Ramadan Is a Gift From Allah (SWT)

Much can be said about the Holy Month of Ramadan. There are volumes upon volumes written on the subject, which is why it is hard to come across something about Ramadan that hasn’t already been said before in a different setting, occasion or event. Ramadan is the month of forgiveness; the month of countless blessings; the month in which Lailat-ul-Qadr resides and so much more. Taking into account all of the attributes associated with the holy month of Ramadan, it is quite simply a gift from Allah (swt). It is a gift that keeps on giving. 

The Holy Month of Ramadan

Ramadan is the month of fasting. During Ramadan, Muslims fast for a month from the time of the dawn prayer to sunset and spend most of their time in prayer and meditation. Fasting (Sawm) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. It is an act that Allah (S.W.T) has made mandatory for every able-bodied, sane, adult Muslim. It is meant to purify the mind, body and soul. Fasting itself teaches many things. Obedience and dedication for one, as Muslims around the world undertake fasting as commanded by Allah (swt). It also teaches restraint and control because in the state of fasting, Muslims shun the basic pleasures of life (such as food, water, cravings) and devote themselves purely to worshiping Allah (swt). It is ideal training in showing restraint, in order to become good human beings and better Muslims.

What makes Ramadan so special compared to other months is that during this month, the rewards are miltiplied! Every form of worship, every act of kindness, and every good deed done during this month carries more weight and blessings. Allah’s (swt) mercy and generosity is showered upon us in this month. It is said that the gates of forgiveness are open during Ramadan. All prayers are heard. This is why Muslims graciously donate to charity, undertake child sponsorship and do other good deeds in addition to paying their Zakat.

Let’s Not Forget Lailat-ul-Qadr

A night that has more blessings and is more sacred than a thousand  months.

Lailat-ul-Qadr is the prized jewel of Ramadan. Also known as the Night of Power, this night is within the last 10 days of Ramadan. To catch the blessing of this night, Muslims increase voluntary prayers, spend the last 10 days in seclusion by staying in a mosque, and recite the Holy Qur’an meticulously in order to strengthen their Taqwa (belief) and repent for their past sins.

With so much on offer, Ramadan is certainly a gift from Allah (swt). In fact some might say it’s more than a gift, it is a bundle of opportunities; to right old wrongs; to forgive and seek forgiveness; to work towards the betterment of the Muslim Ummah; bring people together and unite as one community. Let us all make this Ramadan the best Ramadan yet by remembering the poor, not just in our prayers but also when we pledge our support to them.