The blessings of Holy Month of Ramadan
Allah Almighty has always shown his kindness, love and mercy toward his creations but there are some exceptional months, days and times which has more importance. Ramadan is also one of those special months in which Allah showers his innumerable blessings. It is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and is also the month when the Holy Quran was sent down from heaven to guide the Muslims. It is stated in the Quran that:‘Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Qur’an as a guide to mankind, also Clear Signs for guidance and judgment between right and wrong.”The blessings of Ramadan are not restricted to fasting only, because the performance of all sorts of good deeds and worship during this month is also a source of great Divine favor. The revelation of the Holy Quran started during this month and it is hence the duty of every Muslim to read and try to learn and understand the meaning of the Holy Quran and by that gain an awareness and insight into the Divine secrets hold as sacred therein. It brings illumination to the mind, peace and imparts purity to the soul. This month of Ramadan is very special for Muslims across the world especially in this era where we are regularly struggling with the idea of keeping in mind the Remembrance of Allah due to complexities of modern day life.
Ramadan in the light of Hadith:
Abu Hurairah (RA) reported that Allah’s Messenger (PBUH) said:‘When there comes the month of Ramadan, the gates of mercy are opened, and the gates of Hell are locked and the devils are chained.’
In Ramadan the Ummah of Holy Prophet (PBUH) is invited to receive the privileges from Allah Almighty. Every breath taken has the reward of good deeds and Tasbeeh are rewarded in great amount. A person who does not receive the mercy and kindness of Allah is most unlucky.The Holy Prophet (SAW) said:
‘O People! The month of Allah (SWT) has come with His mercies and blessings. This is the month that is the best of all months in the eyes of Allah (SWT). Its days are the best of days, its nights are the best of nights, its hours are the best of hours’.
Allah’s Apostle stated:
“Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fasting should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should tell him twice, ‘I am fasting.”
The Prophet added:
“By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk.”
Allah says about the person who is fasting:
“He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten time.”
The blessed month of Ramadan provides a unique convenient time and opportunity for Tahajjud prayer, particularly when the time of commencing the fast is favorable. Allah Almighty provides great reward for all our good acts of worship during this Holy month therefore, we should do special efforts to pray and keep it up for the rest of the year to raise our level of spirituality.