Naila Nasir, Norway
Ramadan is a sacred month for us Muslims, a time of immense blessings and a blessing given to us by Allah, the ever Merciful, for us to deepen our connection with Him. It is not just a period of abstaining from food and drink but a time for complete submission to the worship of Allah. The Holy Quran states:
شَہۡرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِیۡۤ اُنۡزِلَ فِیۡہِ الۡقُرۡاٰنُ ہُدًی لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَیِّنٰتٍ مِّنَ الۡہُدٰی وَالۡفُرۡقَانِ ۚ فَمَنۡ شَہِدَ مِنۡکُمُ الشَّہۡرَفَلۡیَصُمۡہُ ؕ وَمَنۡ کَانَ مَرِیۡضًا اَوۡ عَلٰی سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّۃٌ مِّنۡ اَیَّامٍ اُخَرَ ؕ یُرِیۡدُ اللّٰہُ بِکُمُ الۡیُسۡرَ وَلَا یُرِیۡدُ بِکُمُ الۡعُسۡرَ ۫وَلِتُکۡمِلُوا الۡعِدَّۃَ وَلِتُکَبِّرُوا اللّٰہَ عَلٰی مَا ہَدٰٮکُمۡ وَلَعَلَّکُمۡ تَشۡکُرُوۡنَ
“The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was sent down as a guidance for mankind with clear proofs of guidance and discrimination. Therefore, whosoever of you is present [at home] in this month, let him fast therein. But whoso is sick or is on a journey, [shall fast] the same number of other days. Allah desires to [give] you facility and He desires not hardship for you, and that you may complete the number, and that you may exalt Allah for His having guided you and that you may be grateful” (Surah al-Baqarah, Ch.2: V.186)
This holy month is not a test that we are supposed to pass, rather it is the mercy of Allah bestowed upon us. It is a month of true blessings where we can be forgiven for our sins. Through fasting, prayer, and devotion, we believers cleanse our souls, strengthen our faith, and embrace the divine mercy that this holy month brings.
One of the greatest blessings of Ramadan is the opportunity to draw closer to Allah. This month is a gift, a chance to repent for past sins and seek forgiveness with sincerity. It is a time when the gates of heaven are opened while the gates of hell are closed (Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 1899), so that even the devil cannot distract us from worship.
Through fasting, we learn self-discipline, patience, and gratitude, realising the true purpose of our existence: To worship Allah, and obey what He has commanded.
Fasting in Ramadan is not merely about abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs; it is about refraining from all things that divert us from Allah’s remembrance. We should guard our tongues from harmful speech, restrain our eyes from sinful sights, and purify our hearts from negative emotions. The Holy Prophet Muhammadsa taught us a valuable lesson regarding fasting:
“Fasting is a shield. When any one of you is fasting on a day, he should neither indulge in obscene language, nor raise the voice; or if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him he should say: I am a person fasting.” (Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1151d)
It is important to constantly remember the significance of fasting and the rules that should be observed at all times. Abstinence from worldly distractions allows us to prioritise our spiritual health over material desires.
This holy month of Ramadan is also an opportunity for us to completely focus on the worship of Allah the Almighty. As Ramadan unfolds, we must remind ourselves of its true essence. It is not just about fasting; it is a spiritual journey that draws us nearer to Allah. By focusing on our faith, seeking forgiveness, and striving for self-improvement, we should make the most of this blessed month. Allah the Almighty states in the Quran:
اِنَّمَا وَلِیُّکُمُ اللّٰہُ وَرَسُوۡلُہٗ وَالَّذِیۡنَ اٰمَنُوا الَّذِیۡنَ یُقِیۡمُوۡنَ الصَّلٰوۃَ وَیُؤۡتُوۡنَ الزَّکٰوۃَ وَہُمۡ رٰکِعُوۡنَ
“Your friend is only Allah and His Messenger and the believers who observe Prayer and pay the Zakat and worship God alone.” (Surah al-Ma’idah, Ch.5: V.56)
This verse encourages believers to strive for righteousness through sincere worship, strengthening their faith and improving themselves in every aspect of life. May we embrace Ramadan with sincerity and emerge from it with purified hearts and strengthened faith. Amin.