1)Excessive spending:
Ramadan should be a time to avoid being wasteful, and learning
to be prepared in facing harder times by distinguishing the needs
from the luxuries.
Unfortunately, many people go beyond their limits to spend during
Ramadan. Whether in the varieties of food that they savor each night,
or by the other types of spending.
2) Staying awake during the night and sleeping during the day:
Some people sleep during most of the day when they are fasting.
Ramadan is not a time of being lazy, and this does not allow the
full benefit from the experience of fasting. It is as if they have only
inverted their nights into days and vice versa.
In addition, some may spend a great portion of the night indulging in
eating and drinking and socializing.
3) Spending more time in socializing:
Because people invite each other more often during Ramadan they
do tend to spend more time socializing with friends, and relatives.
While it is a good deed to feed the fasting person, this should not
result in precious time lost in vain talk. Use the occasion for
remembering Allah (SWT) and offering additional prayers.
4) Reading Holy Quran too fast:
Some insist on finishing the whole Holy Quran once or more, even if
they have to read very fast. Although reading the Holy Quran
many times is desirable, this should not be done hastily, without
pondering upon its meaning.
Allah (SWT) said: "This is a Book which We have sent down to you,
full of blessings that they may ponder over its verses."
(Holy Quran 38:29)
5) Socializing in Itikaf:
Many people are eager to do Itikaf but some confine themselves in
the Masjid not to pray and worship Allah (SWT) but to talk and socialize.
The ways of doing good are numerous in Ramadan. Many people try to
perform more than they are able to. By going beyond their capabilities,
they end up not performing any deed in the desired way.
Scholars and Preachers should assume a more prominent role in educating
the people - both by talking to them and by giving the best example in
their behavior which should comply to the Shariah (Islamic Law) and
following the Sunnah.
The Muslim should realize that his priorities dictate that he does what
benefits him in the Hereafter and should not put worldly interests first.
The Muslim should apply himself to deepen his sense of following
the Sunnah of Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW), in every aspect of his life,
at all times and especially during the month of Ramadan.
This necessitates seeking more knowledge about the Fiqh of fasting and
its etiquette, assimilating the wisdom and goals of fasting, and
facilitating the means that allow all the Muslims to benefit from their fasting.
