What are the things to do in Ramadan? 11 Good deeds in Ramadan!

Assalaamu Alaikum, my brothers and sisters in Islam. As we all know that we are in the blessed month of Ramadan, the month in which the doors of Allah’s forgiveness and mercy are wide open. Despite the blessings and mercy in this month, what are the things to do in Ramadan that will help us acquire these blessings, forgiveness, maximize our rewards and strengthen our relationship with Allah?

We should keep in mind that the essence of this blessed month goes beyond abstaining from food, drink, and sexual desire only. It is about increasing acts of worship, engaging in self-discipline, and deepening our faith. Allah says in the Quran:

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may attain Taqwa (God-consciousness).” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

Attaining Taqwa (mindfulness of Allah) is the core objective of Ramadan. This means being mindful of Allah in all aspects of our lives and striving to perform as many good deeds in Ramadan and beyond as much as possible. The Prophet (ﷺ) mentioned the importance of performing one’s fasting during this month very well by saying:

“Whoever fasts in Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Not only will the forgiveness of sin be one’s reward for observing one’s fasting very well, but a lot of unlimited rewards. Thus is because in Islam, every act of worship and kindness is multiplied in reward. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

Every deed of the son of Adam will be multiplied for him, between ten and seven hundred times for each merit. Allah said: ‘Except for fasting, for it is for Me and I shall reward for it.'”   (Sunan Ibn Majah, 3823)

With such great rewards, it is essential to know the things to do in Ramadan that will enable us to perfect our fasting very well, and a way to maximize our efforts in performing these good deeds in Ramadan. month.

1. Fasting With Sincerity  (Among the major things to do in Ramadan)

The primary act of worship in Ramadan is fasting from dawn to sunset. That is, abstaining from food, drink, sexual desires, and all forms of bad habits and seeking Allah’s pleasure by engaging in all forms of worship and good deeds.

However, the basis of a valid fasting is having a sincere niyyah (intention). We shouldn’t fast for people’s sake or because one doesn’t have what to eat in the day already and turn it to fasting. No, we are to fast in obedience to Allah’s command on us to fast. Before dawn, one must intend to fast for the sake of Allah, seeking His pleasure and reward. Without this intention, the fast is invalid. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“Actions are judged by intentions, and every person will get the reward according to what he intended.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Is it compulsory to make the Niyyah (intention) for fasting every night?

Yes, it is compulsory to make intention for fasting every night before dawn based on the hadith of our Prophet ﷺ which says that:

“Whoever does not have the intention to fast before dawn, there is no fasting for him.”    (Tirmidhi 730)

Al-Tirmidhi said, “The meaning of the above Hadith according to the people of knowledge is that one’s fast is invalid if one didn’t make the intention from the night before sunrise in Ramadan, or for making up a Ramadan fast, or fasting for a vow. The intention has to be made in one’s mind and not said out loud.

But for voluntary fasting, it is permissible to make an intention after morning; This is the opinion of Al-Shafi’i, Ahmad, and Ishaq.” (730)

2. Performing the Five Daily Prayers on Time with Nawafil (voluntary prayers)

One of the major things to do in Ramadan is observing our Solah (prayers) at the right time. As we all know that Solah (prayer) is the second pillar of Islam and the backbone of a Muslim’s faith. It serves as a direct connection between us and Allah. This makes Ramadan a time to strengthen our relationship with Allah through consistency in our Solah and praying them at their due time.

It was narrated that ‘Abdullah bin Mas’ud said: “I asked the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) which action is most beloved to Allah? He said: ‘Establishing prayer on time, (Sunan an-Nasa’i, 611)

“The Messenger of Allah also (ﷺ) said: ‘You may live to meet people who will be offering the prayer outside its (prayer) time. If you meet them, then offer the prayer on time, then pray with them and make that a voluntary prayer.   (Sunan an-Nasa’i, 779)

Ramadan is an excellent opportunity to establish a consistent prayer routine, and among the good deeds in Ramadan is engaging in additional Nawafil (voluntary prayers) such as Taraweeh or Tahajjud, and other Nawafil (voluntary prayers) like the Sunan Al Rowatib, Duha, and many more.

3. Reciting and Understanding the Qur’an

We all know that Ramadan is often referred to as the “Month of the Qur’an” because it was during this blessed month that the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). The Prophet (ﷺ) used to review the entire Quran with Jibreel (Gabriel) every Ramadan. This makes it one of the good deeds in Ramadan that one should engage in. The reward of reciting the Quran is great itself, and what about reading it in Ramadan?

