Ramadan is finally here, and for Muslims around the world, it’s a time of immense spiritual significance. It’s more than just fasting, it’s a journey of self-discipline, reflection, and devotion to Allah. Every day of this blessed month is an opportunity to renew our faith and deepen our connection with our Creator.

But staying holy during Ramadan goes beyond avoiding food and drink. It’s about purifying the heart, guarding our actions, and striving for sincerity in our worship. Holiness isn’t automatic, itt takes conscious effort and commitment. So, how do you ensure that you observe Ramadan in a way that truly pleases Allah? Here’s how.

Guard your tongue – Let your words reflect your faith

Imagine fasting all day, only to waste it with gossip, insults, or arguments. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned that fasting is not just about food but about self-restraint. Speak only what is kind and beneficial, avoid gossip, slander, and arguments, use your words for dua, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and Qur’an recitation

The goal is not just to fast with your mouth but to purify what comes out of it.

Plan your Ramadan – Structure your time for spiritual growth

Many people enter Ramadan without a clear plan, and before they know it, the month has slipped away. Holiness thrives on discipline, and being organized helps you maximize your worship.

It’s just like planning a vacation and making schedules to ensure you don’t miss anything important. Ramadan deserves even greater attention!

Here’s how to stay intentional:

Set spiritual goals – How much of the Qur’an do you want to read? How can you improve your prayers? Write it down.
Structure your day – Set fixed times for prayer, Qur’an, and dhikr, just as you would for meals.
Reduce distractions – Social media, unnecessary entertainment, and idle talk can drain your energy. Limit them.

When you organize your Ramadan, every day becomes more meaningful, and you won’t feel like the days are just passing by.

Strengthen your Dua – Speak to Allah with sincerity

Dua (supplication) is a direct conversation with Allah, and Ramadan is one of the best times to make heartfelt prayers. But making dua isn’t just about repeating memorized words, it’s about pouring your heart out to your Creator.

Some of the best moments to make dua include,

  • At Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and before Iftar (breaking fast) – These are times of acceptance.
  • In Sujood (prostration) – This is when you are closest to Allah.
  • During the last ten nights– Night

When making dua, be specific, be sincere, and don’t hold back. Pray for yourself, your family, the less fortunate, and the entire Ummah.

Deepen your connection with the Qur’an

The Qur’an and Ramadan are deeply connected—this is the month in which it was revealed. Reading it isn’t just about completing pages; it’s about understanding and applying its wisdom.

To truly engage with the Qur’an, set daily reading goals, even if it’s just a few verses, consistency matters, read with meaning, I mean don’t just skim through; take time to understand, and listen to recitations if you’re struggling with reading, so as to connect you to its message. The more time you spend with the Qur’an, the more it will shape your heart and actions.

Give generously – Charity purifies the soul

Fasting isn’t the only act of worship that matters in Ramadan—giving is just as important. Charity (Zakat and Sadaqah) is a way to cleanse our hearts and help those in need.

But charity isn’t just about money. You can prepare food for someone who is fasting, donate clothes, books, or essentials, offer your time—help at the mosque, assist a neighbor, or teach someone.

Strive for sincerity

Holiness in Ramadan isn’t just about avoiding sins, it’s about actively seeking closeness to Allah. Guard your speech, plan your time wisely, make sincere dua, engage with the Qur’an, and give generously. 

When you do this with a sincere heart, every moment in Ramadan becomes a step toward spiritual growth.