Ramadan is one of the twelve months of the Islamic calendar and is considered a holy month for Muslims across the globe. This is a month that is devoted to worship, repentance, fasting, finding spiritual progression, and generosity.

Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and is a way for a Muslim to show he or she is a devoted and strong follower of the religion and help better themselves and become a more pious person during this holy month. Fasting is not just a process of denying the self food and water but holistically an act of seeking the face of God. 

This blog will discuss all aspects of Ramadan, its significance, and important things to consider and unveil the blessings of performing Umrah in the holy month of Ramadan. Read on till the end to learn all about the importance of Ramadan. 

Also Read:- Riazul Jannah – A Garden of Paradise

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic Hijri Calendar, during which Muslims indulge in the acts of fasting from dawn till sunset, praying and spiritual reflection. During this holy month, fasting is mandatory for every sane, non-disabled Muslim adult with some exceptions. 

Ramadan is celebrated as the month during which the first revelations of the holy Quran were sent to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by Allah through the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) in 610 A.D, in the Cave of Hira.

The first five verses of Surah Al-Alaq revealed during this encounter, emphasize the importance of knowledge and worship. The specific timing of revelation is given special significance and is known as “Laylatul Qadr” or the Night of Power.

The word “Ramadan” is derived from the Arabic word “Ramad,” which means “scorching heat” signifying the intensity and spiritual significance of this month. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic civil calendar which begins at the time when a new crescent moon is visible.

Significance of Ramadan in Islam

The month of Ramadan is deeply rooted in Islamic history. It was during this month that the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as guidance for mankind. The revelation began on Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree), which is believed to be the 27th night of Ramadan.

This night is described in the Quran as being better than a thousand months (Surah Al-Qadr, 97:3). On this night, acts of worship and devotion performed by Muslims are said to bring upon them huge blessings and forgiveness.

The story of Ramadan reminds Muslims about the importance of the Quran and its role in guiding their lives.

10 Importance of Ramadan

Discussed below are some of the most important reasons that make Ramadan so special and widely celebrated amongst Muslims globally; 

• Month of Revelation –  The month of Ramadan is sacred as this was the month in which the holy Quran was revealed.

• Spiritual Renewal – A chance for self-purification, increased worship, charity and spiritual reflection.

• Forgiveness – It is stated that sins are forgiven for those who repent and worship Allah during the month of Ramadan.

• Multiplied Rewards – Good deeds are rewarded manifold during Ramadan. 

• Charity and Empathy – Ramadan encourages people to donate food, clothes and other necessities to the needy. 

• Family and Community Bonding – Iftar meals and community prayers unite people and consolidate their relations.

• Focus on Worship – Reduced distraction helps in dedicating more time for prayer and Quran recitation.

• Laylat al-Qadr – The night of power offers immense blessings and spiritual elevation.

• Health Benefits – It is a well-known fact that fasting leads to sound health both for the body and for the mind.

• Strengthened Character – Ramadan fosters aspects of patience, humility, and self-control, which are good to be practised at any other time of the year.

Components of the Month of Ramadan

There are many important acts of devotion and charity undertaken by Muslims globally. Following are some of the important aspects of Ramadan that set this holy month apart from the others; 

• Tahajjud (Supererogatory) Prayers – Tahajjud is a voluntary prayer that is prayed during the last third of the night. It is a very sacred form of worship through which Muslims get an opportunity to pray to Allah in solitude. 

• Taraweeh – Taraweeh prayers are particularly offered after the compulsory Isha prayer in the month of Ramadan. These prayers are performed specifically in the Month of Ramadan and entail readings of large parts of the Quran. So during the Taraweeh in many mosques Quran is read out in its entirety for the whole month giving people the chance to listen to Allah’s word afresh.

• Suhoor (Sehri) – Suhoor is a meal taken in the early morning before dawn before Muslims embark on a fast. Eating Suhoor is a Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as this meal prepares one for the day physically and spiritually. 

• Iftar (Iftari) – Iftar is the meal with which Muslims break their fast every evening at sunset. Iftar is at times organised with friends, family and community. Traditionally, Muslims break the fast with some dates and water just as Prophet Muhammad(PBUH) used to do. Iftar is also a time of gratitude when Muslims thank the almighty Allah for providing them with the strength to successfully fast.

• I’tikaaf (Seclusion) – I’tikaaf is an act of seclusion practised in Islam, during the 10 last days of Ramadan. Muslims spend their time indulging in devotion, worship and prayers. It is a chance to distance oneself from worldly affairs and focus entirely on seeking Allah’s pleasure.

