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Ramadan: A Month of Righteousness and Reward

In the name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. May the peace and unending blessings continue to rain upon the noble Prophet (S.A.W), his household, his companions, and all those who follow the right path until the Day of Resurrection.

Dear brothers and sisters, this serves as a short but important note on how to observe a good, resourceful, commendable, and rewarding Ramadan, seeking from Almighty Allah that we be counted among the dwellers of Paradise and forgiven of our excesses.

As Muslims, it must be understood that one of the duties ordained upon us by Almighty Allah is fasting in the month of Ramadan. This is established in Qur’an, Chapter 2, verse 183, where Almighty Allah says: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.”

Fasting was also mentioned by the Prophet (S.A.W) as one of the pillars of Islam. He said: “Islam is built upon five: testimony that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishment of prayer, giving zakat, Hajj, and fasting Ramadan.” In another narration, Ramadan is mentioned before pilgrimage, further emphasizing how essential fasting in the month is.

Now, it is essential to explore the benefits of Ramadan. Though the benefits are countless, only a few will be mentioned here.

One of the foremost benefits is the righteousness of a servant of Almighty Allah. Concluding verse 183 of Chapter 2 of the Qur’an, Allah (S.W.T) says: “that you may become righteous.” To fear whom? Almighty Allah. To accept Him as the Lord of the universe, the only One worthy of worship. To obey His commandments and refrain from disobedience. Indeed, Allah’s commandments are for the goodness of mankind, not for harm. As Allah (S.W.T) says: “Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship.”

Another benefit is the immense reward connected to Ramadan. The Prophet (P.B.U.H) said in a divine narration that Almighty Allah says: “All the deeds of the son of Adam are for him, from tenfold up to seven hundredfold, except fasting. Fasting is for Me, and I will reward it. He leaves his food, drink, and desires for My sake.” How good it is to partake in this act. How rewarding it is to yearn and strive for such rewards without looking back.

Almighty Allah also says in the Qur’an (Chapter 39, verse 10): “Indeed, those who are patient will be rewarded without measure.”

Fasting has also been described by medical practitioners as a means of restoring health to its normal state.

Almighty Allah says: “And that you fast is better for you, if only you knew.”

Now, it is important to mention how the commencement of fasting is confirmed. Since Islam is a religion guided by principles and well-constructed guidelines, it lays out how Ramadan fasting is commenced.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Fast upon sighting the moon and break your fast upon sighting it. If it is obscured from you, then complete Sha’ban as thirty days.”

This Hadith clarifies important matters. No Muslim should announce the commencement of Ramadan if the moon has not been sighted. Every Muslim should strive to confirm the appearance of the moon. Instruments and equipment used for moon sighting are allowed. The person who reports the sighting must be a practicing and trustworthy Muslim. The announcement should be made by the Ameer or the recognized Muslim authority within the domain to ensure unity.

Notably, Ramadan is a month where immense rewards can be earned, but how can the rewards be earned? The rewards can be earned by ensuring an upright Ramadan.

The Prophet (P.B.U.H) says: “Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward will have his past sins forgiven.”

Ensuring uprightness in fasting requires consistent recitation of the Glorious Qur’an and keen listening to its explanation, engagement in gatherings of remembrance, constant chanting of prayers and Adhkar, performance of Qiyam-ul-Layl, and other good deeds. It also requires abstinence from unpleasant words, nonchalant actions, careless attitudes, and unethical conduct.

Whoever stays away from all these and embraces good behaviors will be among those who uphold the symbols of Allah, which is from the piety of the hearts.

Almighty Allah says in Qur’an Chapter 22, verse 32: “So it is. Whoever magnifies the symbols of Allah- indeed, it is from the piety of hearts.”

Ramadan, therefore, is not merely a period of hunger and thirst, but a month of righteousness, discipline, and immense reward.

May Almighty Allah grant the ability to observe it properly and count us among His righteous servants. Aamin.