During Ramadan, we do more ibadat to gain Taqwa — get closer to Allah (SWT) and be more aware of Him.
We increase our worship through various means — we perform more sunnah prayers, recite more Quran, take part in the congregation Taraweeh prayer, and remember Allah more through Dhikr.
Here are just some of the things you can do during Ramadan to gain more Taqwa.
Taraweeh
Taraweeh prayer is one of those cherished prayers during Ramadan. It’s a congregational prayer exclusive to the month. You can watch Taraweeh prayers live from Makkah on Islam Channel, every night during Ramadan.
Abū Hurayra reported that The Prophet (SAW) said “He who observed the night prayer in Ramaḍan because of faith and seeking his reward (from Allah), all his previous sins would be forgiven.” (Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 759b).
Attending Taraweeh every night means you get the opportunity to hear the Quran in its entirety.
Reciting and reading the Quran is highly recommended during Ramadan — after all the Quran was revealed in the holy month. It’s one of the best ways to develop your relationship with Allah and is an obvious source of guidance and light.
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for guidance and the criterion.” (Quran 2:185)
Read: 6 ways the Quran will help you reach the top
The last ten nights and Laylat al-Qadr
As beneficial as all prayers are during Ramadan, any recited on Laylat al-Qadr receives the most reward — it’s the actual night Prophet Muhammad (SAW) received the first revelation of the Quran.
The Quran says Laylat al-Qadr is equivalent to 1,000 months — that’s 83.3 years. So, the importance of prayer and devotion on this night is unimaginable.
It falls on one of the odd nights in the last ten days of Ramadan. Although some people prefer the 27th, no one knows for certain, which is why it’s encouraged to increase worship in all the last ten nights.
Mosques try to complete the recitation of the Quran on Laylat al-Qadr. And most people spend the nights in salah, dhikr, reciting the Quran, listening to religious talks and making lots of dua.
“We sent it down on the Night of Glory. What will explain to you what that Night of Glory is? The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months; on that night the angels and the Spirit descend again and again with their Lord’s permission on every task; [there is] peace that night until the break of dawn.” (Quran 97:1-5).
Dhikr
Although this is not unique to Ramadan, many people increase dhikr during the month.
It’s one of those forms of worship that you can do whilst getting on with your daily life – that’s the beauty of it. You can for example do it as you’re driving, waiting in line or when preparing the evening meal.
It’s an excellent way to strengthen your relationship with Allah – as the remembrance makes you depend on Him more. The more you praise and glorify Allah, the more He loves you.
And remembering Allah soothes the heart, so whenever you’re feeling anxious, stressed or nervous — take a moment out and do dhikr.
“Verily, in the remembrance of Allah do hearts find rest” (Quran 13:28).
