Ramadan isn’t just a month on the calendar—it’s a rhythm, a feeling, a shift in the air. The days feel slower, the nights somehow more alive, and everything in between is an invitation to reconnect—with God, with ourselves, and with each other.
Now, I’ve been through more Ramadans than I can count on both hands and feet (yes, I’m that old-school), and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: prayer during Ramadan hits different. It’s not just about fulfilling a duty. It’s a whole vibe—especially when your stomach’s rumbling at 6:30 p.m. and you’re trying to read your Qur’an with dry lips and a sleepy brain.
So, if you’re wondering how to pray during Ramadan and want something deeper than just a checklist, pull up a chair. Let’s talk.
How Do I Pray in Ramadan?
Let’s keep it real—praying during Ramadan is about more than ticking off five boxes a day. Sure, the five daily prayers (we’ll get to those in a sec) are non-negotiable, but the energy of this month calls for more.
There’s something about waking up before dawn for Suhoor (pre-fasting meal), hearing the quiet buzz of your family in the kitchen, and then standing in Fajr prayer with your breath still warm from tea. That moment? It’s like your soul is whispering, “I’m here. I’m listening.”
Ramadan gives us a unique spiritual momentum. You feel it especially after Iftar, when the dates are soft in your hand, the call to prayer echoes from every phone, and the world pauses. That’s the magic hour to really connect. That’s when Taraweeh comes in (we’ll get to that too).
It’s not about perfect pronunciation or memorizing the entire Qur’an in one go. Trust me, I once tried to do that back in 2010 with a group challenge—ended up with a headache and a humbled heart. What matters is showing up. Even if it’s clumsy. Even if you forget a verse. Even if your kids are bouncing off the walls mid-prayer.
Just. Keep. Showing. Up.
Is Taraweeh 8 or 20 Rakats?
Ah, the age-old debate that gets every masjid WhatsApp group buzzing around night 2 of Ramadan.
So here’s the scoop: Taraweeh is a special night prayer offered only during Ramadan. It’s a Sunnah (voluntary) prayer, meaning it’s highly recommended but not obligatory. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) used to pray 8 rakats. That’s the original blueprint.
But over time, many communities added more—up to 20 rakats. Not to make it harder, but to spend more time in prayer, especially since Ramadan nights are considered sacred. So if you hear someone say, “Our masjid does 20,” and another says, “Mine only does 8,” guess what? They’re both right.
Personally? I switch it up. Some nights I do 8 and savor every word. Other nights, when I’ve had three samosas too many and I’m trying to stay awake, I stick with 4 and do the rest later in my living room with a cozy blanket and Spotify playing Qur’an recitation in the background. It’s not about the number—it’s about the intention.
What Are the 5 Prayers for Ramadan?
The five daily prayers don’t change during Ramadan—they’re the same all year round:
- Fajr (before sunrise)
- Dhuhr (midday)
- Asr (afternoon)
- Maghrib (sunset)
- Isha (night)
What does change is how you feel during them.
I don’t know if it’s the fasting or the collective spirit of everyone praying at the same time, but even Dhuhr—usually the sleepy one for me—feels deeper during Ramadan. And Maghrib? That first bite of date followed by prayer? That’s a spiritual and sensory feast.
Pro tip: If you’re working or have a packed schedule, set gentle alarms for each prayer. I started doing that after missing Asr one too many times during a chaotic Ramadan in 2022, when work-from-home had me in a “just one more email” spiral. Spoiler: I still missed the prayer. But the alarm helped me catch up.
Making It Personal: My Ramadan Prayer Ritual
Everyone’s got their own way. Mine starts with lighting a little incense after Isha. Not too strong, just enough to make the room feel warm. I roll out my prayer mat, grab my old Qur’an with the coffee stains on page 7 (don’t ask), and try to be still.
I don’t always succeed. Sometimes my mind wanders. Sometimes I’m halfway through Surah Al-Mulk and realize I’m thinking about mango lassi.
But that’s okay.
Prayer for Ramadan doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be yours. Whisper a few personal duas after every prayer. Ask for strength, for peace, for that dream you’re quietly hoping for. And don’t forget to say thank you—even if your day was hard. Especially then.
What’s Trending This Ramadan?
In 2025, Ramadan’s vibe is tech-meets-tradition. TikTok’s full of creators sharing quick duas with subtitles. There are prayer tracker apps that feel like cozy bullet journals. And virtual Taraweeh streams from mosques around the world are helping folks who can’t make it out at night still feel part of the community.
I’ve been loving a podcast series that does a daily reflection on a verse of the Qur’an. I listen to it while prepping Suhoor, half-awake with toast in hand, and somehow it always sets my tone for the day.
Final Thoughts: Let It Be Real
Prayer during Ramadan isn’t supposed to feel like a burden or a performance. It’s a return. A reunion. A little quiet in the middle of noise.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or you’re just starting to figure this all out, remember—every time you stand, bow, or whisper a dua with a heart that means it, you’re exactly where you need to be.
So here’s my prayer for you: May your Ramadan be full of peace, purpose, and just the right number of samosas. May your prayers, however imperfect, bring you closer to something real.
And hey—if you’ve got a favorite dua or a quirky Ramadan habit (like sneaking a nap between Asr and Maghrib), drop it in the comments. I’d love to hear how you pray during Ramadan.