WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT RAMADAN (EPISODE 1)


By Yusuff Ademola Adesina

EPISODE 1: The Month of Ramadan and Its Virtues

I recently learnt that people (especially adults) tend not to do ‘something’ when they do not know the purpose of doing it. However, they tend to do it if it had been accustomed to the culture, but not in the right way; rather in the way culture has presented it.

This is the exact reason we see in the Muslim world nowadays that the month of Ramadan has been culturally seen as the only month of holiness (wherein one has to leave out all bad deeds; and might probably go to back to them after the month) and of excessive eating and drinking; and thus, some people become obese in the month. But, is this what Ramadan all about?

Obviously, the answer is NO; provided one is adequately aware of the month, its features and its virtues. Hence, it is important to learn about the month before its commencement so that you will have the maximal opportunity to develop yourself and become successful and productive.



This series of articles on “What You Should Know about Ramadan” aims to provide brief discussion on features of Ramadan, fasting and its virtues, supplication and other teachings of the month. I, therefore, sincerely advice you to subscribe to our blog to stay updated for the next episodes.


The MONTH OF RAMADAN AND ITS VIRTUES 

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar months. It is a month of obligatory fasting on every legally accountable, sane, matured and healthy Muslim. It is the month of the Quran; the month in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

During this month, Muslims request from Allah forgiveness of their past sins and pray for guidance and assistance, and cleanse themselves through self-control and the great act of faith. In this month is a day which is better than a thousand months. It is a month of blessing, mercy, peace, kindness, generosity, humbleness and faithfulness; in fact, a month of all good characters.       

VIRTUES OF THE MONTH 

  1. The month of the Quran

“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…” (Q2:185)

2.                  The month of fasting

“... So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it… ” (Q2:185)

3.                  Paradise’s Gates are opened

Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s messenger (PBUH) said:

“When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened.” (SahihBukhari, Vol. 3, Bk 31, No 122)

4.                  Hell’s gates are closed and Devils are chained

Abu Hurayrah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported that Allah’s messenger (PBUH) said:

“When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.” (SahihBukhari, Vol. 3, Bk 31, No 123)

5.                  The month of forgiveness

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Indeed, Jubril came to me and said, ‘Whoever reaches the month of Ramadan and does not have his sins forgiven and so enters Fire, then may Allah distance him, Say aamin’ so I said aamin, aamin, aamin.” (bnKhzaimah)

6.                  The month has night which is better than a thousand months

“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months” (Q97:3)

7.                  Every Matter will be decreed on Layatul-Qadr

“On that night is made distinct every precise matter.” (Q44:4)

8.                  Angels descend to the earth praying for goodness, blessing and mercy for the believers.

“The Angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” (Q97:4-5)

It is hoped that this episode has provided you with an insight of the virtues of Ramadan. Kindly stay connected (subscribe) to our blog for the next episode in which I shall discuss the obligation of fasting, things that vitiate fasting, people exempted from fasting and the rulings related to breaking or missing the fast.     

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