Ramadan is the most blessed and significant month in the Islamic calendar (Hijri). It is an obligation for all Muslims to fast during this sacred month as it holds immense spiritual value. Here are some key highlights that demonstrate its importance:
- The Holy Quran was first revealed in the month of Ramadan, making it a month of divine connection.
- Fasting during Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam, emphasizing its central role in a Muslim’s faith and practice.
- Fasting is a means to attain Taqwa (consciousness and piety towards Allah) by engaging in actions pleasing to Allah and avoiding those that displease Him.
- Ramadan is widely regarded as the month of the Quran, and Muslims are encouraged to read, study, and reflect on its meanings while sharing its message with others.
- The reward for good deeds performed during Ramadan is multiplied significantly.
- Ramadan trains Muslims in self-control, patience, and discipline, which are essential qualities in worship and daily life.
- Fasting teaches compassion and empathy for the less fortunate by allowing Muslims to experience hunger and thirst.
- It is a time to strengthen family and community bonds by engaging in collective prayers (Taraweeh) and sharing meals.
- The Night of Decree (Laylat al-Qadr), which is better than a thousand months, falls within this blessed month.
- The practice of I’tikaf (seclusion in the mosque for worship) is especially recommended during the last ten days of Ramadan.
- Ramadan includes the Sunnah of Suhoor (pre-dawn meal), which is a source of blessings as encouraged by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
- Providing Iftar (the meal to break the fast) to those who are fasting is a highly rewarding act in this month.
- Giving Zakat (obligatory charity) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity) during Ramadan holds immense rewards and purifies wealth.
- Performing Umrah during Ramadan is equivalent in reward to performing Hajj.
- An authentic Hadith states that fasting in Ramadan with faith and hope for Allah’s reward leads to the forgiveness of past sins, provided major sins are avoided.
Ramadan in the Quran
The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.
[Quran 2:185]
Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.
[Quran 97:1-5]
Hadiths about Ramadan
It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said: “The Messenger of Allah said: ‘Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, he will be forgiven his previous sins.’”
[Sunan an-Nasa’i Book-22 Hadith-116]
Narrated Abu Huraira: “I heard Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) saying regarding Ramadan, ‘Whoever prayed at night in it (the month of Ramadan) out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.’”
[Sahih al-Bukhari Book-31 Hadith-1]
Narrated Abu Huraira: “Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, ‘When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.’”
[Sahih al-Bukhari Book-30 Hadith-9]
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: “Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, ‘The five (daily) Salat (prayers), and from one Jumu’ah prayer to the (next) Jumu’ah prayer, and from Ramadan to Ramadan are expiations for the (sins) committed in between (their intervals); provided the major sins are not committed.’”
[Sahih Muslim Book-1 Hadith-130]
Narrated `Aisha: “Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) used to practice I’tikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say, ‘Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan.’”
[Sahih al-Bukhari Book-32 Hadith-7]
Umm Ma’qil narrated that the Prophet said: “Umrah during Ramadan is equal to Hajj.”
[Jami` at-Tirmidhi Book-9 Hadith-132]
It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar said: “The Messenger of Allah enjoined the Zakah of Ramadan on everyone, young and old, free and slave, male and female, a Sa of dates or a Sa of barley.”
[Sunan an-Nasa’i Book-23, Hadith-0]
Narrated `Aisha: “Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) said, ‘Whoever died and he ought to have fasted (the missed days of Ramadan), then his guardians must fast on his behalf.’”
[Sahih al-Bukhari Book-30, Hadith-59]
Abu Ayub narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan, then follows it with six [days] from Shawwal, that is (equal in reward) to fasting every day.”
[Jami` at-Tirmidhi Book-8 Hadith-78]
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