Ramadan is the most venerated month in the Islamic calendar (a lunar calendar also known as the Hijri calendar). It is frequently given the title of the Holy Month of Ramadan, in both writing and speech, to underline its significance in the Muslim year.
Ramadan commemorates the first revelation of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). This was when the Prophet was visited by the angel Gabriel and received the first verses of what would become the Qu’ran – the central religious text of Islam held by Muslims to be the word of Allah (SWT) given to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Therefore, Ramadan not only marks the beginning of Islam as a faith but a key moment in the relationship between Allah (SWT) and mankind.
Muslims around the world will fast (not eating or drinking) from dawn to dusk during Ramadan. It is a month for prayers and spiritual reflection, improvement and cleansing. Observing Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam – the obligatory acts of devotion required of all Muslims.
During Ramadan spiritual benefits for good deeds by believers are multiplied. So acts of charity and virtue are a key part of life for Muslims during the Holy Month. By donating to those in need, sins can be cleansed and virtues accumulated. Giving of alms – zakat – is another of the Five Pillars, and the spiritual benefits of Ramadan make this all the more powerful when given during Ramadan. It is said that good deeds performed during Ramadan bring 70 times more spiritual benefits than when performed at other times. You can reap these benefits by donating to UKIM now!
The most important aspect of all acts of faith is taqwa. This means consciousness of Allah (SWT) and requires pure intent and true obedience. Enter into Ramadan with this sincerity and genuine devotion to the requirements and meanings of this special time. This will ensure the spiritual benefits of Ramadan can be yours.
The core act of Ramadan is fasting during daylight hours. As well as forgoing food and drink, Muslims will also refrain from tobacco products, sexual relations, sinful behaviour and anything else that they see as worldly pleasures or bad habits. Going without these things instils focus, discipline and patience. It allows Muslims to detach from ordinary worldly distractions and focus on their relationship with Allah (SWT).
Fasting also creates empathy for those less fortunate who do not give up these things, but do not have them, as well as gratitude. The hunger and thirst experienced during the day allows you to appreciate the countless blessings bestowed by Allah (SWT), building feelings of humility and compassion. These are the spiritual benefits of fasting in Ramadan.
Ramadan is also about reaffirming and strengthening the bonds between Muslims – within families, communities and the connections between Muslims all over the world. Families gather for suhoor and iftar (the morning and evening meals that start and end the daylight fast) and worshippers gather at mosques for Taraweeh (nightly prayers during which the entire Qu’ran is read over the course of the month). These communal events, and the knowledge that all Muslims worldwide are taking part in them at the same time and for the same reasons, should foster a sense of fraternity. This kinship and communication can ensure that the spiritual benefits of Ramadan are maximised
Taking Ramadan as the chance to perform acts of charity and personal prayers, supplications and reflections should lead to this being a month of soothing spiritual energy and connection. While Ramadan is one specific month, it should be entered into as a chance to see and set examples of how to live a life of purpose and one filled with taqwa. While this is a personal responsibility for each person, Muslims should also help and cooperate with each other to reach and keep these standards.
Gaining the full spiritual benefits of Ramadan requires personal and spiritual preparation.During Ramadan, it is said that the doors of mercy are wide open and every good deed is multiplied in reward. Ramadan is a chance to seek forgiveness for past sins and begin this special time with a purified heart. This is the foundation for the month of reflection, supplication and renewal that’s ahead.Here are some other points of guidance that can help you prepare for the blessed month of Ramadan:
One of the most beautiful and significant aspects of Ramadan for Muslims is that it brings a heightened awareness of the presence of Allah (SWT). The fasting and forgoing of worldly pleasures bring the most meaningful spiritual benefits of Ramadan – that true contentment comes from faith in and devotion to Allah (SWT).
Through recitation and study of the Qu’ran, Muslims maintain and renew their awareness and understanding of the word and will of Allah. The month is full of time for personal reflection and prayer to maintain each Muslim’s relationship with Allah. The spiritual effects of both good and bad deeds are multiplied during Ramadan, heightening Muslims’ awareness of Allah and the impacts of their actions in the world and in the eyes of Allah (SWT).
Entered into and carried out in the right way, Muslims can find themselves dawn closer to Allah during Ramadan, experiencing a feeling of inner peace and clarity that they can carry with them for the rest of the year.
Each night of Ramadan is significant – this is when families and friends gather to break the fast of the day and the Qu’ran is read at mosques during Taraweeh. The last ten nights hold special significance. This is Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree). It was on one of these nights centuries before that the first revelation was made to the Prophet Muhammed (PBUH). Because it is not known on exactly which night the first revelation took place, this event is commemorated on all ten nights.
The Qu’ran states that the spiritual blessings and effects of good thoughts and deeds made on Laylat al-Qadr are “better than a thousand months” (Quran 97:3) – while Ramadan as a whole raises the spiritual benefits by 70 times, one deed, thought or prayer on Laylat al-Qadr can be equivalent to those made across an entire lifetime.
This is a time without equal to attain the mercy and blessings of Allah (SWT). Carrying out Qiyam-ul-Layl (a night vigil of prayer and study of the Qu’ran), making supplications and seeking forgiveness on these sacred nights greatly amplify the spiritual benefits of Ramadan.
As Ramadan approaches, let us prepare ourselves to embrace its spiritual values. This is the time to renew our faith, seek closeness to Allah (SWT) and heighten our worship. Whether through fasting, prayers, or acts of kindness, every effort made during this holy month brings immense rewards.
Let us strive to make this Ramadan a period of true transformation, emerging with purified hearts and strengthened faith. Support UK Islamic Mission in its efforts to provide food, water, and essential aid to those in need during this blessed month. Your contributions can make a difference in the lives of countless individuals. Donate today and be part of the blessings of Ramadan!
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