As #RamadanDailyDigest examines the already done and dusted Ramadan Day 10, and approaches the next Ramadan Day, it should be noted that a large number of Muslims have now become consistent with fasting. Hunger is manageable.
The daily rhythm feels familiar. On the other hand, Ramadan is not only about abstaining from food and drink. It is about strengthening the connection with Allah through prayer (Salah).
Fasting without prayer weakens the spiritual impact of Ramadan. Prayer elevates it.
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Let us explore why prayer in Ramadan is important, powerful, and transformative beyond fasting.
We would analyse why Fasting and Prayer are like conjoined twins in the sacred month of Ramadan.
Fasting and Prayer: A Divine Connection
Allah says in the Glorious Qur'an (2:45):
“Seek help through patience and prayer…”
Scholars of Islam explain that patience here includes fasting. Notice how Allah pairs fasting with prayer. They are complementary acts of worship.
Fasting purifies the body. Prayer purifies the soul.
Without Salah, fasting risks becoming physical endurance rather than spiritual elevation. Just as without Du'a (supplications), the spiritual life of a Muslim could nosedive.
Prayer Is the Foundation of Islam as Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated:
“The first matter that the servant will be brought to account for on the Day of Judgment is the prayer.” (Tirmidhi graded this Hadith authentic)
This Hadith reminds us that prayer holds the highest daily priority.
While fasting is obligatory during Ramadan, the five daily prayers remain the backbone of faith (Eeman). Missing prayer while fasting contradicts the purpose of spiritual growth.
The holy month of Ramadan is a gateway that gives us the chance to amend and strengthen our commitment to Salah.
You should not be ashamed to ask questions on how to perform the five daily prayers if you have difficulty observing them individually, as you might miss congregational prayers at times. Knowledge rules in Islam!
The Special Status of Prayer in Ramadan
Ramadan enhances every good deed, including prayer.
1. Increased Reward
Every voluntary act in Ramadan carries multiplied reward. When you pray extra Sunnah prayers, the spiritual return is greater than in any other month.
2. Taraweeh Prayer
One of Ramadan’s most beloved traditions is Taraweeh - the night prayer performed after Isha.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Whoever stands (in prayer) during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
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This Hadith alone shows that night prayer in Ramadan is a gateway to forgiveness.
Beyond Fasting: Why Prayer Completes the Experience
Many people focus heavily on fasting but neglect prayer consistency.
Yet fasting without Salah is incomplete spiritually.
What Prayer does includes:
1. Strengthens discipline.
2. Guards against sin.
3. Builds humility.
4. Increases mindfulness.
5. Elevates Du’a.
6. Helps maintain the bond of Islamic brotherhood.
Allah says in the Glorious Qur’an 29:45:
“Indeed, prayer restrains from shameful and unjust deeds.”
If fasting trains self-control, prayer reinforces moral behaviour.
The Spiritual Psychology of Salah in Ramadan
During fasting hours, the body feels weakness. At prayer time, especially in sujood (prostration), the heart feels strength.
Sujood is the closest position a servant is to Allah. The Prophet of Allah ﷺ stated:
“The closest a servant is to his Lord is while he is in prostration, so increase supplication therein.” (Muslim related this Hadith)
Ramadan amplifies this closeness of a servant to Allah.
Standing in Taraweeh after a day of fasting creates a powerful combination: Physical sacrifice + spiritual devotion.
Practical Ways to Improve Prayer beyond Ramadan Day 10
Beyond Ramadan Day 10, motivation may fluctuate. Here are practical steps to stay consistent as you hit Ramadan Day 11:
1. Pray All Five Daily Prayers on Time
Set alarms if needed. Organise work around prayer times. Discipline strengthens faith.
2. Focus on Quality, Not Just Quantity
Slow down recitation. Reflect on meanings. Avoid rushing.
3. Attend Taraweeh Regularly
Even if you cannot complete all units, attend consistently.
4. Add Voluntary Prayers
* Sunnah prayers before and after obligatory Salah.
* Tahajjud in the last third of the night.
5. Make Du’a in Sujood
Ramadan is the month of accepted supplications.
The Role of Congregational Prayer
The Prophet of Islam ﷺ emphasised praying in congregation, particularly in the mosque for a male Muslim.
What Praying in congregation does includes:
* Builds unity.
* Increases motivation.
* Multiplies reward (27 times more than praying alone).
Even praying in congregation at home with family increases spiritual atmosphere.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Ramadan
1. Fasting but neglecting Salah.
2. Praying quickly without focus.
3. Treating Taraweeh as optional entertainment rather than as an act of worship.
4. Prioritizing social gatherings over Maghrib or Isha.
Ramadan is not only about hunger management. It is about spiritual alignment.
Ramadan Day 10 Reflection taught us to ask the following questions:
* Have I improved my Salah since Ramadan Day 1?
* Do I feel closer to Allah during prayer?
* Am I using Ramadan to build a lasting prayer habit?
The first ten days of Ramadan are days of mercy. Prayer invites that mercy into our lives.
Building Habits Beyond Ramadan
One of the greatest benefits of Ramadan is habit formation.
If you establish:
* On-time Salah
* Regular Taraweeh
* Night prayer
* Focused Du’a
These above stated habits can continue after Ramadan ends. The objective of Ramadan is not temporary devotion but permanent transformation.
Prayer Is the Soul of Ramadan
Fasting disciplines the body. Prayer elevates the spirit. Without prayer, Ramadan loses depth. With prayer, Ramadan becomes life-changing.
As we have said goodbye to Ramadan Day 10, and would say the same to the remaining 19 or 20 days left with the mercy of Allah, let us remember:
* Ramadan is not just about what we give up, but about what we build.
* The greatest thing we build is our connection to Allah through Salah.
* Because beyond fasting lies the true essence of Ramadan, standing before our Lord in humble, sincere prayer.
We pray to Allah to give us steadfastness and consistency in our five daily prayers, Aameen!
#RamadanDailyDigest is an exclusive content written by Oladele Hakeem Olaniyan and published by Naijaloveinfo during the month of Ramadan.
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