Allah has granted the Islamic Ummah many blessings and bounties. It is the Sunnah of Allah to make certain places and times superior to others. Consequently, the month of Ramadan is distinguished from all other months. Fasting during Ramadan was prescribed in the second year of Hijrah.. When one reflects deeply on the wisdom behind Ramadan, it becomes evident that it is a month of mercy and forgiveness from Allah. This month was distinguished by great virtues and blessings, as it is the month when the Qur’an was revealed:
”The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.”
(شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ اللَّهُ بِكُمُ الْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ الْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا الْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا اللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَاكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ)
Allah has made fasting a shield against sins and desires; this blessing becomes stronger and greater during the month of Ramadan, owing to the unique virtues of this holy month. Fasting from one Ramadan to the next expiates the sins committed in between, provided that major sins are avoided.
A Month Like No Other
With the onset of this month, the entire world transforms, and everything prepares to receive divine blessings. Abu Huraira reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: “On the first night of the month of Ramadan, the Shayatin (devils) are shackled, the jinn are restrained, the gates of the Fire are shut such that no gate among them would be opened. The gates of Paradise are opened such that no gate among them would be closed, and a caller calls: ‘O seeker of the good; come near!’ and ‘O seeker of evil; stop! For there are those whom Allah frees from the Fire.’ And that is every night.” During this month, hearts are healed, souls are refined, and consciences are purified.
month of forgiveness
Every good deed a Muslim performs is rewarded abundantly during this holy month, as Allah’s forgiveness and rewards are multiplied, encompassing all acts of righteousness. Abu Huraira reported the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) as saying, “He who fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven, he who prays during the night in Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven, and he who passes Laylat Al-qadr [Night of Decree] in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.” For that reason, a Muslim must strive to worship Allah more intensely and allow His blessings to touch their soul. It is a golden opportunity to race toward Allah with good deeds and a pure heart, seeking His pleasure. Each servant must focus on increasing his piety and righteous actions, drawing closer to Allah through sincere repentance.
The Best Night in the Best Month
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful
(Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the break of dawn.)
(إِنَّا أَنزَلْنَاهُ فِي لَيْلَةِ الْقَدْرِ. وَمَا أَدْرَاكَ مَا لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ. لَيْلَةُ الْقَدْرِ خَيْرٌ مِّنْ أَلْفِ شَهْرٍ. تَنَزَّلُ الْمَلَائِكَةُ وَالرُّوحُ فِيهَا بِإِذْنِ رَبِّهِم مِّن كُلِّ أَمْرٍ. سَلَامٌ هِيَ حَتَّىٰ مَطْلَعِ الْفَجْرِ.)
Allah has granted Muslims this month as a divine gift, which becomes even more precious during the last ten days and the Night of Decree (Laylat Al-Qadr). Scholars have held differing views regarding the reason it was named ‘Laylat Al-Qadr,’ the Night of Decree:
1. Because Allah, the Most High, decrees during it the provisions, the lifespans, and all that is to come.
2. That it is derived from its immense virtue, honor, and lofty status.
3. It was named so because the deeds performed in it carry immense worth, and this distinction belongs to this night alone.
4. It was named so because Allah, the Most High, decreed in it the revelation of the Qur’an.
Anas ibn Malik reported that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said, when Ramadan began, ”This month has come to you, and it contains a night which is better than a thousand months. He who is deprived of it is deprived of all good, but only those who are denied prosperity are deprived of it.”
May Allah grant us strength to fast it and to pray through its nights. Count us among those whom You free from the Fire. Let it dawn upon us with peace and faith, with safety and submission to You, O Lord of Majesty and Honor.
