Jalees Ahmad, Al Hakam
Countless people have come into the world, leaving their footprints in the sands of history and bringing about a revolution that has inspired thousands. History will often remember those who transformed nations and countries.
Undoubtedly, the greatest change and revolution in human history was brought about by the advent of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa, the chosen one, the seal of the Prophets. It did not take long for the impact of his message, which he received from Allah the Almighty, to spread far and wide in the Arabian Peninsula and eventually throughout the world. His message and noble character influenced countless individuals and carved the course of history.
It was a habit of the young Muhammadsa to retreat to the cave of Hira and spend time there in contemplation. Being surrounded by a population immersed in idol worship, gambling, adultery drinking, and immorality, our beloved master, Muhammadsa found peace and comfort far away from these things. He would often climb the mountain, find a spot in the cave and remain there for days, taking provisions with him. It was here that the revelation of the Holy Quran began in the month of Ramadan when Allah the Exalted revealed the following words upon the pure heart of the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa:
اِقۡرَاۡ بِاسۡمِ رَبِّکَ الَّذِيۡ خَلَقَ
“Convey thou in the name of thy Lord Who created” (Surah al-‘Alaq, Ch.96: V.2)
The coming down of the Holy Quran, in the holy month of Ramadan, proved to be a pivotal moment in history that transformed Arabia and had a lasting impact on the world, which is witnessed to this very day. Before the Holy Quran was revealed, Arabia was a region plagued by tribal conflicts, social injustice, and moral decay. A mere study of pre-Islamic Arabian poems paints this very image of Arabia before the dawn of Islam. Thus, a study of early Islamic history will make it clear that the revolution brought by the Holy Prophetsa was no small feat.
During the month of Ramadan, as Muslims, we are reminded of the Holy Quran, the first words and revelation revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammadsa. It was in this month that Allah the Almighty deemed it necessary to send a messenger who would re-establish the once-severed connection between God and man. Hazrat Khalifatul Masih IIra, very beautifully emphasising and elaborating on this point, states:
“It was this month that God appeared before his servants with the desire to attract His servants towards Himself.” (Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 2, p. 394)
During his recent Friday Sermon, Hazrat Khlaifatul Masih Vaa emphasised the importance of the Holy Quran in the month of Ramadan and said:
“Nowadays we are passing through the month of Ramadan. This is a month in which a spiritual atmosphere is fostered, and this is the atmosphere that should be created among the community of believers. Alongside the fasting during this month, greater attention is also given to worship, as it ought to be. Greater attention is given to reciting and listening to the Holy Quran, and if one desires to attain the true blessings of fasting, then along with the worship, greater care should be given to reading and listening to the Holy Quran. Ramadan has a special connection with the Holy Quran, or rather, the Holy Quran has a special connection with Ramadan. Allah Almighty states in the Holy Quran:
شَہۡرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِيۡۤ اُنۡزِلَ فِيۡہِ الۡقُرۡاٰنُ ہُدًي لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنٰتٍ مِّنَ الۡہُدٰي وَالۡفُرۡقَانِ
“‘The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was sent down as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination.’ (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.186)
“The Quran, which was sent for the guidance of all of mankind, possesses clear proofs that bring about guidance and divine signs. According to some authentic narrations, the first revelation descended upon the Holy Prophetsa on 24 Ramadan. Likewise, every year the angel Gabrielas would complete an entire recitation of the Quran to the Holy Prophetsa in the month of Ramadan, and in the final year, he completed it twice. So as it were, the Holy Quran holds special importance in relation to Ramadan. Therefore, we must also give special attention during this month to reading and listening to the Holy Quran, and to reading its commentary. Programmes in this regard are being aired on MTA, as well as lectures, so one ought to pay attention to these. Only when we recite the Holy Quran along with its translation, then read and listen to its commentary can we truly understand the commandments mentioned therein, incorporate them into our lives, shape our lives in accordance with the Quranic teachings, and become the recipients of Allah’s grace. Hence, if we wish to attain the true blessings of Ramadan, we must pay special attention to the recitation of the Holy Quran. One should also listen to the addresses that are being delivered in the mosques.” (Friday Sermon, 31 March 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJP2kVJuhbg)
This blessed month reminds us of God’s bounties and when the young Muhammadsa entered the cave of Hira and emerged as a Prophet of Allah destined to bring about a great change in the world.
We are reminded of the bounties of Allah and the revelation of the Holy Quran. Allah introduced Himself in the holy month of Ramadan as “thy Lord, Who created”.
We are reminded of the spiritual shift that caused a transformation to take place on earth and the re-establishment of Tawhid, which was long forgotten.
Alluding to the grand change brought by the Holy Prophetsa, the Promised Messiahas explained:
“He taught human values to a people who were savages and brutes. In other words, he transformed brutes into men, men into civilised men, and civilised men into godly men. He infused spiritual qualities into them and established their communion with the True God.” (Lecture Sialkot, p. 6)
This holy month, with all the blessings it is shrouded in, reminds us of our Creator, who revealed Himself to the world by connecting the Earth with the heavens. It is a month in which we re-evaluate our lives and strive to become true followers of the noble Prophet, Hazrat Muhammadsa. This month is one of blessings, hope, mercy, and forgiveness. This is a month that reminds us how important we are to Allah. Thus, our responsibility, which we should make the utmost effort to attain, is a solid connection with Allah, Who created.