Seerat Shahina
March 28th, 2021
Blessings of Ramadan
Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year in Islamic culture. Ramadan is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (Sawm). 'Sawm' is one of the five pillars of Islam. Ordained in the Holy Qur'an, the fast is an act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a richer perception of God. Fasting is also an exercise in self-control, patience, sacrifice, and empathy whereby one's sensitivity is heightened to the sufferings of the poor.
Muslims fast for 29/30 days; this can vary each year, depending on the lunar calendar. The fast begins at dawn and ends at sunset. Another significance of this month is the act of fasting itself.
Every healthy person should spend this month in fasting, but if anyone is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period should be made up later.
Fasting inculcates self-restraint and self-control as the person fasting does not only have to abstain from food and drink, but one must also refrain from many other things: for example, backbiting, gossiping, fighting, using foul language, sinful behavior, etc. Ramadan is the month of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship. Muslims observe I’tikaaf (staying in the mosque for worship) in the Ramadan especially in the last 10 days of this Holy month.
The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said
‘’O People! The month of Allah has come with His mercies and blessings. This is the month that is the best of all months in the eyes of Allah. Its days are the best of days, its nights are the best of nights, its hours are the best of hours’’.
Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him), reported that Allah's Messenger (mercy of the worlds, peace be upon him) said
‘’When there comes the month of Ramadan, the gates of mercy are opened, and the gates of Hell are locked and the devils are chained’’. (Al-Bukhari)
Fasting is one of the best ways to attain Taqwa. The Arabic word Taqwa means forbearance, fear and abstinence, in general, by not indulging in things that Allah forbids. The Qur'an has used the word taqwa to mean consciousness of Allah, fear of Allah, worship of Allah, sincerity in faith and avoidance of disobedience to Allah. Taqwa requires observing the commands of Allah Almighty. Fasting teaches how to control and discipline this desire. Controlling one`s self to avoid that which is forbidden is the essence of taqwa. Fasting builds the base of taqwa if it is done in the right way.
Fasting has been prescribed upon you as it has been prescribed upon those before you, so that you may attain taqwa." 2:183
Good deeds will be rewarded in abundance. A person who does not receive the mercy and benevolence of Allah Almighty is most unfortunate. Allah subhanahu Wa Ta'ala has mentioned, patience more than seventy times in the Qur’an. Fasting with its true sprit teaches patience and makes a person strong-willed who can follow the Quran and the Sunnah in right spirit.
Ramadan is special for Muslims because during this month the Quran was revealed for the first time. The revelation of Quran meant that the Prophet’s mission as the last messenger had begun. The Holy Book is a source of spiritual guidance for humanity.
“Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur´an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment, Between right and wrong.’’ 2:185
Holy Quran covers every aspect of human conduct and behavior. It is a manual for every day. It is highly recommended to read and study the Holy Quran and to share with others particularly in Ramadan. Quran recitation provides an opportunity of great rewards in this life and hereafter, besides training one to become regular in reciting Quran during rest of the year.
Laylat al Qadr (the Night of Power) is considered the holiest night of the year. It is generally believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last ten days of Ramadan; The Qur'an says that this night is better than a thousand months
“We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power; The Night of Power is better than a thousand Months.” 97: 1-3
Muslims mostly pay zakat in Ramadan. Zakat is obligatory & considered part of one's service to God. The benefits of paying Zakat and Sadaqah to the needy are tremendous, like Purity, Feeding the needy, Elimination of poverty, , Circulation of wealth, Sharing happiness, Improving human relations, Improving economy, and so on. There are numerous Ahadeeth and Quranic verses that promise heaps and heaps of reward in this world and the hereafter for paying Zakat.
Also, fasting is an action which, we are told, will act as a shield for us when we most need it, i.e. on the Day of Judgment. On that day, when we will be called to give an account of every good and bad deed done in this world, fasting will intercede for us, provided, of course, that every condition about the purity of intention and refraining from forbidden activities was fulfilled. This is supported by the following Hadith.
Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) said,
"Fasting is a shield or protection from the fire and from committing sins" (Bukhari).
The blessings and benefits of Ramadan Fasting are too many to be counted. If one does recognize them and realize their importance, he wishes to have the month of Ramadan to be throughout the whole year. These blessings are given by Allah to the fasting Muslims, who are to fast with full faith and devotion.