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: “Whoever recites a letter from the Book of Allah, he will receive a reward, and the reward will be multiplied tenfold. I do not say that ‘Alif-Lam-Meem’ is a letter, but ‘Alif’ is a letter, ‘Lam’ is a letter, and ‘Meem’ is a letter.” (Riyad as-Salihin, 999)

The Qur’an was revealed as guidance, not just for recitation but for reflection and action. Take time to ponder over the verses you recite. Ask yourself: What is Allah teaching me through this verse? How can I apply this lesson in my life? The Quran says,

Allah says, “O mankind, there has come to you a counsel from your Lord and a healing for what is in the breasts and a guidance and mercy for the believers.” (Quran 10:57).

“Then do they not reflect upon the Quran, or are there locks upon [their] hearts?” (Quran 47:24).

We should read, ponder on its meaning while reading it if we are able to, or listen to Tafsir from scholars explaining the verses of our Lord to us. We can read more on the virtues of the Quran here.

Setting a Daily Qur’an Reading Goal

1. Start Small and Be Realistic
   If you’re new to Quran recitation, start with a manageable goal, such as one page or one ayat a day. Gradually increase your target as you build consistency.

2. Divide the Quran into Daily Portions
   To complete the Quran in Ramadan, you can divide it into 30 equal parts (juz’), which means reciting one juz’ per day. Each juz’ is approximately 20 pages long. For those who can read more should divide it more.

3. Use a Quran App or Planner
   Many apps and planners are designed to help you track your Quran reading progress. These tools can provide reminders and keep you motivated. One of the best apps you can use is the DeenMinder App.

4. Praying Taraweeh or Qiyamul-Layl (Night Prayers)

Ramadan is a month of heightened devotion, and one of its most special acts of worship is praying at night. Taraweeh or Qiyam-ul-Layl (night prayers) is of the good things to do in Ramadan that offer a chance to seek Allah’s mercy, strengthen our connection with Him, and earn immense rewards. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said,

“Whoever spends the nights of Ramadan in prayer (Qiyam) out of faith and in the hope of reward, he will be forgiven his previous sins” (Sunan an-Nasa’i, 2206).

What makes the night prayer one of the good deeds in Ramadan is because its reward is interwoven with Fasting. We should know that Taraweeh is the Qiyamul layl too, but one can pray Taraweeh after Isha prayer and then stand up during the night to increase more of it as Qiyamul layl.

While Taraweeh can be prayed individually, it is highly recommended to pray in congregation at the mosque. The Prophet (ﷺ) initially led the companions in Taraweeh prayers but later stopped out of concern that it might become obligatory. However, he said,

“Whoever prays Qiyam with the Imam until he finishes, Allah (SWT) will record for him the Qiyam of a (whole) night” (Sunan an-Nasa’i, 1605).

Observing night prayers in Ramadan is a golden opportunity to seek Allah’s pleasure. Whether it’s Taraweeh at the mosque, Tahajjud at home, or both, use these moments to increase your faith, connect with the Qur’an more, and make duas around these moments. The Prophet (ﷺ) said,

“The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying: Our Lord who is blessed and exalted descends every night to the lowest heaven when the last one-third of the night remains, and says: Who supplicated Me so that I may answer him ? Who asks of Me so that I may give to him ? Who asks My forgiveness so that I may forgive him’” (Sunan Abi Dawud, 1315).

Observing Qiyamul layl or Taraweeh is one of the good deeds in Ramadan that could earn one Allah’s forgiveness, mercy and His pleasure. This is one of the major things to do in Ramadan and be consistent with it due to the great rewards attached to it.

5. Making Sincere Dua and Dhikr (Remembrance of Allah)

Dua and Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) are among the best things to do in Ramadan, because it is a month when duas are accepted more than ever. This is a time when Allah’s mercy overflows, and sincere supplications are answered. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“There are three whose supplication is not rejected: The fasting person when he breaks his fast, the just leader, and the supplication of the oppressed person;  (Tirmidhi, 3598)

The remembrance of Allah is one of the best good deeds in Ramadan that could make Allah remember us too. We should moisten our tongue with a lot of Adhkar like Astaghfirullah, SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illallah, Allahu Akbar, SubhanAllahi wa bihamdihi, SubhanAllahi al Adheemi and many more. Allah says:

“Remember Me, and I will remember you.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:152)

Best Times to Make Dua in Ramadan include:

1. Before breaking the fast (Iftar) 
2. During Suhoor
3. In the last third of the night
4. During prostration (Sujood)
5. On Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree)

6. Giving Sadaqah (Charity) and Helping the Needy

One of the best things to do in Ramadan is giving Sadaqah (charity) for the less privileged, poor, and the needy. Charity is one of the most beloved acts of worship in Islam, and its significance is magnified during the blessed month of Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was known to be the most generous, but in Ramadan, his generosity would increase even more. Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنه) said:

