Discover essential practices to follow and common mistakes to avoid during Ramadan. Learn how to make the most of fasting, prayer, and worship while ensuring a spiritually rewarding experience.
10 Essential Good Deeds to Perform in Ramadan

Ramadan is a special month, a divine gift from Allah filled with endless opportunities to earn rewards and seek forgiveness. Every moment of this sacred month is precious, and you certainly don’t want to waste it. However, with so many distractions in our daily lives, it’s easy to lose track of time and miss out on essential acts of worship.

That’s why having a structured plan for Ramadan can help maximize its blessings. Whether through fasting, prayer, charity, or self-discipline, small yet meaningful changes in our habits can bring barakah (blessings) into our lives.

This guide will walk you through 10 of the most important good deeds to perform in Ramadan and the significance behind them. Let’s make this Ramadan truly meaningful by engaging in acts that bring us closer to Allah!

1. Fasting the Entire Month of Ramadan

The most fundamental and obligatory act of worship in Ramadan is fasting. Every adult Muslim is required to fast from Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) until Maghrib (sunset), abstaining from food, drink, and sinful actions.

Allah commands in the Quran:

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًۭى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَـٰتٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍۢ فَعِدَّةٌۭ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ
(Surah Al-Baqarah: 185)

Translation: “Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the criterion to distinguish between right and wrong. So whoever is present during this month, let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then let them fast an equal number of days after Ramadan.”

Fasting is not just about avoiding food and drink; it is a spiritual discipline that teaches self-restraint, patience, and sincerity in worship.

Exceptions for Fasting

There are certain conditions under which a person is excused from fasting:

• If they are sick and fasting would worsen their health.
• If they are traveling long distances.
• If a woman is menstruating, pregnant, or breastfeeding and fasting would cause her harm.

In these cases, a person can make up the missed fasts later or, if unable to fast at all (such as in chronic illness), they can give Fidya (charity) to feed a poor person for each missed fast. Always consult a knowledgeable scholar or doctor regarding health-related exemptions.

2. Praying Five Daily Prayers on Time

Salah (prayer) is the second pillar of Islam and remains obligatory during Ramadan, just as in any other month. However, Ramadan is a time to perfect your prayers by performing them with focus (Khushu) and sincerity.

• Ensure that you pray all five daily prayers on time.
• Strive to perform Sunnah and Nafl (voluntary) prayers for extra rewards.
• If you have missed prayers from the past, use Ramadan to make up for them.

The reward for Salah is multiplied in Ramadan, so do not miss this golden opportunity!

3. Performing Taraweeh and Night Prayers

During Ramadan, an additional night prayer called Taraweeh is performed after Isha. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever stands in prayer during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, all of their past sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih Bukhari: 37, Sahih Muslim: 759)

• Taraweeh is usually performed in congregation at the Masjid, but it can also be prayed at home.
• The Qiyam-ul-Layl (Tahajjud) prayer is also highly recommended, especially in the last ten nights.

The best nights of the year are found in the last ten nights of Ramadan, so increase your night worship during this time!

4. Seeking Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power)

Laylatul Qadr, also known as The Night of Decree, is the holiest night of the year, occurring within the last ten nights of Ramadan. Allah describes its significance in the Quran:

لَيْلَةُ ٱلْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌۭ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍۢ
(Surah Al-Qadr: 3)

Translation: “The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”

This means that one night of worship during Laylatul Qadr is equivalent to 83 years of worship!

What to Do on Laylatul Qadr?

• Increase in Dua (supplication), especially: اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
  “O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me.”
• Recite and reflect upon the Quran.
• Pray extra night prayers (Qiyam-ul-Layl).
• Give charity and do good deeds.

Since the exact night of Laylatul Qadr is unknown, it is best to seek it in all the last ten nights, particularly odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th).

5. Reading and Reflecting on the Quran

Ramadan is the month of the Quran, as it was first revealed during this blessed month. The Prophet ﷺ and his companions made it a habit to recite the entire Quran in Ramadan.

• Aim to complete at least one full reading of the Quran.
• If you cannot finish it, try to read a few pages daily with understanding.
• Listen to Tafsir (explanation) of the Quran to deepen your knowledge.

Even if you struggle with recitation, the Prophet ﷺ said:

“The one who recites the Quran fluently will be with the noble, pious scribes (angels). And the one who recites it with difficulty will have a double reward.” (Sahih Muslim: 798)

6. Giving Charity and Helping Those in Need

Charity is highly rewarded in Ramadan. The Prophet ﷺ was the most generous in this month, and he encouraged his followers to:

• Give Zakat (compulsory charity).
• Offer Sadaqah (voluntary charity) to the poor.
• Provide Iftar (food) for fasting people.