• Eid-ul-Fitr – This marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with prayers, feasts, and acts of charity. It is a day of joy and gratitude, where Muslims express thankfulness for the strength to complete the month-long fast. The celebration begins with a special prayer, followed by communal gatherings, sharing meals, and giving gifts.

• Laylat al-Qadr – Laylat al-Qadr is considered to be one of the most important nights in the month of Ramadan. It is believed to fall in the last ten days of the month. Prayers and worship on this night are considered to be more rewarding than a thousand months of prayers. These nights are spent being engrossed in prayers, recitation of the holy Quran and repenting to attain Allah’s mercy and blessings.

What is Fasting?

An important factor of Ramadan is fasting. “Sawm” in Arabic, is the act of abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset. This is a spiritual exercise for purifying the soul and getting people closer to Allah.

Fasting is not only physical but also spiritual. It involves control of negative emotions such as anger and avoidance of harmful speech and actions.

Fasting during Ramadan serves multiple purposes:

• Spiritual Cleansing – Fasting is a way of cleansing the soul and the intention when fasting is to worship Allah and be thankful.
  
  
• Self-Discipline – Fasting is the process of denying oneself food and or drinks and other physical needs, which creates character, perseverance and patience.
  
  
• Empathy for the Needy – Experiencing hunger fosters the feeling of compassion and empathy for the needy.
  
  
• Strengthened Faith – Fasting inculcates a man or a woman on the right path and keeps them in a mood of prayer and supplication to Allah.
  
  
• Community Bonding – Eating suhoor and iftar together also unites families and communities. 

Why Performing Umrah in Ramadan is Considered Good?

The significance of performing Umrah during Ramadan is immense, and it is very rewarding.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,

“Performing Umrah in Ramadan is equal to Hajj (in reward).” There are extraordinary spiritual benefits to performing Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan.

The holy cities of Mecca and Medina come alive with devotion, and the experience of Umrah during Ramadan is spiritually uplifting. This gives Muslims the opportunity to combine the blessings of fasting with increased worship and sanctity of the holy sites.

The importance of Umrah in Ramadan can be understood through the following points; 

• Equal to Hajj in Reward – It is said in the hadith that performing Umrah in the month of Ramadan is like performing Hajj in terms of reward.

• Closer Connection to Allah – The spiritual atmosphere of Ramadan combined with the sanctity of Mecca enhances devotion and connection with Allah.

• Fulfilment of Sunnah – It is preferable to perform Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan because it follows the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

• Forgiveness of Sins – Ramadan is a time to seek Allah’s forgiveness and Umrah is a means of seeking forgiveness for past sins, and Ramadan amplifies this opportunity for purification.

• Unique Experience – Ramadan in the holy land of Saudi Arabia, particularly in Mecca and Madinah is simply unique hence the experience is always cherished.

Do’s and Don’ts in Ramadan

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims globally engage in a lot of acts of worship, charity and so on. Along with these good deeds, they also have to avoid a lot of evil and forbidden acts; 

Do’s:

• Pray five times a day and offer additional voluntary prayers.
• Read the Quran. 
• Do acts of philanthropy and charity.
• Fasting should be done right and with a lot of commitment.
• Ask for pardon and do more of dua (supplications).

Don’ts:

• Stay away from gossiping, telling lies and any sort of sinful conduct.
• Avoid engaging in unproductive or distracting activities or vices.
• Try not to overeat during the suhoor and also during iftar because the main aim is to balance the meals.
• There should not be any disregard for mandatory prayers and worship.

Conclusion 

Ramadan is a sacred month which provides Muslims with the opportunity to purify their souls, strengthen their faith, and draw closer to Allah. Fasting, prayer( Salah), and acts of kindness help the believers fulfil their religious obligation and, at the same time, instil virtues that transcend the month.

The blessings of Ramadan are many, and for those who perform Umrah during this time, the rewards are immense. As we now approach this sacred month, let our hearts and minds also prepare to embrace the right essence of this month and make the most out of its opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is Ramadan?

A. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar in which Muslims globally fast from dawn to sunset and take part in acts of charity. Ramadan is an important month as it was in this month the first verses of the holy Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

Q. What is the significance of Umrah in Ramadan?

A. Umrah in Ramadan is considered to be the same as Hajj in terms of rewards. It is also following the sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).  

Q. Can non-Muslims participate in Ramadan activities?

A. Non-Muslims are welcome to observe and participate in Ramadan activities, such as iftar meals, to learn about Islamic traditions and foster interfaith understanding

Q. What are the spiritual benefits of Ramadan?

A. Ramadan helps strengthen one’s relationship with Allah through increased prayer, Quran recitation, and reflection. It also offers an opportunity for repentance and spiritual renewal.

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