1. The Act of Fasting
The act of fasting is a blessing on its own as it is one of the pillars of Islam. The five pillars of Islam, with the Quran as a guide, shape a Muslim. It is an obligation for Muslims to fast during the month of Ramadan.
Was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous. (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183) O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it
2. Multiplication of Rewards
Rewards will be especially plenty for Muslims who spend most their time in the mosque during the holy month. But since the closing of mosques during the COVID-19 outbreak, doing your ibadah at home with family during Ramadan also has its virtues.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned, “Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadan and then follows it with six days of Shawwal will be rewarded as if he had fasted the entire year” (Narrated by Abu Aiyub Al-Ansari, Bulugh al-Maram)
3. Forgiveness of Sins
The month of Ramadan is also a month of forgiving. Allah SWT is the most forgiving to all his believers. Most Muslims would make use of this holy month to pray for forgiveness for the sins.
The Prophet Muhammad (PHUB) mentioned, “Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.” (Hadith narrated by Abu Huraira, Sahih al-Bukhari)
With the current situation, you can keep in touch with your loved ones through social media or video communicating tools.
4. Door of Rayyan
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned, “For those who fast, there is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Rayyan, through which no one but they will enter. When the last of them has entered it, it will be closed. Whoever enters through it will drink, and whoever drinks will never thirst again”. (Narrated by Sahi Bin Sad, Sunan an-Nasa’i)
This is one great blessing as it affects a Muslim in the afterlife, bringing him or her a step closer to Paradise. Allah SWT will reward those who are hardworking and steadfast in prayer and their duties as a Muslim in the afterlife.
5. Pre-dawn Meal (Sahur)
How many of you have always felt lazy or too tired to wake up before sunrise for your pre-dawn meal (Sahur)? I’m sure there are a few who have done it at least once before, with your parents pulling you out of bed every time. Did you know every pre-dawn meal during the month of Ramadan has a blessing in disguise?
From a religious standpoint, it is beneficial for Muslims to witness the start of their fast at sunrise, at the same time, performing their MORNING prayers.
If you are thinking of what to do while fasting, we hope this list would give you some inspiration.
6. Breaking of Fast (Iftar)
Fasting Muslims would break their fast after sunset (during the call for Maghrib prayer). The breaking of their fast for the day, or Iftar, is truly a blessing for every Muslim as he or she completes a day of worship to Allah SWT.
Muslims are advised not to delay their Iftar and do so as soon as the call for Maghrib prayer sounds.
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) mentioned, “When one of you breaks his fast, then let him do so with dried dates. And whoever does not find dates, then water, for it is purifying.” (Narrated by Salman bin Amir Ad-Dabbi, Jami’ at-Tirmidhi)
7. Recitation of the Quran
The revelation of the Quran was made during the month of Ramadan, so it is only fitting that Muslims celebrate this by reciting verses from the Holy Book.
It was in the month of Ramadan that the Quran was revealed as guidance for mankind, clear messages giving guidance and distinguishing between right and wrong. (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)
The rewards reaped from reciting the Quran on any ordinary day is already beneficial but if it is recited during the month of Ramadan, the rewards are 70 times better! It is also mentioned in the Quran of the beauty and power of the holy Book, with the ability to aid a Muslim in his life, especially so during the month of Ramadan.
And we send down of the Qur'an that which is healing and mercy for the believers, but it does not increase the wrongdoers except in loss. (Surah Al-Isra 17:82)
8. Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power)
The Night of Power or Decree (Laylatul Qadr) falls on one of the last ten nights of every month of Ramadan. The exact time and date have been a mystery to all Muslims but rewards for your good deeds and prayers on this specific night will multiply enormously as said in the Quran,
The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. (Surah Al-Qadr 97:3)
You are probably wondering what makes this night so powerful and so blessed. Do check this list of beautiful things you probably never knew of the Night of Power.
As Muslims, let us ready ourselves for yet another amazingly blessed month of Ramadan. For our non-Muslim readers, feel free to spend time with your fasting Muslim friends including breaking fast with them or who knows? Maybe try fasting yourself?
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Syed Hafizullah, Class : 5-C, ICSK-Khaitan |