Following the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is followed as the 9th month. It is the month of worship, devotion, spiritual reflection and self-improvement. Fasting has been made compulsory for all Muslims who are healthy and don’t have any medical problems. The significance of Ramadan in Islam is so valuable. Ramadan is the month when Allah increases His rewards for each and everything even for breathing.
From the verse of Quran and Hadith
In Quran Allah has quoted:
“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.” (Surah Baqra, Verse 185)
Quran, the holy book of Islam was revealed in Ramadan. Therefore Allah has set more rewards for reciting the Holy Quran in this month rather than in other months. This month can be life-changing as it provides everyone to self educate and provide golden chances of improvement. The most important thing about Ramadan is teaching us how to help others. This help can be in any form. If you wish to pay the debts or arrange some source of income so that they can live their life peacefully. Remembering the people and helping those who need help is the best way to purify yourself and your money.
Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) has defined significance in his hadiths as well. Fasting in Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam known as “Furoh e Deen”. Ramadan teaches us how to do Jihad with ourselves. This form of jihad is known as “Jihad bil-nafs” and is categorized as highest in all types.
A very popular hadith is, “The alms tax of the body is fasting.” (Nehjul Balagha, Hikmat No. 36)
Common Practices of Ramadan
The following are common practices of Ramadan
- Reciting and understanding the Quran.
- Reciting the supplications for each day in Fajar.
- Reciting the dua of Imam Sajjad (as) commonly known as Dua e Abu Hamza al-Thumali.
- Inviting people on iftar and most important feeding the poor.
- Praying and performing specific amaal on the nights of Shab e Qadar i.e. 19,21,23 and 27 Ramadan.
These are common practices you may add more practices on your own to gain maximum rewards from Allah and make this holy month as life-changing for yourself.
Conclusion
Ramadan is a significant month of the Islamic calendar. This time period should be utilized by all Muslims for their self-improvement and gaining maximum rewards for their deeds. Performing specific amaals and helping the poor and needy ones will make them spiritually happy and feel honourable.
