The Month of Ramadan
Fasting holds a significant position among Muslims due to its esteemed status with Allah Almighty, offering immense rewards for those who adhere to it genuinely. The blessed month of Ramadan is frequently mentioned in the Quran and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), highlighting its virtues, the rewards for fasting, and the significance of its observance. Ramadan is notably regarded as one of the most elevated acts of worship, following prayer in importance, as emphasized in numerous Hadiths of the Prophet.
Hadiths About Ramadan
Numerous authentic narrations from the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) indicate the virtues of Ramadan, the merit of fasting and prayer during this holy month, its role in atoning for sins, and securing great rewards. Those who miss the opportunity to engage in the prayers of Ramadan miss out on immense blessings. Some of these hadiths include:
- Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) reported: “When the Prophet (peace be upon him) returned from his pilgrimage, he said to Umm Sinan al-Ansariyyah: ‘What prevented you from performing Hajj?’ She replied: ‘My husband had two camels; one of them went to Hajj, and the other was used to water our land.’ He said: ‘Indeed, an Umrah in Ramadan equals a Hajj with me.'” The interpretation of this hadith varies among scholars:
- Some, like Said ibn Jubair and Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani, believe that this virtue is specifically for the woman who asked the Prophet, not applicable to others.
- Others argue that this virtue applies to anyone who intended to perform Hajj but was unable to do so for various reasons and then managed to perform Umrah in Ramadan, thus attaining the reward equivalent to that of Hajj.
- Scholars from the four recognized schools of thought generally agree that this virtue encompasses all who perform Umrah in Ramadan, not just for the woman or those who intended to perform Hajj.
- Concerning the search for Laylat al-Qadr, Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) narrated: “Seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.” Similarly, Ubadah ibn al-Samit (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) went out to inform them about Laylat al-Qadr when two men from the Muslims quarreled. He said, “I came out to tell you about Laylat al-Qadr, but so-and-so quarreled, and it was lifted. Perhaps it is better for you; seek it on the 9th, 7th, and 5th.” Thus, the emphasis is on the special nights within the last ten days of Ramadan, which are distinguished as potentially containing Laylat al-Qadr.
- Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) also affirmed the Prophet’s (peace be upon him) practice of seclusion (i’tikaf) during the last ten days of Ramadan, a practice she observed the women continue after his passing: “The Prophet would seclude himself in the last ten days of Ramadan until he passed away, and his wives continued to do so after him.”
- In a narration from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) regarding the significance of supplication on Laylat al-Qadr, she asked the Prophet (peace be upon him), “What should I say if I witness Laylat al-Qadr?” He instructed her to say: “O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.”
- Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.” This indicates that the confinement of the devils during Ramadan is absolute, but it does not imply that their influence is entirely absent from Muslims. Instead, the effects of the devils are weakened during this month, allowing for increased worship.
- Some scholars assert that devils are restrained from those who fulfill the duties and etiquette of fasting, while those who neglect these may still be influenced.
- Others argue that despite the chaining of devils, sins can still arise from other sources, including wicked individuals and malign intentions.
- Another perspective suggests that it refers to the majority of devils and the most malevolent among them, emphasizing that while evil remains present, it is substantially reduced and counterbalanced by acts of worship.
- Abdullah ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) stated: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was the most generous of people, and he was the most generous during Ramadan when he would meet Gabriel, who would converse with him about the Quran.” This illustrates the Prophet’s eagerness to engage in good and generosity during Ramadan, enhanced by the presence of Gabriel.
- “In Paradise, there are eight gates, one of which is named Ar-Rayyan, and none shall enter it but the fasting ones.”
- “Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever prays during Laylat al-Qadr with faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
- “Whoever fasts Ramadan and then follows it with six days from Shawwal, it is as though he has fasted the entire year.”
- “Fasting the month of Ramadan equates to ten months of fasting. Fasting for six days in Shawwal equates to two months, thus completing a yearly fast.”
- “Every action of Adam’s offspring is multiplied from ten to seven hundred times, except for fasting, for it is for Me, and I will reward him for it. The fasting person receives two joys: joy at breaking the fast and joy when meeting his Lord. The breath of the fasting person is more fragrant to Allah than the scent of musk.”
- “Fasting is a shield, a fortress among the believers, and all actions belong to their doers, except fasting, which Allah said: ‘Fasting is for Me, and I will reward for it.’
Quranic Verses About Fasting
The term “fasting” is mentioned in several places in the Holy Quran; however, the rulings regarding fasting are primarily outlined in the latter part of Surah Al-Baqarah. In this passage, Allah clarifies who is exempt from fasting, the virtues of this holy month, and what is permissible for worshipers during the fasting period. The verses state: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous. [Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a provision [of food] for a poor person. And whoever volunteers excess – it is better for him. And to fast is best for you, if you only knew. 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 days [are to be made up]. 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; perhaps you will be grateful. And when My servants ask you concerning Me, indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me that they may be guided. It has been made permissible for you on the night of fasting to go to your wives. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have intercourse with them and seek that which Allah has decreed for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset. And do not eat or drink while you are in I’tikaf in the mosques. Those are the limits [set by] Allah, so do not approach them. Thus Allah makes clear the verses to the people that perhaps they will become righteous.”
For more details on Ramadan supplications, please refer to the article: “The Most Beautiful Ramadan Supplications.”