In every Hijri year, Muslims observe the month of Ramadan, during which fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. This sacred month has virtues and characteristics that distinguish it from others.
Allah, glorified and exalted be He, says: "يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ" (Surah Al-Baqarah).
It is the month of the Quran, revealed during Ramadan with great purposes assigned by Allah. He states: “شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ” (185).(Surah Al-Baqarah 185).
It's an opportunity for Muslims to renew their covenant with Allah, enhance spirituality, and foster piety. Let's explore some virtues of the blessed month of Ramadan.
Month of Repentance and Forgiveness:
The month of Ramadan is considered an opportunity for repentance and seeking forgiveness, encouraging Muslims to apologize to Allah and return to Him with pure hearts. This month signifies a chance for forgiveness and correction, as the doors of repentance open for those who have strayed. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "The five daily prayers, from one Friday prayer to the next, and from one Ramadan to the next are an expiation for the sins committed in between, provided one avoids major sins." (Narrated by Muslim)
Month of Liberation from Hellfire:
Ramadan carries a unique opportunity for liberation from Hellfire, as demons are restrained, and Muslims strive for divine satisfaction to avoid eternal damnation. In a hadith narrated by Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him), the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "A caller will call: 'O seeker of good, come forward, and O seeker of evil, desist. And to Allah belongs the liberation from the Hellfire, and this takes place every night." (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi).
Month of Opening the Gates of Paradise and Closing the Gates of Hellfire:
Ramadan is distinguished as the month when the gates of Paradise are opened, and the gates of Hellfire are closed, multiplying rewards and forgiving sins. Muslims are encouraged to engage in acts of obedience and righteous deeds to receive great rewards during this blessed month. In a well-known hadith, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained."
Month of Patience:
Ramadan serves as a lesson in patience, as Muslims refrain from food and drink throughout the day. Fasting is considered an opportunity to learn patience, endurance, and a reminder of life's challenges and the necessity of tolerance. As Allah says: "Indeed, the patient will be given their reward without account." (Quran, Az-Zumar: 10)
Month of Supplication:
In the month of Ramadan, emphasis is placed on the power of supplication, as Muslims believe that Allah is closer to answering prayers during this sacred month. Believers hasten to pray with sincerity and humility, seeking forgiveness and guidance. Allah says: {وإذا سألك عبادي عني فإني قريب أجيب دعوة الداع إذا دعان}
(Quran, Al-Baqarah: 186).
The Prophet (peace be upon him) also said: "Three individuals' supplications are never rejected: the fasting person until he breaks his fast, the just ruler, and the supplication of the oppressed." (Narrated by Ahmad)
Month of Generosity and Charity:
Ramadan encourages compassion and generosity, motivating Muslims to engage in acts of kindness and aid the needy. This month fosters a spirit of solidarity and caring for the poor and less fortunate.
Month of Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Decree):
As Ramadan concludes, the Night of Decree, a highly special night equivalent to a thousand months, arrives. Angels descend, and significant events unfold on this night. Muslims are urged to seek Laylat al-Qadr, exerting themselves in worship and prayer. Allah says: {ليلة القدر خير من ألف شهر}
(Quran, Al-Qadr: 3)
The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated: "Indeed, this month has come to you, and in it, there is a night better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of it is deprived of all goodness, and no one is deprived of its goodness except one who is truly deprived."
In summary, the blessed month of Ramadan is an opportunity for repentance, liberation from Hellfire, drawing closer to Allah through worship and righteous deeds, along with promoting patience, generosity, and supplication. Do not miss the chance for worship in this sacred month; engage in acts of obedience and refrain from wrongdoing.
