5 Hacks to Be Punctual for Prayers in Ramadan

The Holy month of Ramadan is upon us. It is time to forget worldly occupations and focus on prayer and supplication to gain Allah's favor. 

We tend to become so busy with our worldly affairs that turning towards Allah becomes an afterthought. Many of us do not even keep track of prayer times. 

It is important to become punctual in our prayers so we may not regret this later on. The goal is to make praying five times a day a habit, so you become punctual at it without even thinking about it.

Importance Of Being Punctual in Prayers

Salah, or the five daily prayers, form the basis of Islam. It is one of the five pillars of faith. The command for establishing the daily prayers was given when the Holy Prophet (SWT) went on the Night Journey. 

Allah says in the Quran, "Indeed, those who believe and do righteous deeds and establish prayer and give zakah will have their reward with their Lord, and there will be no fear concerning them, nor will they grieve." (2:277)

Being punctual in prayers is even more important in the month of Ramadan, which is a month full of Allah's blessings. 

According to Hazrat Abu Hurairah (RA), the Holy Prophet (SWT) said, "When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, and the gates of Hell are shut, and the devils are fettered."(Sunan an-Nasa'i 2097)

This clearly shows the importance of being punctual in prayers. Doing so in the month of Ramadan can increase the rewards manifold.

Five Hacks to Being Punctual in Prayer

Punctuality in prayer can be hard to achieve if you are not in the habit of praying five times a day already. However, it is not impossible. Here are five hacks to becoming punctual in prayers during the month of Ramadan:

1. Keep Track of Prayer Timings

In our daily life, it is hard to keep track of time. Many times, we miss prayer simply because we don't realize that the time for prayer has come and gone.

If you can keep track of prayer timings, then it is easier to stop whatever you are doing and offer prayer. One excellent way you can do this is by using the Muslim Pro application.

The application provides accurate prayer timings according to your location and gives alerts when the call to prayer takes place. Hence, making it easier to pray at accurate prayer times.  

2. Remain In a State Of Ablution

Performing the wudu or ablution is a requirement for every prayer. Many people report not praying due to laziness. When you are in a state of ablution, you are less likely to get lazy.

Since you have already done the ablution performing the prayer seems like the logical next step. The act of physical purification also drives away the devil that may tempt people from missing the prayer. 

One simple hack is to perform wudu every time you use the bathroom. You are already inside to cleanse yourself; you might as well get cleaned for prayer.

Even if you have just offered prayer and have to use the bathroom, remember to perform the ablution for the next prayer. This way, you are already preparing mentally and physically for the next prayer. 

3. Bring Your Prayer Mat Everywhere

If you have to go outside, then being prepared is a great hack. This means performing the ablution and bringing with you all the things you need to offer prayer.

Being outside the house should not be an excuse to miss prayer. Even if you are going to a place where prayer facilities are not available, you can be punctual and offer prayer.

The Holy Prophet (SWT) offered prayers even on the battlefield or during travel. Always carry a prayer mat so you can lay it down and offer prayer anywhere without delay. 

Many prayer mats are designed specifically for travel and can be easily carried as they are so compact. There are also many mobile applications that help you figure out the Qibla direction, so you know exactly where to face when offering prayers. 

4. Do Not Delay the Prayer

Once you hear the call to prayer, offer prayer. This is easier than it sounds, especially if you have followed the earlier hack of always being in a state of ablution.

Delaying the prayer only makes it harder. It is easier for laziness to set in and have excuses if you give it time. When you offer the prayer immediately, you are also preventing yourself from getting tempted by the devil. 

It is all about acting quickly and getting the task of performing the prayer out of the way. You can do this with all the five prayers. Even Isha prayer, which the Holy Prophet (SWT) used to pray just before going to bed. It is better to perform the prayer early rather than follow the Sunnah if you fear you might miss the prayer altogether.

5. Offer The Prayer with Meaning

Arabic is not the native language of the majority of Muslims. This is why wordings of the prayer are memorized.

Memorizing Arabic, however, is not enough. You must make an effort to learn the meaning behind each verse recited. 

This will help you with realizing the importance of prayer. Knowing the meaning will also help you get into the habit of making prayer more personal. 

You will be supplicating and seeking help from Allah rather than simply repeating words learned by heart.

Being Punctual in Prayer During Ramadan

The blessed month of Ramadan teaches us patience and steadfastness. It is the best time to become punctual in your prayers. 

It is not just about the increased rewards of offering prayers that make it easy to become regular during the month. Offering prayers during the month of Ramadan is made easier since the day is already centered around prayers. 

We wake up before the morning prayer, Fajr, to eat and drink. Once the call to prayer is heard, all eating and drinking stops and prayer is offered.

Similarly, the evening prayer, Maghrib, marks the end of the fast. The fast is broken, and prayers can be offered immediately after eating and drinking.

Tarawih prayer is also offered in the blessed month of Ramadan. This makes offering the night prayer, Isha, easier. 

Ramadan is the month of gathering the blessings of Allah and seeking forgiveness. It is the best month for forming the habit of becoming punctual in our prayers. Follow the five hacks mentioned to become regular in your prayers.