Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth and most precious month of Islamic calendar and Muslims perform fast during the whole month worldwide. It is believed that the sacred book Quran was demounted on this month to Hz. Muhammad (peace be upon him). Fasting on the month of Ramadan was made Farz (obligatory) in the second year of Migration of Muslims from Mecca to Medina. From that year fasting is compulsory to every adult healthy Muslim.
Muslims fast in the month of Ramadan from dawn to sunset every day and stay away from drinking and eating anything. They should refrain from smoking and unethical deeds also during fast. Muslims should avoid any sinful activities like lying, fighting, stealing, backbiting etc. consumption of food and drinks are served before sunrise (known as Suhoor) and after sunset (known as Ifter). Increase of prayers, recitation of Quran and good actions are also included in the do’s on Ramadan month.
The Holy Month of Ramadan
Ramadan is the most sacred month of Hijri year and every good deeds are more rewarded in this month. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam. It is obligatory on the whole month of 29-30 days on every adult Muslim unless he is ill or physically mentally unstable. Fasting in the command of our Almighty Allah make our beliefs and Taqwa stronger. We get closer to Allah as whole day we are worshipping him. Allah become pleased to us and reward us in life and hereafter. Allah forgives our sins and reward us Janna (Heaven) in return. Fasting sincere outs our belief and motivate us for more devotion to Allah. It also helps us to abstaining from the actions which displease Allah. The messenger of Allah said, “Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, he will be forgiven his previous sins.” [At Sunan an-Nasa]
In the holy month of Ramadan the gates of Paradise are open and Hells are closed. The Satan (devils) are also fettered. So it becomes easier to be attracted to good deeds and stay away from bad ones. Muslims should pray to Allah and perform more solution to get close to him and earn Paradise. Every solicitation on Ramadan month is more rewarding. So every Muslim try to please their creator and make their belief stronger.
Quran
Muslims believe that their sacred book Quran was revealed on the month of Ramadan. So recitation of Quran is highly recommended and to share with others. Every word of Quran is 70 times more rewarding during fasting. Laylat-ul-Kadr (the night of power) is the any odd night of last ten days of Ramadan. Worshipping in this night is more sacred than thousands night of worship. Every true Muslim try their best to satisfy their creator in this night. Every action of prayer, recitation, and exercise of supplicating words are more powerful and reach to Allah easily. In Quran it is declared that, “Indeed, I sent the Quran down during 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.” [The Quran 97.1-5]
Umrah (minor pilgrimage) in Ramadan month is as impactful and equivalent to Hajj (major pilgrimage and fifth pillar of Islam). Hz. Muhammad had stated that, “Umrah during Ramadan is equal to Hajj.” [At-Trimidhi]
Muslims also perform Ittikaaf in the Ramadan especially in last 10 days. Ittikaaf means sitting for worshipping Allah forgoing any worldly connection and relation. Zakah and Sadqah is also highly recommended and appreciated in Ramadan by Allah.
Ifatr
In Ramadan it is a great virtue to serve Ifter (fast breaking meal) to others. The man who offer Ifter to a fasting person earns great pay-off. Our beloved prophet has said that, “He who gives food for a fasting person to break his fast will receive the same reward as him, except that nothing will be cut-off from the fasting person’s reward.” [At-Trimidhi]
The prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has said that, “Whatever is prayed at the time of breaking fast is granted and never refused.” [At Trimidhi]
Ramadan is the best opportunity for us to build our Iman and to get our spiritual development done. Every devoted Muslim should pray to observe Ramadan month and perform fast. The Almighty Allah always grant our prayers.