, but a profound spiritual exercise that enhances one’s connection with Allah (SWT). The month of Ramadan provides an excellent opportunity to increase in worship and good deeds, following the example of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW). His way of fasting (Sawm) serves as a model for all Muslims to emulate.

The Sunnah acts while fasting are the practices recommended by the Prophet (SAW) to enhance the quality of fasting, increasing its spiritual benefits. These acts go beyond the obligatory actions and serve to further purify the soul, cultivate mindfulness of Allah, and strengthen the connection to Him during this blessed month.

In this blog post, we will explore some of the best Sunnah acts to perform while fasting, backed by references from the Quran and Hadith. These acts, when incorporated into daily life during Ramadan, ensure that the fast is more than just the physical act of refraining from food, drink, and other needs, but a holistic worship that brings a Muslim closer to Allah.

The Importance of Following the Sunnah in Ramadan

The Quranic injunctions and the Hadith literature provide detailed guidelines for Muslims to follow the path of righteousness and piety. Engaging in the Sunnah practices, especially during Ramadan, is highly encouraged as they help elevate the soul, purify the heart, and increase one’s reward. Allah (SWT) says in the Quran:

قَالَ اللّهُ تَعَالَىٰ:

“وَمَآ ءَاتَاكُمُ الرَّسُولُ فَخُذُوهُ وَمَا نَهَاكُمْ عَنْهُ فَانْتَهُوا۟ وَاتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ ۚ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ شَدِيدُ ٱلْعِقَابِ”
“And whatever the Messenger has given you – take it; and whatever he has forbidden you – refrain from it. And fear Allah; indeed, Allah is severe in penalty.” (Surah Al-Hashr, 59:7)

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is our perfect role model, and following his example in Ramadan leads to immense rewards. The following Sunnah acts are among the best practices to observe while fasting.

Eating the Pre-Dawn Meal (Suhoor)

One of the most important Sunnah acts while fasting is to partake in the pre-dawn meal, known as Suhoor. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) highly encouraged this meal, describing it as a blessed act that aids in sustaining the fast.

رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ:

“تَسَحَّرُوا۟ فَإِنَّ فِى ٱلسُّحُورِ بَرَكَةً”
“Partake in Suhoor, for indeed there is a blessing in it.” (Sahih Bukhari)

Suhoor helps the fasting person maintain energy throughout the day, making the fast more manageable. It is not just about eating but engaging in this act in accordance with the Sunnah of the Prophet (SAW). Even a small amount of food or drink can make a difference, as the blessing lies in the act itself.

The Prophet (SAW) also said:

رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ:

“لاَ تَجْعَلُوا۟ فَرْقًا بَيْنَ سُحُورِكُمْ وَفَطُورِكُمْ وَلَوْ بِشِرْبَةٍ مِّن مَّاءٍ”
“Do not differentiate between your Suhoor and Iftar, even if it is by a sip of water.” (Sunan Ibn Majah)

Thus, even if one only consumes a small amount of water during Suhoor, it is still a part of the Sunnah.

Delaying Suhoor and Hastening Iftar

Another significant Sunnah act is delaying the pre-dawn meal and hastening the breaking of the fast. This practice not only aligns with the teachings of the Prophet (SAW) but also ensures the fast is carried out in the most beneficial manner.

رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ:

“فَطِرُوا۟ عَلَىٰ ٱلْتَّمْرِ ۚ فَإِنَّۦهُۥ مُبَارَكٌ”
“Break your fast with dates, for indeed it is a blessed fruit.” (Sunan Abu Dawood)

The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to break his fast immediately after sunset with fresh dates, dry dates, or water if no dates were available. The wisdom behind this practice is that dates provide a quick source of energy, especially after a long day of fasting.

رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ:

“إِذَا حَسَّسَ أَحَدُكُمْ فَأَفْطَرَ فَلْيُفْطِرْ عَلَىٰ تَمْرٍ فَإِنْ لَمْ يَجِدْ فَمَاءٍ”
“If any one of you breaks his fast, let him break it with dates. If he does not find any, let him break it with water, for indeed it is pure.” (Sunan Abu Dawood)

Engaging in Extra Prayers (Nafl and Taraweeh)

While obligatory prayers (Salah) are essential, performing additional voluntary prayers during Ramadan is an act of great merit. The Prophet (SAW) would pray extra prayers at night, particularly during the last ten nights of Ramadan, and it is highly recommended to do so in Ramadan.

رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ:

“مَن قَامَ رَمَضَٰنَ إِيمَٰنًا وَحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُۥ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِۦ”
“Whoever stands in prayer during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih Bukhari)

The Taraweeh prayers, which are prayed at night during Ramadan, are a significant way to engage in extra worship and earn rewards. Although these prayers are not obligatory, they hold great virtue and are encouraged for all able-bodied Muslims.

Giving Charity (Sadaqah)

Charity is a significant act of worship, and during Ramadan, the reward for giving charity is multiplied. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) was known for being especially generous during Ramadan, and he encouraged his followers to give as much charity as possible.

رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ:

“أَبَارِكْ عَلَيْهِمْ فِي رَمَضَٰنَ لِيُدْنِي فَحْوَاءَ فِي جَنَّتِهِ”
“Whoever spends in the way of Allah, especially during Ramadan, will have his reward multiplied.” (Sahih Bukhari)

The Prophet (SAW) used to increase his acts of charity during Ramadan, and Muslims are encouraged to do the same. Charity can be in the form of giving money, food, clothing, or even offering assistance to those in need.

Making Du’a (Supplication)

Ramadan is a time when the supplications of the believer are answered. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) encouraged Muslims to make Du’a during fasting, especially at the time of Iftar.

رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ:

“لِلصَّائِمِ فَرْحَتَانِ فَرْحَةٌ عِندَ فِطْرِهِۦ وَفَرْحَةٌ عِندَ لِقَاءِ رَبِّهِۦ”
“The fasting person has two moments of joy: one when he breaks his fast and one when he meets his Lord.” (Sahih Bukhari)

When breaking the fast, it is a special time to make Du’a and supplicate to Allah for what one desires, including forgiveness, guidance, and blessings for themselves and others.

Seeking Laylatul Qadr

The last ten days of Ramadan, particularly the odd-numbered nights, hold the potential to contain Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree), a night that is better than a thousand months. The Prophet (SAW) emphasized seeking this night through extra worship, prayer, and Dhikr.

رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ:

“مَنْ قَامَ لَيْلَةَ الْقَدْرِ إِيمَٰنًا وَحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُۥ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِۦ”
“Whoever stands in prayer on Laylatul Qadr with faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih Bukhari)

It is highly recommended to increase acts of worship, such as Du’a, prayer, and Dhikr, during the last ten nights of Ramadan, hoping to attain the immense rewards of Laylatul Qadr.

Avoiding Sin and Maintaining Good Character

During Ramadan, Muslims are reminded not only to avoid food and drink but also to control their emotions and avoid sinful actions. The Prophet (SAW) said:

رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ:

“إِذَا كَانَ يَوْمُ صَوْمِ أَحَدِكُمْ فَلَا يَرْفُثْ وَلَا يَجْهَلْ”
“If someone insults him or behaves ignorantly, let him say, ‘I am fasting.'” (Sahih Bukhari)

Fasting is a time for self-discipline and reflection, and it is essential to avoid sinful speech and actions. Maintaining good character during fasting is an act of worship that enhances the quality of one’s fast.

Conclusion

Fasting is an opportunity to increase in Sunnah acts that bring immense rewards and strengthen one’s connection with Allah. The Prophet ﷺ embodied the best way to fast, and by following his example, we can maximize the spiritual and physical benefits of fasting. Engaging in acts such as Suhoor, delaying Iftar, making du’a, increasing Quran recitation, performing extra prayers (Tahajjud and Taraweeh), and giving charity enhances the quality of our fast.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

تَسَحَّرُوا فَإِنَّ فِي السَّحُورِ بَرَكَةً

“Eat Suhoor, for indeed there is blessing in it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1923, Sahih Muslim 1095)

Additionally, making du’a while fasting is highly encouraged:

ثَلَاثَةٌ لَا تُرَدُّ دَعْوَتُهُمْ… وَالصَّائِمُ حِينَ يُفْطِرُ

“Three supplications are not rejected… and the fasting person when he breaks his fast.” (Sunan Ibn Majah 1753)

By practicing gratitude, controlling one’s speech, engaging in dhikr, and seeking forgiveness, a believer attains both the inner and outer dimensions of fasting. These Sunnah acts not only increase rewards but also purify the soul and strengthen taqwa. As we strive to incorporate these practices, fasting becomes more than a physical act—it becomes a transformative spiritual experience that extends beyond Ramadan into our daily lives.