By Muhammad Rashid Tabassum
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, regarded as the most
sacred and virtuous month of the year. It is the month of fasting, which is the
fourth pillar of Islam. During this month, Muslims observe fasting from dawn until
sunset, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs. Ramadan begins
with the first night of the Lunar calendar.
Ramadan is like a guest that visits only once a year. It is important to
respect and welcome this guest with open hearts. The companions of Prophet
Muhammad (SAW) used to pray six months before Ramadan, asking Allah for the
blessing of life to witness the month, and six months after Ramadan, praying for
the acceptance of their fasts.
Allah has decreed fasting for all able, adult Muslims. As stated in the Quran:
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed
upon those before you that you may attain taqwa.” [Quran 2:183]
Allah says in another place of Quran:
“So, whoever of you sights the month (Ramadan), he must observe Saum
(fasts).” [Quran 2:185]
Ramadan is a month full of mercy, blessings, and forgiveness. During this
month, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the
devils are chained. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
“When it is the first night of the month of Ramadan the evil devils are
chained. The gates of fire are locked – not a single gate is opened, and the gates of
Paradise are opened – not a single gate is locked, and a caller calls out: O seeker
of good, come forward, and O seeker of evil withhold, and there are many whom
Allah frees from the Fire – and that is every night”. (Tirmidhee, Ibn Majah and Ibn
Khuzaymah)
Furthermore, Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as
guidance and a source of healing for mankind. Allah says in Surah Baqarah:
“The month of Ramadan in which Quran was revealed, guidance for
mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and
wrong)”.
In Ramadan, there is a special night known as Laylatul Qadr, which is better
than a thousand months.
Ramadan holds great significance in the life of a Muslim. It is a spring
season of virtues, a time to purify oneself from sin. Prophet Muhammad (SAW)
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.”
(Sahi Bukhari).
Fasting is not merely about abstaining from food and drink. It is a time to
adopt good behaviour, increase virtues, and leave behind bad habits. The Prophet
(SAW) emphasized this when he said:
“He who does not abstain from obscene language and acting obscenely
(during the period of Ramadan), Allah has not need that he did not eat or drink.”
(Bukhari, Muslim)
In another hadith, Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said:
“Fasting is not only to restrain from food and drink. Fasting is to refrain
from obscene (acts). If someone verbally abuses you or acts ignorantly towards
you, say (to them) ‘I am fasting, I am fasting.’ ” (Ibn Khuzaymah)
In Islam, every good deed has its reward. The reward for prayer is the
forgiveness of sins, and the reward for Hajj is the forgiveness of past sins.
However, fasting is unique. A Muslim endures hunger and thirst solely for the
sake of Allah, knowing that Allah is always watching. The Prophet (SAW) narrated
that Allah said:
“All services of son of Adam for him except fasting. It is for me, and I will
reward him for it.” (Sahi Muslim).
In conclusion, Ramadan is a month of grandeur and blessings. It is a training
period that lasts for one month, where Muslims learn patience, and the reward
for patience is Paradise. We must take great care during Ramadan by reciting the
entire Quran, offering special prayers like Taraweeh (night prayer), and repenting
to Allah. Our aim should be to earn the blessings of Ramadan, spend our time in
worship, perform good deeds, and collect as many virtues as possible.
May Allah help us fulfill the true demands of Ramadan. Ameen.
