Ramadhan is a month of immense blessings; a time for reflection, fasting and spiritual growth. It serves as a reminder to be grateful for the many blessings we often take for granted. This sacred month encourages fasting, prayer, reflection and community, and acts as a yearly reset button, allowing us to refocus our lives and renew our intentions.
Ramadhan holds great significance for millions of Muslims around the world. It is the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar, and its observance is one of the Five Pillars of Islam - the foundational acts of worship and practice for Muslims. Fasting, as the fourth pillar of Islam, is a means of attaining piety. One of the Quranic verses mentions the word "Taqwa", which refers to doing what Allah has commanded and avoiding what He has forbidden.
This is why fasting during Ramadhan is one of the greatest means of fulfilling the commands of Islam. Fasting teaches restraint, helping individuals control worldly desires and dedicate time to prayer and meditation. Quranic verses about Ramadhan clearly outline the requirements and characteristics of this noble month, emphasising the disciplined nature of fasting and guiding Muslims to become more conscious of Allah.
One such verse states, “You may eat and drink until you see the light of dawn breaking the darkness of night, then complete the fast until nightfall. Do not be intimate with your spouses while you are meditating in the mosques. These are the limits set by Allah, so do not exceed them. This is how Allah makes His revelations clear to people, so they may become mindful of Him.”
Another verse provides guidance for Muslims who miss fasting or are unable to fast due to valid reasons during Ramadhan. Therefore, they are encouraged to make up the missed days after Ramadhan, or if they cannot fast at all, they should compensate by feeding a poor person. The verse states, “Whoever of you is ill or on a journey, then let them fast an equal number of days after Ramadhan.”
The blessings of Ramadhan are indeed abundant. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “There has come to you Ramadhan, a blessed month which Allah has enjoined you to fast. During this month, the gates of Heaven are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained up. In it, there is a night which is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived.”
The Prophet (PBUH) also stated, “Whoever fasts Ramadhan out of faith and in hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” Therefore, Ramadhan marks a gift from the Almighty Allah, providing Muslims an opportunity to earn His blessings and seek forgiveness. Muslims are strongly encouraged to make the most of this sacred month.
Overall, this holy month of fasting serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith, self-discipline and compassion. As Muslims around the world observe Ramadhan, they not only fulfil a religious obligation, but also embark on a transformative journey - one that cleanses their souls and deepens their connection to Allah and to one another as a community.
For Muslims, Ramadhan is a time of increased worship, religious reflection, charity and good deeds. Socially, it brings families and friends together for festive gatherings to break their fast. Ramadhan’s religious rituals and spiritual essence unite diverse Muslim communities around the world, with practices encompassing fasting, prayer, community engagement and personal reflection.
Ramadhan is not only a time for fasting, but a season of unparalleled blessings and countless rewards. All extend beyond just the individual, embracing the entire Muslim community and beyond. It is an opportunity for spiritual renewal, self-discipline and acts of kindness. Through fasting, prayer, charity and reflection, Muslims embark on a journey that brings them to a world united in faith and compassion.
The writer is author, translator and a communications professional
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