Ramadan is a time of rules and regulations- but this does not preclude having a fulfilling and joyful Holy Month- and there are certainly benefits to be gained this month.
Ramadan is a time for practicing self-restraint. The order of the month is piety and sobriety with less pleasures of flesh than ordinarily enjoyed. Because if you can refrain from your lawful pleasures for God's sake, with full freedom to do so, it would be easier for you to stop doing what is unlawful and forbidden.
As stressed in the Holy Quran, fasting is basically prescribed on Muslims to learn piety and righteousness. “Fasting provides us with motivation, self-control and firm will to give up bad manners and habits, otherwise such a vital worship will turn futile,” said Imam of Al Faruq Masjid Shaikh Mohammed Al Arabi.
While it is seen to be a time when economic productivity may drop, the true manner in which it should be practiced ought to allow for focus and productivity in the day-light hours, when the mind is not distracted from temptations of the flesh.
When a Muslim fasts, all his organs fast too. "I mean his tongue should fast, i.e. he should not backbite or lie, for example. His eyes should not look at what Allah obligates as forbidden. His legs should not walk to places where such a person would commit a sin, etc…", according to a Muslim scholar. "Since Allah is the Creator of Man, then He is the best One to know what is beneficial for him and what makes him develop to the better. When a person fasts from dawn to sunset, he/she abstains from food and drink, along with sexual intercourse if he/she is married. Thus, he stops eating or drinking what is lawful, in obedience to his Creator and he/she would be the one who gets the benefit too."
The above display of Ramadan Do's and Don't's is not an idiot's guide nor a Wiki-How to do Ramadan; instead it touches on some of the points that you may already know of, adding some creative ideas for how you can 'get it right' this Ramadan if you're practicing the Holy Month, or else better understand or even support your neighbors who are.
Reminder of Ramadan terms:
Iftar: The meal taken to break the fast at sun-down.
Suhoor: The traditionally light meal taken late night or early hours before starting the fast, from dawn.
