Ramadan ul Mubarak – A Season of Virtue
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.
Written by Muhammad Rashid Tabassum
