The beautiful month of Ramadan starts in a few days and it’s the most sacred month of the year in Islam. It is the Ninth month in the Islamic calendar and it starts the morning after the crescent moon has been visibly sighted. Muslims abandon food and drink and other selfish desires for 30 days during this religious season and it is obligatory for Muslims to fast in the month of Ramadan with some exceptions. It is in this sacred month that the Glorious Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) and fasting (Sawm) is the Fourth pillar of Islam. It is important to know the Significance of this month in order to appreciate it better.
Ramadan is believed to be the month of Quran and It is advisable to read and study the Holy Quran and to share with others during this month. Also, the Night of Majesty or The Night of Power (Laylat ul-Qadr ) is in this month and it is believed to be better than a thousand months. According to the Quran, the gates of Paradise are opened, gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained up throughout this holy month.
Also, it serves as a means of attaining closeness to God and making Him a reality in our lives by intensifying the consciousness of Allah in our hearts and increase faith (Iman) in God. Charity and generosity (Sadaqah &Zakat) is encouraged during Ramadan. It teaches us to give, and not to take. The deprivation of fasting makes us sympathise with the suffering of others and it makes us remember the blessings of life which we normally take for granted.
Furthermore, Fasting during Ramadan is more than just refraining from eating food and drinking but also desisting from every kind of selfish desire. The physical fast is a representation and outward expression of the real, inner fast that helps to build spirituality and firm faith. Therefore, before you embark on this spiritual journey, endeavor to know more about it and learn about the beauty of Ramadan.