Alhamdulillah! Once more, the joyous month of Ramadan is almost here. The few weeks of Ramadan are a holy period for Muslims all around the world to worship Allah (SWT).
They provide a chance for prayer, introspection, and appreciation of Allah’s (SWT) kindness and love.
For this, it is obligatory for Muslims to fast throughout the month of Ramadan, which is considered the most valuable month in the Islamic calendar (Hijri).
Ramadan is anticipated to start this year on Monday, March 11, 2024, subject to the moon’s visibility.
However, the significance of Ramadan in Islam is demonstrated by the following fascinating facts:
- The Holy Quran was first revealed in the month of Ramadan.
- Fasting in the month of Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam among the five.
- Fasting helps to attain Taqwa (performing actions that please Allah and abstaining from those actions that displease Him).
- Ramadan is known to be the month of the Quran. It is highly recommended in Ramadan to read and study the Holy Quran and to share it with others.
- The Night of Decree, or the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr), is in this month, which is better than a thousand months.
- In this holy month, the gates of paradise are opened, the gates of hell are closed, and the devils are chained up.
- Umrah (shorter/minor pilgrimage) in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj (major pilgrimage).
- Muslims observe I’tikaaf (residing in the mosque for worship) in Ramadan, especially in the last 10 days of this holy month.
- It is a very rewarding act in Ramadan to offer Iftaar (sunset meal to break fast) to those who are fasting.
- It is also highly recommended to give Zakat (obligatory tax or donation—2.5% of wealth, savings, or assets) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity) in Ramadan.
- It is said in an authentic Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that by fasting in Ramadan sincerely out of faith and in the hope of reward, we will be forgiven of all our previous sins, provided the major sins are not committed.
RAMADAN IN THE QURAN
The month of Ramadan [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 ON 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 the 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 from Shawwal, then that is (equal in reward) to fasting everyday.”
[Jami` at-Tirmidhi Book-8 Hadith-78]
