Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Calendar. It is a blessed month where the reward for good deeds is multiplied and in which committing a bad deed is more serious than other times. It’s the month where the gates of paradise are opened and the gates of hell are closed, and a sinner who repents sincerely to Allah is accepted.
For the believer, this month brings glad tidings of barakah and goodness, he makes the most of this blessed time by doing various acts of worship and forsaking haram and gets closer to Allah. Allah blesses in abundance to the fasting believers and rewards generously for righteous deeds.
Also read: The Ultimate Ramadan Dua List
It is unfortunate that Ramadan passes so quickly, but we should be prepared to reap the benefits of this month before we bid it farewell. A few of Ramadan’s characteristics are listed below
1. The Quran was revealed in this month – “Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the standard to distinguish between right and wrong.” (Quran, 2:185)
2. It is a month where the fourth pillar of Islam (fasting) is practised exclusively – Fasting in Ramadan is a means of expiation of sins! “Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the standard to distinguish between right and wrong. So whoever is present this month, let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then ˹let them fast˺ an equal number of days ˹after Ramaḍân˺. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.” (Quran, 2:185)
3. The night of Qadr (decree) – Allah blessed this month with the Laylat al- Qadr (The night of decree) where worshipping on this night is better than worshipping 1000 months as stated in the Quran, “We sent it (this Qur’aan) down on a blessed night [(i.e. the Night of Al-Qadr) in the month of Ramadan — the 9th month of the Islamic calendar]. Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship].” (Quran, 44:3)
There is also the hadith by the Prophet (S), Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month which Allah has enjoined you to fast, during which the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained up. In it there is a night which is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived.” (Narrated by al-Nasaa’i, 2106; Ahmad, 8769. classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 999.)
4. Tarawih prayer – this is a special sunnah prayer done in Ramadan alone.
5. Allah has made the fasting in Ramadan and praying its nights in the hope of reward and a means of forgiveness of sins for mankind.
6. Allah opens the gates of Heaven and closes the gates of Hell – He also chains up the devils. Abu Hurayrah said that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained up.” This is the only month where this happens.
7. Allah redeems people from the fire of hell every night. Imam Ahmad (5/256) narrated from the hadeeth of Abu Umaamah that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “At every breaking of the fast, Allah has people whom He redeems” (classed as saheeh by al-Albaani in Saheeh al-Targheeb, 987).
8. Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) when performed in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj – Al-Bukhaari (1782) and Muslim (1256) narrated that Ibn ‘Abbaas said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to a woman among the Ansaar, “What kept you from doing Hajj with us?” She said, “We only had two camels that we used for bringing water.” So her husband and son had gone for Hajj on one camel, and he left the other for them to use for bringing water.” He said, “When Ramadan comes, go for ‘Umrah, for ‘Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj.” According to a report narrated by Muslim, “… is equivalent to doing Hajj with me.”
9. Itikaf – the sunnah of retreating for the purpose of worship in Ramadan, it was narrated in the hadeeth of ‘Aa’ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) used to spend the last ten days of Ramadan in i’tikaaf until he passed away, then his wives observed i’tikaaf after him.” (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 1922; Muslim, 1172)
10. Recommended to read Quran – The Prophet (SAWS) recited the Quran to Jibrail (AS) in the month of Ramadan, and more so in the last Ramadan of his life.
The month of Ramadan is a great opportunity, make the most of it by doing lots of acts of Ibadah (worship) – praying, dhikr, reading Quran, etc; forgiving people, being kind to others, and giving charity to the poor. It is a month where you’re encouraged to do good and abstain from evil which then should be easy to implement the other months.
Do not waste this month shopping and indulging in lavishes! With the devils chained, it offers a time of reflection so we as humans can understand how much of the temptation was caused by our own soul. So contemplate how you want to spend this month and prepare well in advance.
Also read: Practical Tips To Get Ready For Ramadan
References
https://islamqa.info/en/answers/12468/the-muslim-in-ramadaan
https://islamqa.info/en/answers/13480/the-virtues-of-ramadaan
https://islamqa.info/en/answers/92748/how-can-we-prepare-for-the-arrival-of-ramadaan
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