By Shahbaaz Bashir Shah
Ramadan is a sacred and spiritually enriching month in which Muslims worldwide seek closeness to Allah through fasting, prayer, charity, and self-discipline. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and holds great significance as it is believed to be the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed as guidance for mankind.
The Quran mentions:
“The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was revealed as a guidance for mankind, and as clear signs that show the right way and distinguish between right and wrong. So those of you who witness the month must fast in it. But the one who is sick or on a journey should fast an equal number of days later. Allah intends ease for you and does not intend hardship.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
The Spiritual Race of Ramadan
Islamic scholars describe Ramadan as a spiritual racetrack where believers compete in acts of devotion. Hassan Al-Basri (رح) beautifully stated:
“Allah has made Ramadan a racetrack for His creation to compete in His obedience. Some have come out ahead, emerging victorious, while others have fallen behind, failing the test.”
This sacred month is an opportunity for self-reflection, devotion, and seeking forgiveness. However, it is short, and negligence can cause one to miss its blessings. Therefore, Muslims should engage in acts of worship such as fasting, prayer, Quran recitation, remembrance of Allah (Zikhr), charity, seeking forgiveness, and I’tikaf (spiritual retreat).
1. Fasting: A Path to Taqwa
Fasting in Ramadan is not just an act of abstaining from food and drink; it is a means of attaining spiritual purification and God-consciousness (Taqwa). It teaches self-restraint and patience, reinforcing discipline in all aspects of life.
Allah says in the Holy Quran:
“O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become God-fearing.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)
While fasting, maintaining proper hygiene and cleanliness is emphasized. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
“Cleanliness is half of faith.”
(Sahih Muslim – 223)
Additionally, a balanced diet during Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (meal at sunset) is essential to maintain health. The Quran warns against overindulgence:
“And eat and drink, but do not waste. Indeed, He does not like the wasteful.”
(Surah Al-A’raf 7:31)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) further advised moderation in eating:
“The son of Adam does not fill a vessel worse than his stomach. It is sufficient for him to eat a few mouthfuls to keep his back straight.”
2. The Importance of Prayer
Prayer (Salah) is the cornerstone of a Muslim’s faith and is particularly emphasized in Ramadan. Taraweeh prayers, performed at night, hold special significance. The Quran highlights the importance of prayer:
“Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing.”
(Surah Al-Ankabut 29:45)
Abu Hurayrah (RA) narrated that the Prophet (PBUH) encouraged prayer at night in Ramadan:
“Whoever prays at night in Ramadan out of faith and hope of Allah’s reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.”
(Bukhari & Muslim)
3. Recitation of the Holy Quran
Since the Quran was revealed in this blessed month, its recitation holds immense spiritual rewards. Muslims strive to read, understand, and implement its teachings. The Quran describes itself as:
“This is the book about which there is no doubt, a guidance for those conscious of Allah.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:2)
4. Zikhr (Remembrance of Allah)
Remembering Allah through Zikhr brings peace and spiritual elevation. The Quran instructs believers:
“O you who believe! Remember Allah with much remembrance.”
(Surah Al-Ahzab 33:41)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) emphasized its importance:
“He who remembers his Lord and he who does not are like the living and the dead.”
(Bukhari & Muslim)
5. Charity and Generosity
Ramadan is the month of giving. Muslims are encouraged to give Zakat and Sadaqah (charity) to those in need. The Quran states:
“So, for those of you who have believed and spent (in Allah’s way), there is a big reward.”
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known to be the most generous in Ramadan, helping the poor and feeding the needy.
6. Seeking Forgiveness
Ramadan is an opportunity to repent and seek Allah’s mercy. Ibn Taymiyyah (رح) said:
“Whoever does not feel contentment of the heart and cannot experience the sweetness of Imaan and the light of guidance, then he should increase in repenting and seeking forgiveness.”
Allah’s mercy is vast, and He promises forgiveness to those who repent sincerely:
“O believers! Turn to Allah in sincere repentance, so your Lord may erase your sins and admit you into gardens under which rivers flow.”
(Surah At-Tahrim 66:8)
7. I’tikaf: The Spiritual Retreat
In the last ten days of Ramadan, many Muslims observe I’tikaf, a practice of seclusion in mosques to focus solely on worship. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) practiced I’tikaf regularly:
“The Prophet (PBUH) used to observe I’tikaf during the last ten days of Ramadan.”
(Bukhari – 2025)
Ramadan is a transformative experience that purifies the heart, strengthens faith, and brings believers closer to Allah. It is a time of self-reflection, discipline, and renewal of spiritual commitments. By embracing fasting, prayer, Quranic recitation, charity, and repentance, Muslims can fully benefit from this sacred month. May Allah accept our efforts and grant us His mercy. Ameen.
