During Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting, prayer, reflection and community. Certain behaviours and actions are considered inappropriate or go against the spirit of this holy month. Ramadan is a way for Muslims to wipe away their sins and bad deeds. It is also a month of forgiveness. Muslims believe the Shaitaan (Devil) is locked away during the 30 days and nights of Ramadan. This helps prevent wrongdoing during the holy month. Here are ten things Muslims avoid during Ramadan:

1. Eating or Drinking During Fasting Hours

Fasting from dawn to sunset is a core principle of Ramadan. Eating or drinking during these hours breaks the fast unless there is a valid reason, such as illness or travel.

The fast is seen as a way to purify the soul and build empathy for those who are less fortunate. It also strengthens one's relationship with God. Ramadan is also a time for increased prayer, reflection and charity.

Some people are exempt from fasting, including:

• Those who are ill

• Pregnant or nursing women

• Menstruating women

• Those who are travelling

Children typically begin fasting once they reach puberty. However, some may start earlier by fasting gradually.

2. Engaging in Gossip Or Backbiting

Ramadan is a time for spiritual growth. Speaking badly about others or engaging in gossip harms relationships. It can also take away the rewards of fasting. Gossip and backbiting during Ramadan are not only discouraged but also go against the principles of the holy month.

Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, greater devotion and self-discipline. Muslims focus on purifying their souls and avoiding actions that can harm themselves or others.

3. Arguing Or Getting Angry

Maintaining patience is crucial during Ramadan. Arguments and conflicts can disturb the peace of the month. Losing your temper also goes against the purpose of self-control.

During Ramadan, emotions and behaviours can sometimes become stronger due to fasting, lack of sleep and increased worship and self-reflection.

It's important to remember that Ramadan is a time for:

• Spiritual growth

• Self-discipline

• Practising patience and tolerance

Getting angry or arguing during this month can make these goals harder to achieve.

4. Overindulging in Food After Iftar

After breaking the fast (Iftar), it's important to avoid overeating. Eating in moderation and taking care of your health follow the principles of Ramadan.

Eating too much after Iftar is common during Ramadan. After fasting for a long day, it can be tempting to eat more than usual. However, overeating can lead to physical problems, including:

• Indigestion

• Bloating

• Feeling sluggish

5. Neglecting Prayers (Salah)

Fasting is accompanied by increased devotion to prayer. Missing obligatory prayers or neglecting voluntary prayers, such as Taraweeh, reduces the spiritual benefits of Ramadan.

Neglecting Salah (prayer) during Ramadan is a serious issue in Islam. Salah is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims must maintain their prayers, especially during Ramadan. This month holds great spiritual importance.

Remember, Ramadan is not just about fasting from food and drink. It is also about building a stronger relationship with Allah through worship and obedience.

6. Using Offensive Language or Swearing

Words matter, and Ramadan is about improving one's character. Using inappropriate language or swearing during this time goes against the spirit of the month.

Using offensive language during Ramadan is considered inappropriate. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught that Muslims should purify their bodies, hearts and minds during Ramadan.

This includes:

• Maintaining good manners

• Speaking kindly

• Avoiding actions that harm the physical or spiritual aspects of fasting

Swearing or using offensive language goes against this goal of self-purification.

7. Engaging in Excessive Social Media Use

Spending too much time on social media can distract from the spiritual goals of Ramadan. These include reflection, prayer and Quran recitation.

Excessive social media use during Ramadan can create several challenges. Ramadan is a time for reflection, spiritual growth and self-discipline.

Too much screen time can interfere with these goals in several ways:

• Distracts you from worship and reflection

• Reduces the quality of rest

• Increases negative comparisons

• Causes mental fatigue

8. Smoking or Using Tobacco

Just as eating and drinking are prohibited during the fast, smoking also breaks the fast. It should therefore be avoided during fasting hours in Ramadan.

Smoking or using tobacco is generally considered impermissible (haram) for Muslims, and smoking breaks the fast. Fasting requires Muslims to avoid eating, drinking and activities such as smoking from dawn until sunset.

Many Islamic scholars also highlight the harmful health effects of smoking. This further discourages its use, especially during Ramadan, when spiritual and physical purification are encouraged.

9. Skipping Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal)

The pre-dawn meal, suhoor, is essential for providing energy throughout the fasting day. Skipping it may make fasting more difficult. Suhoor is also an important Sunnah (tradition).

Skipping suhoor during Ramadan is generally not recommended. It provides essential food and hydration to help you maintain your fast throughout the day.

While it's possible to fast without suhoor, doing so can make fasting harder. You may feel more tired or dehydrated.

10. Being Disrespectful to Others

Showing kindness and respect to family, neighbours and strangers is essential. Disrespecting others or being inconsiderate goes against the spirit of Ramadan.

During Ramadan, a month of fasting observed by Muslims, it's especially important to practise patience, kindness and respect toward others.

Being disrespectful during this month can negatively affect relationships and spiritual growth.

Staying mindful of these guidelines helps make Ramadan a time of true reflection, self-control and a stronger connection with Allah.