By: Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon
“Ramadan is not just about changing our schedules; it is about changing our hearts.”
Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, is not merely an adjustment in routine—it is an invitation to a profound spiritual transformation. It is a time when the gates of Heaven are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained. The divine command to fast is not just about refraining from food and drink; it is about restraining worldly desires, cultivating obedience, and attaining piety.
In the words of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH):”Whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, their past sins shall be forgiven.”
This sacred month serves as a beacon of faith, an opportunity to purify our hearts, seek divine mercy, and recalibrate our connection with Allah. It is a time for introspection—a moment to liberate ourselves from the illusions of the material world and immerse in the sweetness of faith.
The Anticipation of Ramadan
As the month of Rajab approaches, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would fervently supplicate:
“O Allah, bless us in the months of Rajab and Sha’ban, and grant us the arrival of Ramadan.”
The very name “Ramadan,” derived from the Arabic root ramida (meaning “scorching heat”), symbolizes the burning away of sins and the purification of the soul. This blessed month arrives as divine mercy, offering a refuge from spiritual stagnation. Through fasting, prayer, and self-discipline, we rekindle our bond with Allah and embark on a journey of renewal.
Fasting: A Pathway to Taqwa
Fasting is more than abstinence from food; it is an exercise in patience, gratitude, and self-restraint. The Qur’an declares:
“O you who have believed, fasting has been decreed upon you as it was decreed upon those before you, so that you may attain righteousness.” (Al-Baqarah 2:183)
By fasting, we mirror the purity of angels, detaching from earthly desires to nurture spiritual elevation. The Prophet (PBUH) emphasized:
“For everything, there is Zakat, and the Zakat of the body is fasting.”
In a world consumed by indulgence, fasting becomes a means to cultivate taqwa—a state of God-consciousness that shields us from sin. It instills within us the discipline to resist temptation, fostering a character rooted in righteousness.
Ramadan: A Time for Worship and Reflection
Ramadan is a spiritual training ground, urging believers to enhance their devotion. Beyond the obligatory fast, true engagement in this sacred month entails:
Increasing Worship
The below mentioned verses of Alama Iqbal resonate deeply, compelling us to reflect on our spiritual state
Goongi ho gayi aaj kuch zuban kehte kehte Hichkicha gaya main khud ko Musalman kehte kehte
Yeh baat nai ki mujhe is pe yaqeen nahi,
Bas darr gaya khud ko sahib-e-iman kehte kehte.
Ramadan is not merely a month of fasting but a time of intense self-examination, devotion, and transformation. It arrives as a divine gift, urging believers to realign their lives with faith, sincerity, and discipline. However, have we truly embraced the essence of this sacred month, or are we merely observing its outer rituals?
Skipping prayers while fasting contradicts the essence of Ramadan. The true spirit lies in strengthening our connection with Allah through additional acts of worship. Engage in:
Tahajjud (Night Prayer): A special prayer before dawn, fostering a deeper bond with Allah.
Taraweeh: A nightly practice reinforcing discipline and devotion.
Nafl Prayers: Voluntary prayers that elevate spiritual ranks.
Strengthening Our Relationship with the Qur’an
“Meri almaari main gard se bhari kitaab ka jo poocha,
Main gadd gaya zameen main Quran kehte kehte.” (Alama Iqbal)
The Qur’an was revealed in Ramadan as a guide for humanity, yet it remains neglected in many households. Ramadan is the perfect time to:
Recite the Qur’an with understanding. Reflect on its meanings. Implement its teachings in daily life.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself increased his Qur’an recitation during Ramadan, reinforcing its significance.
