Ramadan in Islam

 Muslims use Ramadan as their ninth and most sacred month. Muslims are required to observe a fast during the month of Ramadan. During this Holy Month, approximately 1.6 billion Muslims worldwide observe fasting. We are aware that among the five pillars of Islam, fasting is the fourth. In addition to abstaining from drinking and eating, fasting also prohibits immoral behavior, sexual activity, and rage. During the month of Ramadan, other forms of worship like prayer, reading the Quran, and charity are also encouraged. The following is what Allah Almighty says about the significance of Ramadan in the Holy Quran: O you who have faith! According to the Quran, verse 2:183, "Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness." During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims wake up early to eat a meal known as suhoor that comes before dawn. They then break their fast with a meal known as iftar. The revelation of the Quran during Ramadan is an important aspect of this holy month. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims have a custom of reading the entire Quran. According to the Quran, verse 2:185, "Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was sent down as a guide to mankind, also clear signs for guidance and the distinction (between right and wrong)" Tarawih is the nightly prayer practiced by Muslims in mosques. After iftar, mosques hold tarawih. Muslims used to fast during the day and continue with their normal activities. Ramadan is celebrated in different ways by different cultures. whether they have to prepare a special dish or eat iftar with extended family. The majority of these customs, such as sharing food and inviting guests over for iftar, were influenced by Islamic values like generosity.

As our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) stated in one of his hadiths, "the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed when the month of Ramadan begins." According to Bukhari, "the gates of heaven are opened, the gates of hell are closed, and the devils are chained" when Ramadan begins. As the Holy Prophet (PBUH) stated in a hadith: "When someone fasts in the month of Ramadan with sincere faith will be forgiven by Allah Almighty." Whoever observes a sincere faith-based fast during Ramadan with the intention of receiving rewards from Allah will have all of his previous sins forgiven. Bukhari)

There are a few different meanings of this Sacred month like The evening of Declaration (Laylat al-Qadr) is in this month which is superior to 1,000 months. Offering Iftar to those who are fasting is the most rewarding act of Ramadan. Additionally, giving Zakat during the month of Ramadan is recommended. During the final ten days of the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims also observe I'tikaaf, which is housed in the mosque for worship. Additionally, Ramadan commemorates the moment when the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) received Allah's first revelation.

During Ramadan, Muslims can focus on their devotion to their faith by praying, expressing gratitude, seeking forgiveness, and assisting the less fortunate. Fasting is significant to Muslims for a number of reasons, including the fact that it fosters unity among the ummah by bringing them all together to pray Tarawih after iftar at the mosque. Muslims learn to appreciate food, express gratitude to Allah for what they have, and become closer to one another and those around them during Ramadan. Sawm is a Jihadi battle because Muslims fight hunger while they fast. Ramadan fasting also strengthens Muslims' resistance to sin and makes them more charitable to others.

As Ramadan approaches, we ought to prepare for this holy month. We should ask Allah (SWT) to bring us to this blessed month, accept our fasts and acts of kindness, and forgive our errors and sins. This Ramadan, may Allah make it easy for us and those in need all over the world! Ameen.