Ramadan is a ‘month of blessings’, marked by offering more prayers, fasting, charity, sacrifice and divine worship. In the month of Ramadan, God revealed the first verses of the holy Qur’an. Muslims from all continents unite in a period of fasting and spiritual reflection.
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hellfire are closed and the devils are chained.” (authenticity agreed upon).
God said in the Quran [2:185], “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.”
Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking; it is a time to purify the soul, refocus our attention on God, practice self-discipline and sacrifice, make peace with those who have wronged us, strengthen ties with family and friends, and get rid of bad habits.
It is the most sacred of all months and the most glorious one. ‘Fasting’ is one of the important five ‘pillars’ of Islam and it is during Ramadan that fasting has been made obligatory for all adult Muslims.
Fasting during Ramadan is an obligation imposed upon us by Allah and, by completing it, we receive great rewards both in this life and the Hereafter. On the other hand, any deviation, without specified reason (such as illness or pregnancy) amounts to great sin. The good deeds or otherwise only concern Allah (SWT) and the person concerned. Hence, it is Allah (SWT) alone who will reward that person for it, on the day of Judgment.
Muslims are called upon to use this month to re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance, and the duty of every Muslim is to read and try to understand the meaning of the Holy Qur’an, gaining insight into the divine secrets enshrined therein.
Ramadan brings peace and illumination to the mind and purifies the soul. Every day during this month, Muslims around the world spend daylight hours in complete fast. They also abstain from all food, drink, and other physical needs (such as smoking or sex) during daylight hours.
The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said, “Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.”
Speeches of the Prophet (SAW) about Ramadan