“The Prophet (ﷺ) was the most generous person, and he used to become more so (generous) particularly in the month of Ramadan because Gabriel used to meet him every night of the month of Ramadan till it elapsed. Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) used to recite the Qur’an for him. When Gabriel met him, he used to become more generous than the fast wind in doing good.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 4997)

Giving charity is one of the best good deeds in Ramadan that can maximise one’s reward in this blessed month. Allah says:

The example of those who spend their wealth in the way of Allah is like a seed that grows seven spikes; in each spike is a hundred grains. And Allah multiplies [His reward] for whom He wills.” (Quran 2:261)

The Different Forms of Charity to Engage in Ramadan

• Sadaqah (Voluntary Charity)
• Feeding the hungry
• Donating money to those in need (orphans, widows, and the poor).
• Providing food for the fasting (iftar sponsorships, distributing dates and water).
• Helping family and neighbors with their needs.
• Giving Islamic books or Qur’ans to those who want to learn about Islam.
• Supporting masjids and dawah organizations.

What Are The Benefits of Charity 

• Multiplied rewards
• Protection from the Hellfire
• Purification of one’s wealth and soul
• Brings barakah (blessings) in wealth

Giving generously and helping others is one of the best things to do in Ramadan. Whether it’s through Zakat, Sadaqah, or simply feeding a fasting person, every act of charity increases our rewards and brings us closer to Allah. Even small contributions can make a huge impact—so take this opportunity to give sincerely and abundantly based on your capacity.

7. Controlling Your Tongue – Avoiding Gossip and Backbiting

Fasting during Ramadan is not merely about abstaining from food, drink, and sexual desires alone but also includes disciplining the tongue, heart, and soul. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“Whoever does not give up false speech and evil deeds while fasting, then Allah is not in need of him having left his food and drink.” (Bukhari)

Among the things to do in Ramadan is controlling our tongue by avoiding gossip, backbiting, and harmful speech, and also abstaining from evil actions like stealing and the likes, thus we can ensure that our fasts are accepted and that we emerge from Ramadan with purified hearts and good character.

Common Sins of the Tongue to Avoid While Fasting

1. Backbiting (gheebah) – Speaking about someone’s faults behind their back.
2. Slander (buhtan) – Spreading false accusations about others.
3. Lying
4. Cursing and swearing
5. Arguing and fighting

How to Control the Tongue During Ramadan

1. Think before speaking and don’t be too quick
2. Engage in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah) with SubhanAllah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illAllah, Allahu Akbar.
3. Read Qur’an instead of wasting time in idle talk
4. Make dua for others instead of talking about them
5. Stay silent if there’s nothing good to say

By controlling our tongue, we can preserve our Fast and gain more rewards. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

“The Prophet; said, “A slave (of Allah) may utter a word which pleases Allah without giving it much importance, and because of that Allah will raise him to degrees (of reward): a slave (of Allah) may utter a word (carelessly) which displeases Allah without thinking of its gravity and because of that he will be thrown into the Hell-Fire.”” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 6478)

Ramadan is a time of self-purification, and the tongue plays a major role in that process. By avoiding gossip, lying, backbiting, slandering, and arguments, and filling our speech with dhikr, Qur’an, and good words, we preserve our fast and earn massive rewards.

8. Strengthening Family Ties and Reconnecting with Loved Ones

Among the best good deeds in Ramadan is rebuilding relationships, mending broken ties, and strengthening family bonds. Ramadan is the perfect time to put aside pride, anger, and resentment and replace them with love, kindness, and unity. If you have broken ties with family members, take the first step in reaching out—even if it is just a simple message of Assalaamu alaykum.

Ways to Strengthen Family Bonds in Ramadan

1. Call or visit your relatives
2. Forgive past grievances and misunderstandings
3. Break your fast together and spend quality time together
4. Help your parents and siblings in some of their affairs
5. Teach Islam to family members and younger relatives with Islamic values, stories, and lessons.
6. Give charity to relatives in need
7. Pray for your family, parents, siblings, and extended family.

Ramadan is a time of renewal, forgiveness, and compassion. By reconnecting with your loved ones and strengthening family ties, we can earn Allah’s pleasure. Let this year Ramadan be a time to mend broken relationships, show kindness to family members, and create lasting memories with them. May Allah bless our families, strengthen our bonds, and grant us the highest levels of Jannah. Aameen.

