Ramadan, the month of blessings and mercy is upon us to reinvigorate our faith. It is the month of forgiveness and tranquility. It is an opportunity for us to practice patience, and to get closer to Allah The Almighty. The Holy Quran was revealed in this blessed month which is the source of guidance and clear proof for mankind.
Muslims all over the world fast for 29 or 30 days in which they are required to abstain from eating, drinking, and doing any wrong action.
The word ‘Ramadan’ is derived from the Arabic word “Ramidah”. It means intense scorching heat. Spiritually it means that the good deeds scorch the sins of a Muslim. Ramadan is a month in which the sins are scorched away by good deeds.
It was narrated that Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R.A) said:
“The Messenger of Allah said: “There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month, which Allah, The Mighty and Sublime, has enjoined you to fast. In it, the gates of Heavens are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and every devil is chained up”( Sunan An-Nisa’i).
Fasting is called “Sawm” in Arabic. It does not only mean to abstain from eating, and drinking, but also includes the guarding of our senses. It means to give up false actions and prevent ourselves from those deeds which distant us from the remembrance of Allah. Fasting is a mean for us to train ourselves in striving against our soul.
The goal of observing fast is to achieve Taqwa. Taqwa means to be cautious of Allah, to have fear and awareness that Allah is watching us and that Allah’s punishment exists. Fasting relates to Taqwa in such a way that when we fast we can gain self-control; we restrain ourselves from eating, drinking, and we also develop the strength to keep ourselves away from doing wrong deeds. Hazrat Abu Huraira (R.A) reported Allah’s Messenger as saying:
“Fasting is a shield”.
As we enter this month, we should have a positive assumption of Allah. We should be kind and humble. Our hearts should be filled with the love of The Most Merciful, and we should remain hopeful that Allah will forgive us and purify our souls.
Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R.A) narrated that the Messenger of Allah said:
“Indeed Allah Most High says: ‘I am as My slave thinks of Me, and I am with him when He calls upon Me”
It is required that we remain steadfast in performing good deeds with sincere intention, and remain hopeful for His mercy to be bestowed upon us.
Along with spiritual benefits, fasting also has many medical benefits. It helps in the removal of toxins from the body, and in the strengthening of our immune system. It reduces the acids from our system and releases pressure on the liver. It also rejuvenates and overhauls the complete body.
While fasting we can feel for the poor people; the people who don’t have food and shelter. It makes us realize the feeling of remaining hungry, it helps us to feel the love and care for poor people. Fasting helps us in becoming generous with other human beings, and in sharing with them. It also brings us closer to each other as Ummah.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W) said:
“Allah bestows his mercy on those who show mercy on others” (Sunan Al Tirmidhi).
Allah is Ar-Rehman and Ar-Raheem; He is the most loving and kind, and He has blessed us with this month to purify our hearts. The main aspect is to transform ourselves into a better Muslim. If we can give up on any bad habit of ours in this month then surely we have proceeded towards self-improvement.
May Allah enable us to witness the whole month of Ramadan in the best of health, and Iman. May our souls be sincerely guided by the beauty of this month.
Written by: Miss Manal.
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