The Significance of Ramadan in Islam
Every year Muslims wait eagerly for the arrival of Ramadan. What is it that makes Ramadan so special? Why is it the most blissful and celebrated month in Islam? Let’s read to find out.
Ramadan-One of the Five Pillars of Islam
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the month Allah revealed the Holy Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Fasting became obligatory for adult and sane Muslims in the 2nd century A.D. Muslims abstain from food, drink, and sexual activity from Fajr until the Maghreb. They eat a pre-dawn meal called suhoor. At the call of Fajr prayer, they intend to keep a fast to attain Allah’s pleasure. At Maghreb, they break the fast. Usually, people eat dates to break the fast, as it is sunnah.
A Gateway to Heaven
When Ramadan arrives, Allah chains the devil and opens the gates of mercy. People take out time for worship and remembrance of Allah. In Ramadan, Muslims strive to utilize the maximum time to attain Allah’s pleasure. They wake up for Tahajjud, recite the Quran, offer Taraweeh prayers, and perform good deeds.
Ramadan is not only physical deprivation. It makes people more conscious about righteousness. People abstain from vices such as fighting, deceiving, backbiting, and abusing. Muslims must strive to continue their good habits of Ramadan even after the month ends. By adopting such a lifestyle, a person attains success in this world and the hereafter. Hence, Ramadan is a great opportunity for Muslims to earn rewards and go to Heaven.
Strengthen Islamic Brotherhood and Unity
Ramadan is such a blissful month that brings people closer. The communal bond between Muslims strengthens as they offer congregational prayers. Taraweeh, for example, is a congregational prayer that Muslims offer at the call of Isha prayer. Families eat together at suhoor and iftar. Parents encourage kids to read the Quran and stories about prophets. Many Muslims also embark on the Umrah journey during Ramadan. There is immense reward for performing Umrah during Ramadan. The serenity and tranquility of the holy cities during Ramadan is surreal.
The last Ashra of Ramadan are highly virtuous. To make the most of these days, people spend them in mosques, where they can connect with religious and scholarly people. Such interactions improve their knowledge and understanding of the religion. People realize how to walk on the guided path and attain Allah’s pleasure.
Ramadan builds empathy in people. When they are without food and drink for the whole day, they realize the pain of hunger experienced by the unfortunate people. This makes them more caring and empathetic towards the needy. Islamic teachings are all about social welfare. A true Muslim is the one who cares about the well-being of people around him in the society. That is why Muslims engage in charity and sadqah during the holy month. Ramadan is one of the best examples of how social welfare is at the core of Islam.
Layla-tul-Qadr
Layla-tul-Qadr is the Night of Power. It is the night in which Allah revealed the Holy Quran. It is one of the last five odd nights of Ramadan. When the last ten days of Ramadan come, Muslims increase their worship and prayer. Especially during the odd nights, it is extremely virtuous to worship. The worship in the Night of Power is better than a thousand nights’ worship. Allah says in the Holy Quran that the angels descend on this night to witness those who are busy in their efforts to please their Lord. The significance of the holy month is also because this Night about which Allah mentions in Surah al-Qadr appears in Ramadan.
Eid-ul-Fitr
Allah gave two occasions for Muslims to celebrate. One is Eid-ul-Fitr and the other is Eid-ul-Adha. Eid-ul-Fitr lies on the first of Shawwal. It is a reward for Muslims after the completion of the blissful month of Ramadan. Muslims prepare special meals for their loved ones. They make special arrangements like bangles, henna, and traditional attire. They visit each other’s places and enjoy the festive occasion.
Ramadan Significance
The significance of Ramadan is so great that one of the gates of heaven shall be opened for those who fast in Ramadan regularly during their lifetime. The holy month spreads peace, joy, and happiness all around. It is a wonderful opportunity to gain virtues like empathy, gratitude, and self-control. Ramadan is a wonderful therapy for mind, body, and soul. Thus, spend the month with sanctity and gratitude, attaining peace and tranquility.