9. Feeding People – A Reward Like Fasting!

One of the greatest good deeds in Ramadan is feeding those who are fasting, whether they are your family, friends, or the less fortunate. The reward for feeding a fasting person is equal to the reward of the one who fasted, without diminishing the fasting person’s reward. This makes it a unique opportunity to multiply your good deeds, as the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

“Whoever feeds a fasting person will have a reward like his, without reducing the reward of the fasting person in the slightest.” (Tirmidhi 807)

Ways to Feed People in Ramadan

1. Donate food packs, cook meals, or give money to organizations that provide Iftar.
2. Invite others for Iftar in your Home
3. Contribute to the community Iftars by donating food, money, dates, or drinks.
4. Sponsor an Iftar meal through a charity or a local masjid.
5. Distribute dates and water personally

Feeding people is one of the good things to do in Ramadan because it is an act of worship that brings massive rewards. Whether you donate, cook, or distribute food, every meal you provide increases your rewards and blessings. Don’t miss the chance to feed a fasting person during Ramadan.

10. Avoid Time-Wasting Activities and Attend Islamic Lectures

Ramadan is a precious gift, a month filled with limitless blessings, mercy, and forgiveness. But unfortunately, many people waste their valuable time in distractions instead of engaging in beneficial acts of worship. To truly benefit from Ramadan, avoid distractions like the following:

• Excessive social media: Hours can be wasted on Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube. Use your time wisely instead.
• Excessive TV and Entertainment: Cut down on watching TV shows, movies, or other forms of entertainment during Ramadan
• Unnecessary gossip & chatter: Engaging in idle talk, arguments, or meaningless conversations can lead to sins like backbiting and lying.
• Oversleeping: While rest is necessary, excessive sleeping wastes the precious opportunity to engage in worship to earn rewards.

One of the good things to do in Ramadan is attending Islamic lectures and reading Islamic books. Many mosques and Islamic centers offer daily or weekly lectures during Ramadan. Attend these lectures to learn about Tafsir (Quranic exegesis), Hadith, Fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence), and other important topics.

If you’re unable to attend lectures in person, take advantage of online resources. Many scholars and organizations offer free lectures and courses on platforms like YouTube, podcasts, and Islamic websites. By cutting down on distractions and focusing on knowing more about the Deen, you can deepen your understanding of Islam, strengthen your faith, and draw closer to Allah.

11. Performing I’tikaf in the Last 10 Days and Seeking Laylatul Qadr

The last ten days of Ramadan are among the most blessed and spiritually significant times of the year. Seeking Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Decree) is among the good deeds in Ramadan specifically during the last ten nights. Among the things to do in Ramadan is performing I’tikaf during the last ten days. I’tikaf—a special form of devotion where one secludes themselves in the masjid, dedicating time solely to Allah.

What is I’tikaf?

I’tikaf is seclusion in the masjid with the intention of dedicating oneself to worship. The purpose is to detach from worldly concerns and focus entirely on prayer, Qur’an recitation, dhikr (remembrance of Allah), and seeking forgiveness.

Aisha (رضي الله عنها) reported: The Prophet (ﷺ) used to observe I’tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until he passed away, and then his wives continued to observe it after him. (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2026)

Benefits of Performing I’tikaf

1. Deepens your connection with Allah
2. Increases your Khushu’ (C\concentration in worship): Free you from distractions, allowing you to focus entirely on prayers, reciting the Quran, seeking forgiveness and making dua.
3. Maximizes the search for Laylatul Qadr: By staying in I’tikaf, you ensure you don’t miss the Night of Decree.

Seeking Laylatul Qadr – The Night of Decree

Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree) is greater than a thousand months (83+ years of worship)! It is a night where angels descend, sins are erased, and duas are accepted as Allah says:

“Laylatul Qadr is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit (Jibreel) descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter.” (Surah Al-Qadr 97:3-4)

The exact night is unknown, but our Prophet (ﷺ) advised us to search for it in the odd nights of the last ten days (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th). The recommended dua to keep saying for Laylatul Qadr is:

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌّ تُحِبُّ العَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي
Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa, fa’fu ‘anni.
(O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me.) (Sunan Ibn Majah, 3850)

The last ten days of Ramadan are a golden opportunity to seek more of Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and blessings. By performing I’tikaf and dedicating yourself to worship during these nights, you can surely coincide with Laylatul Qadr and emerge from Ramadan with a purified heart and soul.

Ramadan is a priceless opportunity to renew our faith, increase our good deeds, and seek Allah’s mercy. Let’s make every moment count by fasting with the right intention, praying on time, reading the Qur’an, making dua, giving charity, and improving our character.

May Allah accept all our worship and grant us the ability to continue the good habits we developed in Ramadan throughout the year. May we leave this Ramadan better than we entered it. Aameen!

Taqabbalallahu minna wa minkum (May Allah accept it from us and you all)