Ramaḍān falls on the sighting of the new moon
Ramaḍān is an incredibly special month for Muslims all around the world. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and during this month, Muslims observe a period of fasting from dawn until sunset. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is considered an act of worship and a way to purify the soul.
"The month of Ramaḍān [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'ān, 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. Allāh intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allāh for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful" (Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 185).
This verse highlights the fact that Ramaḍān is a special month because it is the month in which the Qur'ān was revealed. It is a time for Muslims to reflect on the guidance and wisdom contained within the Qur'ān and to strive to become better people.
In addition to the spiritual benefits of Ramaḍān, there are also physical benefits to fasting. Fasting is a way to detoxify the body, and it can also lead to weight loss, improved insulin sensitivity, and better digestion.
It is important for Muslims to make the most of Ramaḍān and to strive to maximise the rewards that are available during this special month. One way to do this is to increase our acts of worship. This could involve spending more time reading the Qur'ān, performing additional prayers, or giving more to charity.
Narrated Abu Huraira: The Prophet ﷺ said, "Whoever fasted the month of Ramadan out of sincere Faith (i.e. belief) and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his past sins will be forgiven, and whoever stood for the prayers in the night of Qadr out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven." (Sahih Bukhari, Book 31, Hadith 126)
This hadith highlights the immense rewards that are available for those who observe Ramadan with sincerity and hope for Allah's reward. It also emphasizes the importance of the Night of Qadr, which is one of the last ten nights of Ramadan and is believed to be the night on which the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ .
Another way to make the most of Ramaḍān is to focus on self-improvement. This could involve working on our character, developing good habits, and breaking bad ones. By doing so, we can become better people and draw closer to Allāh (SWT).
Ramaḍān is a unique and special month that is unlike any other month of the year. By observing fasting and engaging in acts of worship, Muslims can take full advantage of the increased rewards that are available during this time. Let us all strive to make the most of Ramaḍān and to become better people through our worship and self-improvement.
Related articles
Join our mailing list!
Subscribe to our newsletters and get notifeid for for every article we post