Ramadan is a sacred journey of reflection and renewal.
Shahinul Khalisdar
Tax Advisor | Business Advisor/ Taxation Expertise/ Enrolled Agent (EA)/Master of Science in Taxation (MST)/ Author
Disclaimer: This piece, crafted in line with the standards of the Islamic University of Madinah, is presented in clear, straightforward American English. ?
Many of my non-Muslim colleagues and friends often ask me about Ramadan, curious to learn more about its significance. One of the core reasons for fasting during this month is to unify experiences of hunger across different social statuses. By abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset, abstaining from obscene language and controlling anger for the entire month, we can foster empathy and a deeper understanding of those who face food insecurity every day. I'd love to share more details about this meaningful tradition and what it represents!
Ramadan is a special time among the twelve months of the Arabic calendar, celebrated with deep reverence in the Islamic faith. What sets this month apart are its unique features and virtues that enrich the spiritual experience of millions. Let's explore some of the remarkable aspects that make Ramadan so meaningful and cherished.
1. The Significance of Ramadan in Islam
Ramadan stands as a monumental pillar of Islam, intricately woven into the very fabric of our faith. Allah emphasizes its importance in the Quran, stating: “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month…” [al-Baqarah 2:185].
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) reiterated this significance when he declared that “Islam is built on five (pillars).” Among these pillars are the declaration of faith, prayer, Zakah, fasting during Ramadan, and Hajj to the Ka’bah (al-Bukhari, 8; Muslim, 16). This month encapsulates a time of spiritual reflection and devotion, calling Muslims to embrace fasting and prayer.
2. The Revelation of the Quran
A remarkable blessing of Ramadan is the revelation of the Quran. Allah makes this clear with the verse: “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind…” [ 2:185]. Additionally, the Quran tells us, “Verily, We have sent it (this Quran) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree)” [97:1]. This sacred month is not only a time for fasting but also a celebration of divine guidance bestowed upon humanity.
3. The Blessings of Laylat al-Qadr
Within Ramadan lies Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), a night filled with blessings that surpass the rewards of a thousand months. As Allah reveals, “The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months” [ 97:3]. On this night, angels descend, bringing peace and goodness until dawn. This special occasion is a time to seek mercy and support and to fully immerse ourselves in worship.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month… In it, there is a night which is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived” (Narrated by al-Nasai, 2106; Ahmad, 8769). The chance to seek forgiveness and solace during this month is a precious opportunity for everyone.
4. A Path to Forgiveness
Fasting during Ramadan and engaging in nightly prayers are profound acts of devotion that Allah has prescribed as a means to seek forgiveness. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) assured us, “Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven” (al-Bukhari, 2014; Muslim, 760). This beautiful promise encourages us to embrace the month fully, knowing that our dedication can cleanse our past and bring us closer to Allah.
Let this Ramadan be a time of spiritual rejuvenation, reflection, and community, guiding us on the path toward forgiveness and unity in our faith.
Al-Bukhari and Muslim shared a profound teaching from Abu Hurayrah, where the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) beautifully stated: “Whoever spends the nights of Ramadan in prayer, driven by faith and the hope of reward, will have their previous sins forgiven.” This powerful reminder highlights the spiritual significance of Ramadan, a month of divine mercy and blessings.
Unanimously, Muslims agree that it is a Sunnah to engage in qiyam, or night prayers, during Ramadan. Al-Nawawi further elaborated that this qiyam prominently includes Tarawih prayers, emphasizing that by participating in Tarawih, one truly honors the spirit of qiyam.
As the month unfolds, a remarkable transformation occurs: Allah graciously opens the gates of Paradise while the gates of Hell remain closed, and the devils are bound. This scene is vividly captured in al-Sahihayn through the words of Abu Hurayrah, where the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) proclaimed: “When Ramadan arrives, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are shut tight, and the devils are chained up.” What a beautiful promise!
Moreover, every night during Ramadan, Allah selects individuals to redeem from the Fire. Imam Ahmad narrated from Abu Umamah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) shared: “At every breaking of the fast, Allah has people whom He redeems.” Al-Mundhiri affirmed the authenticity of this tradition, which was deemed sahih by al-Albani in his work Sahih al-Targhib.
Additionally, Al-Bazzar narrated a thought-provoking insight from Abu Sa'id, where the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) emphasized: “Every day and night in Ramadan, Allah has souls He redeems, and for every Muslim, there’s a prayer that is guaranteed to be answered.”
These teachings serve as a motivation for all of us to draw closer to Allah during this blessed month, engaging in prayer and seeking His mercy with full hearts.
?Exploring the Spiritual Benefits of Fasting in Ramadan
1. A Path to Forgiveness?
Fasting during Ramadan serves as a powerful means of atonement for the sins we may have committed since the last Ramadan, provided we steer clear of major wrongs. As recorded in Sahih Muslim (233), the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) beautifully said: “The five daily prayers, the Friday prayer to the next, and from one Ramadan to the next act as an expiation for what lies in between, as long as one avoids major sins.” It's a chance for spiritual renewal and growth!
2. Fasting's Reward
Did you know that fasting in Ramadan is equivalent to fasting for a staggering ten months? This heartening message comes from a hadith in Sahih Muslim (1164) through Abu Ayyub al-Ansari: “Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal, it will be like fasting for a lifetime.” Moreover, Ahmad (number 1) shares that fasting one month rewards the believer like ten months, while six extra days after Eid complete a full year of fasting.
3. The Night of Prayer?
Engaging in qiyam (night prayer) during Ramadan alongside the imam holds immense rewards! According to Abu Dawud (1370) and the narration of Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him), the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) shared: “Whoever prays qiyam with the imam until he finishes, it will be recorded for him that he spent the whole night in prayer.” It’s a chance to earn the blessings of the night through collective worship.
4. The Joy of Umrah in Ramadan
The significance of performing ‘Umrah in Ramadan cannot be understated—it’s likened to the magnificence of Hajj! Narrators like Ibn ‘Abbas recount a touching story where the Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged a woman to perform ‘Umrah during Ramadan, declaring, “Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj.” Imagine the spiritual elevation you can achieve!
5. Embracing I’tikaf?
Engaging in i’tikaf, or retreating for worship during Ramadan, is a Sunnah the Prophet (peace be upon him) cherished. As narrated by ‘Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her), he dedicated the last ten days of Ramadan to this practice, a tradition his wives continued. Participating in i’tikaf allows for focused worship and connection with the Divine.
6. A Time for Quranic Reflection?
Ramadan is a wonderful time to immerse yourself in the Quran. The act of studying it together, reciting to one another, and deepening our understanding is strongly encouraged. It’s said that Jibril used to meet the Prophet (peace be upon him) every night during Ramadan to study together. This beautiful tradition enhances our spiritual connection and reverence for the Holy Book.
7. Sharing the Blessings of Iftar
Lastly, sharing iftar with others is a highly recommended act during this blessed month. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated: “Whoever provides iftar for a fasting person will earn a reward like theirs, without diminishing the fasting person's reward in the slightest.” (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 807). This beautiful act of generosity fosters community spirit and enhances the joy of breaking bread together after a day of fasting.
Embrace the richness of Ramadan with these practices that not only bring individual rewards but also strengthen community bonds and enhance your spiritual journey!