Ramadan is the spiritual retreat of the year for all Muslims around the world. The concept is so holistic that it not only provides opportunities for spiritual development but also for family bonding, charity, socializing, business, and personal growth. The importance of Ramadan can be seen in the Hadith mentioned below.
It was narrated that Abu Hurairah said:
“The Messenger of Allah said: ‘Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, he will be forgiven his previous sins.” – [Sunan an-Nasa’i 2205]
It’s not a Haleem Festival as it is perceived by people of other faiths. Unfortunately, we Muslims have lost the real purpose of Ramadan. It is about abstaining from Dunya and building a strong connection with our creator. But we see ourselves running behind material and Duniya even more during this time.
Allah never stops us from gaining worldly benefits. Even during the Holy journey of Hajj, trade and business are allowed. Our deen is practical but by taking advantage of its leniency we indulge in the pleasures of Dunya. This deviates us from the main purpose of this holy month.
Purpose of Fasting:
The main purpose of fasting is to teach taqwa (protective shield or barrier). To gain Allah’s pleasure one would need Taqwa and Allah (SWT) is promising it to us through fasting. And it is also a means to get rid of our past sins.
Oh, you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you many learn piety and righteousness” (Qur’an 2:183)
The most honored by Allah amongst you are those best in Taqwaa.”(Qur’an 49:13)
Fasting with the right Neeyah (intention) and seeking the pleasure of Allah SWT will help in getting Allah’s forgiveness for our past sins.
Importance of Fasting in Ramadan:
Importance of Ramadan in the words of RasoolAllah (SAW):
The Messenger of Allah (saw) addressed his companions on the last day of Sha`ban, saying, “Oh people! A great month has come over you; a blessed month; a month in which is a night better than a thousand months; a month in which Allah has made it compulsory upon you to fast by day, and voluntary to pray by night. Whoever draws nearer (to Allah) by performing any of the (optional) good deeds in (this month) shall receive the same reward as performing an obligatory deed at any other time, and whoever discharges an obligatory deed in (this month) shall receive the reward of performing seventy obligations at any other time. It is the month of patience, and the reward of patience is Heaven. It is the month of charity and a month in which a believer’s sustenance is increased. Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, shall have his sins forgiven, and he will be saved from the Fire of Hell, and he shall have the same reward as the fasting person, without his reward being diminished at all.” [Narrated by Ibn Khuzaymah]
The rewards of fasting in Ramadan are surplus. Allah SWT says He Himself will give the reward for fasting.
Allah, the Most High said: ‘Except for fasting, for it is for Me and I will give recompense for it, he leaves off his desires and his food for Me.’ For the fasting person, there are two times of joy; a time when he breaks his fast and a time of joy when he meets his Lord, and the smell coming from the mouth of the fasting person is better with Allah than the smell of musk.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1904).
Preparation for Ramadan:
As we create blueprints on paper and in our minds before we begin our important projects, we should also have a clear plan way before we head into this most beneficial time. Only then we will be able to plan things well which is important to do our best during this month and also to fight our Nafs from getting distracted by Dunya.
Iftaar time is a very auspicious and pleasurable time for all believers. Women work hard to make delicious food which is good too. But spending too much time without planning in the kitchen will kill the opportunity to do zikr and connect with our creator before we break the fast.
Women should pre-plan and organize their pantries and keep frozen food ready if they cook lavishly for iftar. The preparation and storage of food should finish before Ramadan so that they spend time in the kitchen around iftar.
Piety is a lot about being simple and adapting natural and holistic ways of living.
Also, read: Dua for first Ashra of Ramadan
Related: Ramadan moon sighting Dua
Ramadan Planners:
It is a must for all of us to use these planners and check them off every day as we live in a time of huge distractions and kayos. Being spiritual and calm has become very tough.
A very helpful printable Ramadan planner can be found here.
Intercessor on the Day of Judgement:
This will be the day when nobody can intercede for us. We will be in great difficulty. This Hadith brings to us a ray of hope for this tough day!
`Abdullah ibn `Amr reported that the Messenger of Allah (saw), said: “The fast and the Qur’an are two intercessors for the servant of Allah on the Day of Resurrection. The fast will say: ‘O Lord, I prevented him from his food and desires during the day. Let me intercede for him.’ The Qur’an will say: ‘I prevented him from sleeping at night. Let me intercede for him.’ And their intercession will be accepted.” [Imam Ahmad]
Etiquettes to be Followed During Ramadan:
- Set up an intention for Ramadan way before it starts.
- Have clear Written goals for Ramadan.
- Observe and keep a close eye on our daily behavior during this fast.
- Join any Study Circle or a group who is involved in studying deen and is working for tarbiyah of people so that you get the benefit of good company. Sometimes it is very to change our behavior all on our own.
- Focus on doing more good deeds. That is extra Nawafil, Qiyamul lail, Eetakaaf, charity, feeding the needy.
- It is best to avoid partying during this auspicious month. Socializing is not a good idea for Ramadan as our main goal is spiritual upliftment. Iftar parties are all about indulging in food. This is a month where we should focus only on ibadat and self-development. We should eat healthily and in quantities which are just sufficient for us to fast well. Comfort foods and unhealthy foods especially at iftar time make people lazy and they end up losing interest in namaaz and ibadat.
- Be a role model for children and people of other faiths by eating healthy, being beneficial to society, and creating a peaceful message which truly reflects the beauty of Ramadan.
- Eid is a real-time celebration and treat. It is a reward for those who abstained from worldly pleasure for a whole month just to please Allah SWT. So better to wait for this lovely day and practice patience during this holy month.
So now that we know the importance of Ramadan, I hope and Pray that we value this Ramadan and the coming ones and take maximum benefit of this precious month.
