Ramadan is the blessed month in which the Quran was revealed and fasting prescribed (Surah al-Baqarah, 2: 183-85). Fasting (Sawm) in the month of Ramadan (9th month of lunar calendar) is one of the five pillars of Islam (Arkan al-Islam). Fasting is not just abstaining and desisting from food and drinks (from dawn to dusk), but it is one of the blessings of Almighty Allah which gives us many opportunities to come closer to our Creator, and to serve His Creation in best possible ways, with multi-fold rewards for every action and deed: from offering extra prayers to dhikr to helping poor and needy, and even uttering good words, as stated in a Hadith: “It is also charity to utter a good word” (Bukhari & Muslim). Fasting is an act for which the reward is unlimited, as a Hadith in Sahih al-Bukhari states: ‘Allah said, “Every good deed of Adam’s son is for him except fasting; it is for Me; and I shall reward (the fasting person) for it.”
The Quran in Surah al-Baqarah (Q. 2: 183-85) states clearly that achieving Taqwa (piety/ righteousness, or God-consciousness) is the main purpose of the Sawm. Moreover, these verses also make it clear that the Quran’s guidance to mankind (Huddan lil-Nass) with clear signs (Ayat) for guidance and distinction between right and wrong (al-Furqan) was revealed in this very month. Thus, one notes that the importance of the month of Ramadan is the advent of the Revelation of the Quran, and it is through understanding, followed by action, of the Commandments (ahkam) in this Divine Book, that we can achieve Taqwa or God-consciousness. To put it precisely, one finds an interesting and important triad of bliss, delight, and gladness here: fasting in the month of Ramadan, revelation of the Quran, and purpose of fasting to achieve Taqwa; and this blissful connection is possible, at its highest level, only in the month of Ramadan.
Ramadan is not only observed as a month of fasting, but it is a month of responsibilities: of giving charity, of goodness, of generosity, and helping each other. It is a month that fosters communal solidarity and individual piety. Sahih Bukhari reports a tradition on the authority of Ibn Abbas (RA) which states: “The Messenger (SAAS) was the most generous of all people, and he used to become more generous in Ramadan.” It is a month of unlimited rewards as becomes evident from this tradition of Sahih Muslim: Almighty Allah said: “Every deed of man will receive 10 to 700 times reward, except Siyam (fasting), for it is for Me and I shall reward it (as I like).” There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts: one when he breaks the fast and the other when he will meet his Lord.
We should try our utmost to create an atmosphere of fellow feeling. We should spend on poor, weak and marginalised; and as we get double reward for the good acts during this month, so we are doubly guilty if we ignore them. This month, among others, teaches us that if we don’t hold the hand of weak and oppressed, we are abject criminals.
Ramadan is month which gives us an opportunity to recover, repair, and improve our relationship with Almighty Allah and with humankind, described as the Crown of Creation (Ashraf-ul-Makhluqaat). Among other blessings of the month of Ramadan is that it comes with the prospect of all our sins being forgiven, a night better than a thousand months [Lailat ul Qadr, Q. 97] and with the opportunity to become better and stronger, thus receiving Allah’s promises in this life and in the Hereafter.
Ramadan gives an opportunity to tell the world that we [the Muslims] care for the human race, that we stand by the poor, by the oppressed, and by the exploited, irrespective of their religion, race, colour, language, culture, community, status, etc. Ramadan is the month of universal goodness: doing good for everyone, be it poor, needy, weak, oppressed, deprived, destitute, etc. The Companion Abu Dharr (RA) reports that the Prophet (SAAS) said, “Help a poor person who has a family or do something for an unskilled person”. Abu Dharr (RA) asked, “What if I lack the strength to do this?” The Prophet (SAAS) said, “Refrain from doing harm to people. This is an act of charity you do to yourself” (Sahih Bukhari).
Ramadan is a month which gives us an opportunity to come closer to our Creator, to think and care about humankind, and amid the current global crisis it is high time that we devote more and more of our time, energy, and devotion for this greater cause to care about our relations with our Creator as well as take care and do serve the deprived’humankind: to maintain a perfect balance between Huquq al-Allah (Rights and Duties towards Almighty Allah) and Huquq al-Ibaad (Rights and Duties towards Fellow Humans) and Connecting to God must translate into connecting to people. If this month doesn’t create an atmosphere of fellow feeling, and if we don’t rescue each other in this month, we lose the spirit of this month.
It is high time that we turn to Allah, repent for our sins, and seek forgiveness, so as to become more worthy of Mercy, Compassion, and Kindness of the Most Gracious, Most Merciful – Rabb al-Alameen. May this Ramadan prove a blessed and wonderful month for us all! May Allah bring us all closer to Him and to each other! May Allah help us in attaining the spirit of this blessed month!

The writer is Assistant Professor, Islamic Studies, at GDC Sogam (Kupwara). [email protected]

Dr Tauseef Ahmad Parray