The Blessing of Ramadan

 

As-Salam-u-Alaikum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh ("Peace be unto you and so may the mercy of Allah and his Blessings")!

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is one of the most holy months of the year. The month of Ramadan is when Allah had the angel Gabriel, or Jibril, recite the Holy Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad, Praise be Upon Him! It is a special time filled with deep spiritual connection, self-discipline, and community bonding.

Sawm:

The most recognizable aspect of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars: Sawm, or fasting. While Sawm means no eating or drinking from sun up till sun down, it extends beyond refraining from food and drink. Fasting serves as a powerful tool for self-discipline, promoting empathy for those less fortunate, and cultivating a heightened awareness of one's actions and intentions. In Islam, anyone who is capable fasts: the poor, the rich, the Mufti, the layman. Of course, if you are a child or physically unable, you should not fast. Muslims view fasting not as a burden but as a spiritual exercise that fosters self-control, patience, empathy, and gratitude.

Prayer and Reflection:

In addition to fasting, increasing your time with Allah through extra dua, or prayers, and reading the Holy Qur’an is a cornerstone of Ramadan. During Ramadan, there is a special set of prayers, called Tarawih, or Taraweeh, that are Sunnah (or common practice of the Prophet Muhammad, Praise be Upon Him). The nightly Tarawih prayers are often performed at the Mosque, or Masjid, and offer an opportunity for extended communal worship, bringing Muslim brothers and sisters together to strengthen their connection with Allah and each other. These quiet moments of prayer, reflection, and community during this holy month allow individuals to assess their lives, seek forgiveness, and set intentions for personal growth.

Acts of Charity and Community:

Zakat, one of the Five Pillars of Islam, is the religious obligation of giving to the poor. Ramadan is a special time of year when the spirit of generosity is heightened, and believers engage in acts of charity as a means of strengthening their connection with Allah. The act of giving during this sacred month is seen as a way to purify one's soul, cultivate empathy, and foster a sense of community. Muslims are encouraged to engage in acts of generosity and help those in need through charitable deeds, such as feeding those who cannot afford food to break their fast, paying their Zakat, and other acts of community service. The emphasis on charity during Ramadan extends beyond monetary donations; individuals who can are also encouraged to contribute their time, skills, and any other resources to help alleviate the suffering of others.

Iftar and Suhoor:

Suhoor and Iftar are integral components of the daily routine of a Muslim during the holy month of Ramadan. Suhoor is the pre-dawn meal before the Fajr (pre-dawn) prayer, and the commencement of the fasting period. It is important to make sure to eat well and drink plenty of water at Suhoor. After the sun sets, Iftar marks the joyous moment when Muslims break their fast with a meal shared with friends, family, and community. Iftar begins with the Sunnah of eating of dates and drinking water to break fast along with a prayer. This is followed by a much more substantial meal. Beyond nourishing the body, both Suhoor and Iftar hold spiritual significance, providing moments for reflection, gratitude, and communal bonding. These meals serve as reminders of the importance of self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and the blessings of Allah’s bounty, community, and family. Suhoor and Iftar, therefore, play vital roles in the holistic experience of Ramadan, connecting individuals with the spiritual and communal dimensions of this sacred month.

Laylat al-Qadr:

Laylat al-Qadr, also known as the Night of Power, holds immense significance in Islam. Occurring during the last ten nights of the holy month of Ramadan, this night is believed to be when the first verses of the Holy Qur’an were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Praise be Upon Him). Surah Al-Qadr 97:1-5 speaks on the beauty and blessingd of this night. According to Surah Al-Qadr, the night of Laylat Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months and the angels and the Holy Spirit descend to Earth. The exact night of Laylat al-Qadr is not explicitly specified in the Qur’an, encouraging believers to seek it out through increased prayers, introspection, and devotion. Many Muslims spend the night engaged in prolonged prayer, recitation of the Qur’an, and in heartfelt supplications. The exact date of Laylat al-Qadr may remain a mystery, but its spiritual significance and impact on the hearts of believers are undoubtedly profound.

Conclusion:

Ramadan is a sacred month that transcends borders and connects Muslims worldwide through a shared commitment to faith, self-discipline, and community. It is a time of spiritual growth, compassion, and gratitude, fostering a deep sense of unity among the diverse followers of Islam. As the crescent moon wanes, leaving behind the holy month, its lessons and blessings continue to resonate in the hearts of those who have embraced the journey of Ramadan.