What is Ramazan

Ramazan is the chief month of all months, celebrated by Muslims worldwide. Fasting is made obligatory this month. The Holy Quran says: O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as prescribed for those before you. Fasting is obligatory for 30 days or 29 days. Fasting is not excused except for those on a journey, those who are sick, pregnant women, and those who cannot fast. Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran:

Those who cannot fast in Ramazan should make up for it on other days. Fasting has spiritual and physical benefits. It is a zakat for our body and protects us from many diseases. Fasting was prescribed for Prophet Moses (peace be upon him). By fasting, we spend the whole day in worship and avoid sins. Allah Almighty says, “Fasting is for Me, and I will reward it.”

The Importance of the Holy Month of Ramzan

A Time of Revelation 

A unique attribute of Ramazan is the Holy Quran. The Holy Quran began to be revealed to Hazrat Muhammad (peace be upon him) on the night of Laylatul Qadr, which Hazrat Gabriel (peace be upon him) used to bring to the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) through revelation. Reciting the Holy Quran in Ramazan is immensely rewarding because the reward is increased 70 times during Ramadan.

The Holy Quran is recited more in Ramazan than on ordinary days. There is great reward in reading the Holy Quran with understanding, with Tajweed, and in reading its commentary and then acting upon it. Only when we read the Holy Quran with understanding will we understand the meaning of life.

The Five Pillars of Islam 

Ramazan is the month of fasting. Fasting is the fifth important pillar of Islam.

Allah Almighty says in the Holy Quran that fasting is for Me, and I will reward it. In Arabic, fasting is called Sawm. During fasting, Muslims not only abstain from food and drink but also increase their acts of worship and recite more and more Nawafil and the Holy Quran, through which they stay away from evil and shape their souls.

Indeed, fasting keeps us from evil and provides us with spiritual peace. Through fasting, millions of believers express gratitude for the blessings that Allah Almighty has bestowed upon them, and their hearts are filled with compassion for those who are deprived of them and their sense of helplessness and empathy increases.

A Month of Mercy and Forgiveness 

Indeed, in Ramazan, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, Satan is chained, and the gates of forgiveness are opened. At the time of Suhoor, Allah Almighty first appears in the sky and addresses His servants, saying, “Is there anyone who asks for forgiveness from Me? Is there anyone who asks for sustenance from Me? May I grant it to him?” So Muslims perform more worship this month and ask Allah Almighty to forgive their sins.

Ramazan is a great blessing

The month of Ramazan is a great blessing from Allah Almighty. In it, the angels of Allah Almighty descend to the earth, and the devil is locked up. And every day, Allah Almighty sends His angels to go and see those who have gold leaves, silver leaves, and a golden pen in their hands, who are reciting Durood Shareef, and then they write down a reward for them. For each good deed, a righteous person gets a reward of 70. Whoever worships Allah Sharif during Ramazan, then Allah Almighty will reward him with a reward of 70.

Traditions and Rituals of Ramzan

Fasting from Dawn to Dusk 

The most visible and well-known aspect of Ramzan is fasting. From Fajr (dawn prayer) to Maghrib (sunset prayer), Muslims refrain from eating, drinking—even water—and other physical needs like intimacy. Fasting is seen as an act of worship and a practice of self-discipline.

Fasting is abstaining from food and drink from dawn until Iftar. At Iftar, the fast is broken with water or dates. Fasting is also a way of sitting together. During Iftar, the entire family sits together and breaks their fast.

The Obligation and Importance of Fasting

 Fasting has been made obligatory upon us. We have to observe it in all circumstances. The Holy Quran states that you should fast, and whoever is sick or on a journey should make up for it on other days. It has been proven that fasting is not an excuse but an obligation upon us, which we must observe in all circumstances. If we can fast and do not have the strength to fast, then it is an excuse for that. Allah Almighty says that if you fast, it is better for you.

Not just stop eating during Roza

• If a person does not choose to fear Allah, the Almighty, despite fasting, and is absorbed in worldly pursuits and does not refrain from lying and dishonesty for his commercial gain, then his fasting is useless. The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever does not stop telling lies and acting upon them even while fasting, Allah, the Almighty, has no need for him to remain hungry or thirsty.” (Bukhari, Sahih, Hadith No. 1804)

Increased Worship 

The cycle of worship begins in Ramazan. All Muslim believers also perform Taraweeh and other prayers, which is a Sunnah. In Taraweeh, the Quran reciter recites an extended portion of the Holy Quran daily, approximately one or one and a half chapters, and completes one throughout Ramadan. In most mosques, two or three Khatams are also performed in Taraweeh. And long prayers are offered for the forgiveness of the entire Muslim Ummah and their well-being.

Acts of Charity 

Another key aspect of Ramazan is Zakat (charity), another of Islam’s five pillars. During the holy month, Muslims are often reminded of the importance of helping those in need. Many choose this time to give their annual Zakat-al-Fitr or other acts of generosity. Doing so reinforces the values of compassion and justice inherent in Islam.

Observing Laylat al-Qadr 

Laylatul Qadr occurs in the last ten days of Ramazan. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said, “Search for Laylatul Qadr on odd nights, which are the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, and 29th.” Laylatul Qadr is most often seen on the 27th night. On the night of Laylatul Qadr, the most Nawafil prayers are performed, and prayers for forgiveness are sought.

The Spiritual Message of Ramzan

Self-Purification 

Ramzan is often described as a detox for the soul. Muslims aim to purify their hearts and minds by fasting and avoiding sinful actions. This purification fosters a stronger connection with their spiritual selves and with Allah. Every hunger pang is a reminder of the higher purpose they strive toward.

Gratitude and Sympathy 

Fasting also has a practical component, as it fosters a deeper understanding of the daily struggles faced by those who live with hunger. This cultivates gratitude for one’s blessings and encourages a giving spirit. Ramzan reminds us to extend our hand to the less fortunate and to look beyond ourselves.

Reflection and Reconnection 

The quiet moments of introspection during Ramzan are invaluable. Whether contemplating the meanings of Qur’anic verses or simply practicing stillness during a busy day, Muslims use this time to reflect on their lives, recognize their imperfections, and pursue personal growth.

How the Spirit of Ramzan Unites Communities

One of the best things about Ramzan is its feeling of togetherness. During the Iftar, families, and friends get together, the mosques that everyone else joins for Communal prayers throughout the day, and the local communities do their regular community service drives. All of this together produces a strong sense of empathy in people.

A Universal Message 

The teachings of Ramzan lead to a higher level of understanding related to spiritualism, human compacting, and empathy or kindness, which is familiar to people of all religions. The realization of Ramzan is also a key factor, as it is for people of all colors, faiths, and cultures to see how much Allah has bestowed upon the earth with such noble behaviors as gratitude, love, and a desire for meaningful existence.

Disclosing the Grace of Ramzan Ramzan not only connotes that it is a month of remembering and not forgetting to do some good works but also has more benefits to humanity through acts of discipline, devotion, and oneness. It teaches love, mercy, and the human search for God, which lasts forever. Do not violate the essence of Ramzan either through prayer or by joining the local Muslim community; you might be able to experience it. Some profound virtues may be present as a result of the actual transformation that they bring to the rest of the year.