Ramadan on Our Doorstep: Embracing the Blessed Month
As the crescent moon heralds the arrival of Ramadan, the Muslim Ummah worldwide prepares to welcome this blessed month with open hearts and souls yearning for spiritual rejuvenation. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time for reflection, devotion, and renewal of faith. It is an opportunity to draw closer to Allah (Most High) through fasting, prayer, charity, and the recitation of the Quran.
The Virtue of Ramadan
Allah (Most High) says in the Quran: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous” [Quran 2:183]. This verse underscores the significance of fasting in Ramadan, not as a mere abstention from food and drink but as a means to attain Taqwa (consciousness of Allah).
The Prophet Muhammad (Allah bless him and give him peace) highlighted the unparalleled opportunity Ramadan presents for forgiveness and mercy: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven” [Bukhari and Muslim]. This Hadith emphasises that Ramadan is a chance to clean the slate, turn over a new leaf, and seek Allah’s pleasure.
Maximising the Blessings of Ramadan
Fasting (Sawm): Beyond refraining from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset, fasting exercises self-discipline, control, and empathy for the less fortunate. It is a physical and spiritual detox that purifies the body and the soul.
Tarawih Prayers: These are the special nightly prayers performed during Ramadan. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever prays during the nights of Ramadan (Tarawih) out of faith and in hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven” [Bukhari and Muslim].
Quran Recitation: Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed. Engaging with the Quran, through recitation, reflection, and implementation, is central to maximising Ramadan’s spiritual benefits. “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion” [Quran 2:185].
Charity (Sadaqa) and Zakat: Giving is crucial to Ramadan. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) was the most generous during Ramadan, demonstrating that this month multiplies the rewards for acts of kindness and charity.
I’tikaf: Spending the last ten days of Ramadan in seclusion (I’tikaf) in the mosque is a practice of the Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) aimed at seeking Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), a night better than a thousand months.
Conclusion
Ramadan is a divine gift, offering a chance to enhance our spiritual well-being, discipline our bodies, cleanse our hearts, and renew our faith. It’s a time to reflect on our lives, make amends, and strengthen our relationship with Allah (Most High). Let us embrace Ramadan with joy, gratitude, and determination to make the most of this blessed month. May Allah (Most High) accept our fasts, prayers, and good deeds, forgive our sins, and grant us the strength to follow the straight path. Ramadan Mubarak!