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Virtues of Ramadan

duas for the last 10 days of ramadan

Ramadan is the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar. The virtues of this holy month are many – it was the month in which the Qur’an was first revealed, and includes iftar and laylatul qadr, which are special opportunities for the forgiveness of sins and the acceptance of duas (prayers).

Guidance through the revelation of scriptures

Ramadan is undoubtedly the month of the Qur’an, which was first revealed in the holy month. Later, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would review the Qur’an with the angel Jibril (Gabriel) during Ramadan.

In the Qur’an, Allah (SWT) says:

شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَـٰتٍ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ 

Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed – a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (between right and wrong). (2:185

Yet the Qur’an is not the only scripture to have been revealed in Ramadan.

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The scriptures of Ibrahim were revealed on the first night of Ramadan. The Torah was revealed after 6 nights of Ramadan had passed. The Gospel was revealed after 13 nights of Ramadan had passed. The Qur’an was revealed after 24 nights of Ramadan had passed.”

(Ahmad)

The fact that all holy scriptures were revealed during Ramadan is testament to the month’s sacred nature, as well as the fact that these scriptures offer us invaluable instruction and wisdom on to how to live our lives.

Forgiveness of sins

Muslims are encouraged to turn to God in repentance at any time, yet there are certain sacred times, such as Ramadan, and specifically laylatul qadr, the 27th night of Ramadan when God’s mercy is amplified and He is even more open to forgiving his servants.

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever observes the fasts of Ramadan with firm belief and hoping for reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.”

(Bukhari)

Ramadan is the most opportune time of the year to seek forgiveness for one’s sins, as the act of fasting is so beloved to God that He has made observing Ramadan a means of forgiveness.

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “The 5 daily prayers, Jumu’ah to Jumu’ah, and Ramadan to Ramadan expiate for (the sins perpetrated) in between them, so long as one stays away from the major sins.”

(Muslim)

Disempowerment of evil entities

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “On the first night of Ramadan, the devils and the rebellious jinn are tied up; the doors of Hellfire are closed, and none of its doors are opened. The doors of Paradise are opened, and none of its doors are closed. A caller calls out: ‘O seeker of good, come forward! O seeker of evil, stop!’ And every night, Allah frees slaves from the Hellfire.” (Tirmidhi)

(Tirmidhi)

One reason why Ramadan is considered sacred is that in this month, God limits the evil influence of beings who are free to roam about during the rest of the year.

Muslims believe in certain supernatural elements, including misguided jinn who whisper evil suggestions and tempt humans towards sin. With these beings locked away, we feel less inclination towards sin and have stronger defences against temptation, helping us to make the most of the holy month.

Acceptance of dua

Each of us has dreams and aspirations, and the surest way for a Muslim to have their wishes realised is to make sincere dua (supplication) and couple this with whatever action they can take in order to make their dream a reality.

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “There are 3 whose dua is not rejected: the fasting person until he opens his fast, the just leader, and the supplication of the oppressed person.” (Tirmidhi)

(Tirmidhi)

In the Islamic tradition, there are certain situations and times when dua is more readily accepted, such as the dua of a traveller or a dua made while it is raining.

Another opportune time is just before iftar (meal eaten after sunset during Ramadan), for when the fasting person has spent the entire day abstaining from their desires to seek God’s pleasure, God turns to them with love and acceptance.

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Indeed, the supplication of the fasting person at the time of his iftar is not rejected.”

(Ibn Majah)

Intercession on Judgement Day

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Fasting and the Qur’ān will intercede for the servant on the Day of Judgement. Fasting will say: My Lord, I prevented him from eating and his desires during the day, so accept my intercession on his behalf. The Qur’ān will say: I prevented him from sleeping at night, so accept my intercession on his behalf. Then, both of their intercession will be accepted.”

(Ahmad)

Muslims believe that the Day of Judgement is the day when God will judge all human beings and hold them to account for their deeds and how they lived their lives.

It is a day when everyone will be overwhelmed with worry and anxiety, and any reprieve we can grant ourselves on that day through our good deeds in this life will be most welcome! 

The eternal reward of Paradise

The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Indeed, there is a gate in Paradise called al-Rayyan. Those who fasted will enter through it on the Day of Judgement. No one else will enter through it along with them. It will be said: ‘Where are those who fasted?’ Then they will get up, and there will be none other than them to enter through it. Once they have all entered, it will be closed and no one else will enter through it.”

(Bukhari)

Fasting is so praiseworthy that God has created a specific path to Paradise through it. As the goal of a believer is to attain Paradise in order to be near God for eternity, this is the ultimate form of encouragement for us to hold Ramadan in high esteem and make the most of this special month.

This Ramadan, don’t miss out on the huge rewards for providing people with food to break their fast with. Donate today to help people in need around the world.