It would be a halfhearted, incomplete endeavor to correct ourselves if we only keep a tap on what we are putting into our mouths (eating), and not controlling what we spew out of them (bad talk). There are several unnecessary activities that people indulge in, with the excuse of Ramadan season, that lead to opportunities for the Devil to strike. I love solitude, and I rarely feel alone, and I feel that over-mingling even in the most piously-themed days of Ramadan could lead to trouble. The Devil may be chained up in Hell, we know that, but his accomplices roam the earth. They are the very human beings who have minds plagued by the Devil's ill will. Shaytaan lives as malicious minds, souls, hearts, and tongues, of people around us.
Ladies always seem to be the core of nonsense. Apologies to all those who have taken this as a personal insult, but I speak the truth. I am a lady myself, and I know that not all women resort to gossip and slander, but the majority continues to be of those who have forgotten what Prophet Muhammad sal Allahu Aleyhi wasallam (peace and blessings upon him) has conveyed. He clearly informed that the majority of residents of Hell were women, the very reason why, and also highlighted the weaknesses of women. Feminist activists might present a hundred arguments throwing off the hadith that follow but I believe that there is no better brave and feminist who accepts what the divine word is about women's weakness and overcomes it!
The Prophet (saww) said, "I looked at Paradise and saw that the majority of its residents were the poor; and I looked at the (Hell) Fire and saw that the majority of its residents were women." Sahih al-Bukhari 5198
Also, he mentioned that women should pray more than men because the quality and quantity of their worship is lower in comparison.
Abdullah bin Omar narrated that the Prophet (saww) said:
"O womenfolk, you should give charity and ask much forgiveness for I saw you in bulk amongst the dwellers of Hell."
A wise lady among them said: "Why is it, Messenger of Allah, that our folk is in bulk in Hell?"
Upon this the Holy Prophet observed: "You curse too much and are ungrateful to your spouses. I have seen none lacking in common sense and failing in religion but (at the same time) robbing the wisdom of the wise, besides you."
Upon this the woman remarked: "What is wrong with our common sense and with religion?"
He (the Holy Prophet) observed: "Your lack of common sense (can be well judged from the fact) that the evidence of two women is equal to one man, that is a proof of the lack of common sense, and you spend some nights (and days) in which you do not offer prayer and in the month of Ramadan (during the days) you do not observe fast, that is a failing in religion."
The ultimate hubs of such gossip are Iftaar cum dinner parties (extravagant buffets, I tell you!). I have felt my ears melt away in shame as ladies indulge in worthless babble about Eid shopping (what they are wearing and what they think is out of fashion), family politics, the news on TV, and the list is endless. They are at it while they consume the most sought-after meal of the pious day - the Iftar. What they disregard is the time running out for Maghrib prayers, or Isha if their babble sessions are prolonged. What we spew out of our mouths can very well devour the merits of the worship we invest into our fast all day.
It would be a beautiful initiative to limit (not totally eliminate) social gatherings in favor of secluded worship (Itikaf). Women can designate a masjid area at home, preferably an isolated room secure from worldly distractions such as phones, TV, computer, and the like. Even thirty minutes spent in dedicated worship of Allah and His remembrance would qualify as Itikaf.
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