Ramadhan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and the month in which the Quran was revealed to the Islamic prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him).Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
The month is spent by Muslims fasting during the daylight hours from dawn to sunset. According to Islam, the Qur'an was sent down to the lowest heaven during this month, thus being prepared for gradual revelation by Jibreel (Gabriel) to Muhammad. Therefore, Muhammad told his followers that the gates of Heaven would be open for the entire month and the gates of Hell(Jahannam) would be closed
Ramadan is the ninth and most precious month in Muslims lunar calendar. It is obligatory for Muslims to fast in the month of Ramadan. As we know fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam among five. Fasting is not just abstaining from drinking and eating it also includes abstaining from immoral acts, sexual intercourse, and anger. Other acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Qu'ran and charity are also encouraged during the month of Ramadan. In Holy Qur'an Allah Almighty says about the importance of Ramadan in these words: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness” (Qur'an, 2:183)
Events:
- Birth of Sayyid Abdul-Qadir Gilani (May Allah be pleased with him)
- The Torah (Tawrat) was bestowed on Moses (Musa) (Peace be upon him)
- Death of Khadijah bint Khuwaylid – first wife of Muhammad
- In 1973, Operation Badr took place
- The Gospel (Injil) was bestowed on Jesus (Isa)(Peace be upon him)
- Birth of Hasan ibn Ali (May Allah be pleased with him)
- Death of Aisha bint Abu Bakr (May Allah be pleased with her) – third wife of Muhammad (Peace be upon him)
- Death of Ruqayyah bint Muhammad (May Allah be pleased with her)- daughter of Muhammad (Peace be upon him)and Khadija bint Khuwaylid - Wife of Uthman Bin Affan(May Allah be pleased with him).
- The Battle of Badr was won by the Muslims
- The Psalms (Zabur) were bestowed on David (Dawood)(Peace be upon him)
- Ali bin Abu Talib (May Allah be pleased with him) was struck on the head by a sword
- Tthe Conquest of Mecca by Muhammad (Peace be upon him)
- Ali bin Abu Talib died due to injuries he sustained by a sword
Significance of Ramadhan
Laylat al-Qadr is observed during one of the last ten days of the month (typically the odd nights). Muslims believe that this night which is also known as "The Night of Power" is better than a thousand months. This is often interpreted as praying throughout this night is rewarded equally with praying for a thousand months (just over 83 years i.e., a lifetime). Many Muslims spend the entire night in prayer.
When the month of Ramadan starts the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed as our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said in one of his hadiths in these words: “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained” (Bukhari). When someone fast in the month of Ramadan with sincere faith will be forgiven by Allah Almighty as Holy Prophet (PBUH) said in hadith: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, and then all his past sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari)
There are some other significance of this Holy month such as The Night of Decree (Laylat al- Qadr) is in this month which is better than a thousand months. It is the very rewarding act in Ramadan to offer Iftar to those who are fasting. It is also recommended to give Zakat in the month of Ramadan. Muslims also observe I’tikaaf that is residing in the mosque for worship especially in the last 10 days of this Holy month Ramadan. Ramadan also celebrates the time when Prophet Muhammad (SAW) received the first revelation from Allah.
Ramadan allows worshippers to concentrate their minds on devotion to their faith through prayers, expressing gratitude, seeking forgiveness and helping the needy. Fasting is important for Muslims due to many reasons e.g. it brings the unity among the ummah because they go to offer Tarawih prayer after iftar at the Mosque together. Ramadan makes Muslims appreciate food, thank Allah for what they have and makes them closer to each other and the people around them. Sawm is a Jihad struggle because of Muslims struggle against hunger during fasting. Fasting in Ramadan also makes Muslims stronger against fighting sin and more charitable to others.
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