“Whoever provides food for a fasting person to break his fast, he will have a reward like theirs, without reducing from their reward in the slightest.” (Tirmidhi: 807)

7. Controlling Your Tongue and Behavior

Fasting is not just about avoiding food and drink, but also about controlling your speech and actions.

The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever does not give up false speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his fasting from food and drink.” (Sahih Bukhari: 6057)

Avoid:

• Lying, gossiping, backbiting.
• Arguing, fighting, and using foul language.

Instead, focus on kindness, patience, and humility.

Recite the Glorious Quran

Ramadan is the month in which the noble Quran was revealed, making it the perfect time to strengthen your connection with it. Without the Quran, Ramadan would be like a room without windows or light—completely dark. Therefore, strive to recite the Quran as much as possible during this blessed month.

If you plan to complete the entire Quran in Ramadan, check out this article for a step-by-step guide to help you achieve this goal.

Increase Voluntary Prayers

First and foremost, ensure that you perform all Fard (obligatory) prayers in Jam’ah (congregation), both during and beyond Ramadan. If you have struggled with consistency, let this Ramadan be your turning point.

In addition to the obligatory prayers, try to offer as many voluntary (Nafl) prayers as possible. The rewards of voluntary night prayers in Ramadan are immense. The Prophet ﷺ said:

مَنْ قَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ

Meaning: “Whoever stands (in voluntary night prayer) during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” [Sunan an-Nasa’i: 5027]

Charity and Zakat

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was known for his unmatched generosity, especially during Ramadan. Abdullah Ibn Abbas (R) narrated:

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ was the most generous of all people, and he was even more generous during the month of Ramadan when Jibril would meet him… The Prophet ﷺ would be more generous than strong winds (that bring rain and prosperity).” [Sahih al-Bukhari: 3220]

Giving charity during Ramadan is one of the most virtuous deeds. If you plan to give Zakat this month, you can use our online Zakat Calculator to determine the exact amount you owe.

Provide Iftar for Others

Earn double rewards by offering Iftar to those who are fasting. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“Whoever gives Iftar to a fasting person will have a reward like his, without reducing the fasting person’s reward in the slightest.”
[Sunan at-Tirmidhi: 807, Sunan Ibn Majah: 1746]

Invite friends and family to share an Iftar meal, and extend your generosity to neighbors as well. Supporting your local Masjid’s communal Iftar can also bring immense rewards.

Important Note: While hosting Iftar gatherings, avoid inappropriate social mixing and ensure the gathering remains spiritually uplifting.

Build Good Habits & Leave Bad Habits

Ramadan is the perfect time to cultivate good habits and eliminate bad ones. Use this month to:
✅ Pray Salah in congregation
✅ Recite the Quran daily
✅ Engage in acts of kindness
✅ Strengthen your connection with Allah

At the same time, strive to abandon:
❌ Smoking
❌ Backbiting & gossiping
❌ Lying & cursing
❌ Wasting time on phones & screens

The Prophet ﷺ said:

الصِّيَامُ جُنَّةٌ مَا لَمْ يَخْرِقْهَا (بكَذِبٍ أو غِيبةٍ)

Meaning: “Fasting is a shield, as long as it is not broken by lying or backbiting.” [Sunan an-Nasa’i: 2235]

Track your progress with our Ramadan Journal to make your journey more productive.

Be Kind to Those Under Your Care

Ramadan is a time to show compassion and kindness to everyone, including those who work under us. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever has a servant under his command should feed him with what he eats and clothe him with what he wears. Do not assign them tasks beyond their ability; if you do, then assist them.” [Sahih al-Bukhari: 30]

Make an effort to lighten the workload of your household staff, employees, or anyone under your care. Treating them with respect and fairness is an act of worship in itself.

Make Abundant Dua

Ramadan is a time when Allah forgives sins and accepts repentance. As believers, we should seize this opportunity to seek Allah’s mercy. The Prophet ﷺ said:

إِنَّ لِلَّهِ عُتَقَاءَ فِي كُلِّ يَوْمٍ وَلَيْلَةٍ يعني في رمضان

Meaning: “Indeed, Allah frees people from Hell every day and night in Ramadan.” [Musnad Ahmad: 7450]

Dedicate time daily to making Dua, asking for forgiveness, and strengthening your relationship with Allah.

Want to maximize your Duas this Ramadan? Check out our list of powerful Duas to recite throughout the month.

Take advantage of this opportunity by dedicating extra time to Taraweeh and Tahajjud. If you don’t usually offer Ishrak, Awwabin, or Duha prayers, make it a habit this Ramadan. Apart from the prohibited times, you can pray as many Nafl prayers as you wish throughout the day.

Ramadan is a golden opportunity for spiritual growth, self-purification, and earning immense rewards. Let’s make an effort to implement these good deeds and avoid distractions.

May Allah accept our fasting, prayers, and good deeds, and grant us the blessings of Laylatul Qadr. Ameen!