Top 5 Essential Books on Ramadan
Allah – Glory be to Him – has blessed the Arab and Islamic nations with a sacred month of great significance, namely Ramadan. Among its merits is that fasting during this month is one of the foundational pillars of Islam. The month of Ramadan has captured the attention of scholars, writers, and authors alike, resulting in an array of books that explore its virtues, the rulings regarding fasting, and its esteemed status with Allah – Exalted be He. Below are some notable titles:
Forty Ways to Utilize the Month of Ramadan
This valuable book is authored by Ibrahim bin Abdullah Al-Duwaish. It presents a collection of ideas, guidance, and suggestions on how to optimally utilize the blessed month of Ramadan. In this book, the author addresses questions regarding taking full advantage of Ramadan, ensuring that it does not pass by like other months.
Ramadan: A Month of Victories
Compiled by Abdul Karim bin Abdul Majid Al-Drouish, this book catalogs the victories, battles, and campaigns that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the companions (may Allah be pleased with them) engaged in during the holy month of Ramadan. This work sends a message to all Muslims that Ramadan is not a month of laziness and idleness but rather one of conquests and triumphs.
A Gift to the Faithful: Lessons of the Month of Ramadan
Authored by Sheikh Saleh bin Fawzan bin Abdullah Al-Fawzan, this book delves into the benefits that fasting individuals can gain by harnessing the potential of Ramadan. The sheikh details various methods and strategies for seizing the moments of this noble month, as well as answers to numerous inquiries concerning the rulings of Ramadan.
Gatherings of the Month of Ramadan
This work is by the renowned scholar Sheikh Muhammad bin Saleh Al-Uthaymeen. It encompasses the essence of the Ramadan sessions that the sheikh conducted throughout the month, discussing its rules, virtues, and the deeds that should be performed more abundantly, along with strategies for maximally benefiting from this time.
They Ask You About Ramadan
Written by Sheikh Hossam Al-Din Afana, this book has gained widespread popularity among the Islamic community due to its comprehensive coverage of all aspects related to the blessed month of Ramadan. Readers will find everything they need within its pages, making it both an engaging and delightful read.
What Do We Seek from Ramadan?
This work, by Sheikh Magdi Al-Hilali, consists of two parts: one that addresses the heart and another that appeals to the intellect and actions. The section aimed at the heart discusses spiritual matters that engage the heart and contribute to increasing rewards and regularity in worship, while the portion addressing the intellect focuses on the physical acts of obedience performed by Muslims.
The Significance of the Blessed Month of Ramadan
Allah – Exalted be He – in His mercy and grace has provided Muslims with opportunities in this worldly life to accumulate faith and piety and to cleanse their hearts of the residues of sins and transgressions. During Ramadan, Muslims reorient themselves, organize their affairs, and schedule their time in accordance with Allah’s commands, helping them confront life’s challenges. This revitalizes their spirits and nurtures the cognitive faculty needed to strive for the highest goals.
Among these opportunities are daily rituals like the five prayers, weekly occurrences such as Friday, and annual events like the month of Ramadan, as well as singular experiences like Hajj or Umrah.
The astute individual seizes such opportunities, particularly during the month of Ramadan, for it is when the Quran was revealed, marking significant Islamic victories, where the abundant rewards that Allah has dedicated exclusively for this month are bestowed in whichever manner He wills.
Verses Relating to the Month of Ramadan
Numerous verses in the Holy Quran speak about the blessed month of Ramadan, including the following:
- Allah – Exalted be He – says: “The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind 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. 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.”
- Allah – Exalted be He – also states: “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 other days. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] is a ransom [of feeding] a poor person. And whoever volunteers excess – it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.”