Importance of Ramadan
- The greatness of this month can be gauged from the fact that the revelation of the Holy Qur’an took place in this holy month.
- Fasting is a great duty that Allah Almighty has assigned to Himself. And on the Day of Resurrection, the Almighty will reward the fasting person without any intercession.
- The first ten days of Ramadan are for mercy. The second ten days are for forgiveness and the third ten days are for salvation from the fires of Hell.
- Regarding the importance of Ramadan, the Almighty instructed Prophet Muhammad that if I had to burn your ummah in hell, I would never have made Ramadan a month.
- The month of Ramadan is a source to purify the soul and come closer to Allah.
Importance of Ramadan in the Quran:
Allah says in Quran:
“Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed. Which contains guidance for people and enlightenment of judgment. So whoever of you finds this month, let him fast it. And those who are ill or on a journey. So fast an equal number of other days. Allah wants ease on you. And He does not want hardship on you and (these are the facilities). So that you may complete the number of (fasts). And that you may glorify Allah that He has guided you and that you may be grateful.” [Al-Quran 2:185]
The following are some of the hadiths of the Holy Prophet (SAW) regarding the virtues and greatness of Ramadaan and its blessings.
Importance of Ramadan in Hadiths:
Hazrat Jabir bin Abdullah reported that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “My ummah has given five things in the month of Ramadan which were not given to any prophet before me. The first is that when the first night of Ramadan falls, the Almighty looks at them with mercy and will never punish the one whom the Almighty looks at with mercy. Secondly, the smell of their mouths in the evening (which is due to hunger) is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. The third is that the angels pray for their forgiveness every night and day. Fourthly, the Almighty commands Paradise and says, “Be adorned for My (righteous) servants. Soon they will be relieved from the hardships of this world in my house and grace.” Fifth, when the last night of the month of Ramadan comes, the Almighty forgives everyone.”
Abu Hurayrah narrated that the Holy Prophet (SAW) said: “When the month of Ramadaan comes, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed. And the devils are bound in chains.”
Hazrat Sahl bin Saad narrated that the Messenger of Allah: “One of the gates of heaven, which is called Ryan. Through which only fasting people will pass on the Day of Resurrection, no one else will pass through this gate.”
Laylatul Qadr in Ramadan:
Ramadan-ul-Mubarak contains a night which is full of blessings called Laylatul Qadr. This night has more blessings than a thousand months. Allah says in Quran:
“The Night of Destiny (in virtue and blessing and reward) is better than a thousand months”. [Al-Quran 97:3]
Allah revealed The Holy Quran on this night. Allah says in Surah al-Qadr in this regard:
“Indeed, We revealed this Qur’an on the Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr).” [Al-Quran 97:1]
Laylat al-Qadr occurs in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan. Which includes the nights of 27, 25, 23, 21, and 29. And it is commanded to seek Laylat al-Qadr in these nights. The importance and virtue of which is equal to the reward of a thousand months of worship. Muslims spend this night in remembrance of Allah. They offer prayers, make dua to seek forgiveness for past sins. This night is a source to clean all sins and reborn again.
Virtues of Performing Itikaf in Ramadan:
In the last ten days of Ramadan Muslims perform itikaf. Itikaf is of great importance and virtue. Doing Itikaf helps us to achieve Shab-e-Qadr. Allah Almighty makes the one who observes Itikaf his guest. Because the reward for performing Itikaf is equal to one popular Umrah and one Hajj. Women can also perform Itikaf in their homes by making a special place. Every hour of every night of Ramadan has such virtue and value that we can’t estimate it.
Conclusion:
Ramadan is a precious gift from Allah towards its people. It gives us an opportunity to achieve His blessings and a way to seek forgiveness. We should arrange more in this blessed month. And do more and more charity. Because whatever good deeds are done in this blessed month, its reward will be more than other months. Muslims should make special arrangements for worship this month and not let any moment go to waste.
May the Almighty grant us the ability to perform more acts of worship and good deeds this year as well as every year. May He also grant us the ability to repent of our sins and seek forgiveness in this blessed Ramadan. (Amen).