Correct Recitation of the Holy Quran in Taraweeh:
During this blessed month, it is imperative for every believer to ensure that the recitation of the Quran in Taraweeh prayers is conducted with utmost care and reverence. Rushing through the recitation is contrary to the majesty of Almighty Allah, and the Quran itself admonishes those who recite it haphazardly. Sadly, there have been instances where the Imam, due to haste, fails to enunciate the words of the Quran correctly. Surah Al-Fatiha is sometimes recited in a single breath, and the bowing, prostration, and Tashahhud are not performed properly. Furthermore, Taraweeh prayers are hurriedly concluded within forty or fifty minutes, while lengthy discussions ensue for hours afterward. This disregard for the sanctity of Quranic recitation not only deprives individuals of blessings but also incurs the Quran’s disapproval. Let us strive to avoid such negligence and ensure that our recitation and listening of the Quran during Taraweeh is conducted with diligence, precision, and proper pronunciation.
Seeking Forgiveness and Making Duas
The doors of divine mercy are wide open in Ramadan, making it the ideal time for sincere repentance. The Prophet (PBUH) once ascended the pulpit and responded “Ameen” three times. When asked why, he revealed that Angel Jibreel had invoked destruction upon:
Those who fail to seek forgiveness in Ramadan.
Those who dishonor their parents.
Those who hear the Prophet’s name but do not send salutations upon him.
This serves as a stark reminder to seize this month as a period of spiritual cleansing.
Lailat-ul-Qadr: The Night of Power
“Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Al-Qadr 97:1-3)
Lailat-ul-Qadr, hidden within the last ten nights, offers an unparalleled opportunity for redemption. Yet, it is unfortunate that many treat it as a festival rather than a night of deep worship. The Prophet (PBUH) advised:
“Seek Lailat-ul-Qadr in the last ten nights of Ramadan, especially on the odd nights.”
To maximize its blessings:
Engage in Qiyam-ul-Lail (Night Prayers).
Recite the supplication: “O Allah, You are the Most Forgiving, and You love to forgive, so forgive me.”
Increase in Dhikr (remembrance of Allah).
Ramadan: A Gateway to Knowledge and Faith
Ramadan provides an excellent opportunity to increase one’s knowledge of the faith. While the month is characterized by increased worship and spiritual activities, it is also crucial to prioritize learning the essentials of religion. Acquiring knowledge about Tawheed (belief in the Oneness of Allah), Prophethood, and the Hereafter enhances one’s faith and understanding of Islam.
Ramadan: A School of Self-Discipline
“Ramadan is about breaking bad habits, not putting them on pause.”
Beyond spiritual rewards, fasting nurtures self-control. The discipline of waking up for Suhoor, enduring hunger, and refraining from negative speech teaches us resilience and mindfulness. It reminds us that true devotion requires sacrifice.
Alama Iqbal profoundly expresses this struggle:
“Kis qadar tum pe giran subah ki bedari hai,
Hum se kab pyaar hai, haan neend tumhein pyaari hai.”
Overcoming the challenge of early prayers builds a lifelong habit of devotion. Ramadan instills within us a deeper sense of accountability, urging us to continue our spiritual growth even beyond this sacred month.
Embracing the Spirit of Ramadan
As Ramadan approaches, let us prepare our hearts, not just our kitchens. Let us reflect:
Have we merely observed its rituals, or have we internalized its essence?
Have we sought forgiveness sincerely, or have we let this month slip by unchanged?
Have we strengthened our bond with the Qur’an, or have we let dust gather upon it?
The arrival of Ramadan is a gift—one that not everyone will receive again. Let us seize this divine opportunity to purify our souls, elevate our faith, and strengthen our connection with Allah.
May we be among those who emerge from Ramadan spiritually renewed, carrying its light beyond these thirty days.
Bottom line
“O Ramadan, come swiftly, for we eagerly await your luminous crescent.”
As this sacred month draws near, may Allah grant us the strength and steadfastness to embrace its blessings fully. May He shower His mercy upon us, guide us towards righteousness, and accept our fasting and prayers.
Ramadan Mubarak! May this month bring you peace, joy, and spiritual enlightenment.
About the Author:
Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon is a distinguished Educational Columnist, Motivational Speaker, and Associate Editor of the weekly educational publication Education Quill.
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