It Is the time for Fasting, Prayer, and Charitable Acts to Deepen One’s Connection with Allah
By Syed Anaiyat Bukharie
As the Islamic world enters the month of Ramadan, Muslims from all corners of the globe engage in a time of intense spiritual devotion. This holy month is regarded as the most glorious in the Islamic calendar and is marked by fasting, prayer, and reflection. During this time, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset and devote themselves to prayer, recitation of the Holy Quran, and charitable deeds. This news article explores the significance of Ramadan and how it is observed by Muslims worldwide. Ramadan
In the Holy Quran, it is clearly outlined in Surah Baqarah Ayat 183, “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” This verse conspicuously substantiates that Ramadan is not only the month of starving but is the month of purifying the soul, rejuvenating faith, and seeking forgiveness by abstaining from negative behavior such as gossiping, lying, recrimination, and backbiting. By avoiding these behaviors, we can rejuvenate our faith.
The beauty of this month is that the gates of heaven are opened, and the gates of hell are closed. Fasting during Ramadan is an act of worship and a means of self-discipline. When we deprive ourselves of food and drink, we learn to control our desires and become more mindful of our actions. Fasting is also an act of solidarity with the less fortunate, as it reminds us of the suffering of those who do not have the means to eat or drink.
In this glorious month, the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW) among the last 10 odd days of this month, i.e., 21, 23, 25, 27, 29. Among all these dates, 27 is considered the most authentic, and that night is known as Laylatul Qadr, which has great significance. Laylatul Qadr is also mentioned in the Quran in Chapter 97 verse 3, “The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.”
Moreover, Anas ibn Malik (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said, “There is a night within it that is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of it has been deprived of all good.” Reciting the Quran during this month is considered a way of getting closer to Allah, and it is believed that the rewards for reading the Holy Quran during this month are multiplied (Saying of Prophet Muhammad Peace Be upon Him). In this month, Muslims give enormous charity to the poor and needy and to several organizations. Around the world, people take advantage of this month to launch fundraising campaigns. Giving charity is considered a way of purifying one’s wealth, and it is believed that the rewards for giving during this month are multiplied (Sayings of Prophet).
In the month of Ramadan, a special night prayer, known as Taraweeh or Qiyam, is offered. Abu-Hurairah reports that the Prophet SAW said, “Whoever prays during the nights of Ramadan (Tarawee) with firm belief and hoping for a reward, all of his previous sins would be forgiven.” Taraweeh comprises twenty Rakats followed by Witr at the end. These prayers are an opportunity for us to connect with Allah and seek His forgiveness.
This month is also a time for increased family and community gatherings. Before iftar (breaking fast), we gather with our families to supplicate congregationally. Because before some minutes of Iftar, the time is considered imperative and precious as the angels are waiting to recite Amen on our supplications, and it is being said whatever we supplicate at the time of iftar shall be accepted before long.
As Ramadan approaches, Muslims worldwide prepare for a month of spiritual growth and deepening their connection with Allah. Fasting, prayer, recitation of the Quran, and charitable acts all serve as avenues for purifying the soul and seeking forgiveness. Ramadan is not only an individual practice but a time for the Muslim community to come together, share experiences, offer support, and pray collectively. It is a time to set aside differences and seek forgiveness, to heal relationships, and to purify the heart of hatred and malice before the month comes to a close. Ramadan teaches us to focus on what unites us as a community and to strive for greater spiritual growth.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of this newspaper. The author can be reached at reached at [email protected]
Blurb
“There is a night within it that is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of it has been deprived of all good.”
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