Nisma Rafiq

Saudi Gazette

The Holy month of Ramadan is quickly passing by.  Fasting is compulsory for everyone except if you are below 12. Have you ever wondered what makes Ramadan special?



Is it the Suhoor, when you have to wake up so early and eat while you are still dozy?



Or is it the Fatoor, the time when you are hungrily waiting to eat the favorite things your mother has cooked for you?



No doubt these delightful treats, long vacations and change in routine make Ramadan different from other months, but it is not the true spirit of Ramadan. Ramadan is much more than that. It is the month in which Holy Qur’an was revealed to our beloved Prophet (peace be upon him). It is the month of blessing, and it is our responsibility to grab the blessings.



It is the time for change. It is the month of forgiveness and mercy. So, what should you be doing this Ramadan? Do you just want to eat and eat? Or you want to make it a special month?



Noor Fatima, 9, prays that she becomes a good girl this Ramadan. She plans on fasting the whole month.



“I pray to be a good Muslim, so that I can offer my prayers regularly, read Qur’an. I pray for my parent’s health, and that I am able to fulfill their all wishes.”



Mohammad Saif is going to Taraweeh regularly with his father to collect the blessings of Ramadan. “I love coming to the Mosque everyday; I feel happy about it,” he said.



If you want to become a good Muslim, then follow these dos and don’ts this Ramadan.



• Do offer your prayers 5 times a day



• Do read Quran at least 4 pages daily.



• Do try to finish the Quran this month.



• Do drink a lot of water in order to maintain the balance in your body.



• Do eat healthy fruits and vegetables.



• Do take a banana in Suhoor. You will feel less thirsty the whole day.



• Do try to sleep early and wake up early



• Do help those who need it.



• Do tell others what you have learned from the lessons of Quran.



• Do keep yourself clean and neat.



• Do try to make your parents and everyone around you happy.



• Don’t overeat. Eating more will only make you hungrier.



• Don’t oversleep to avoid hunger. Wake up and help your mother with house chores.



• Don’t spend your time watching television and playing video games.



• Don’t go out to play during fast. It will dehydrate you.



• Don’t forget to visit mosque to offer Taraweeh and night prayer.



• Don’t lie or hurt anyone with your actions.



• Don’t talk behind anyone’s back.



• Don’t stop praying once the Ramadan is over. Make it your habit to pray and read Qur’an regularly.



• Don’t drink cold water immediately in futoor. Your body is warm inside, drink a glass of water at room temperature.



• Don’t eat quickly. Food is not going anywhere.