Ramadan: The Month of Rewards
April 16, 2021
The word ‘Ramadan’
comes from the Arabic root – ‘Ramida’ or ‘Ar-Ramad’ meaning scorching heat.
Sawm or Fasting is the
fourth pillar of Islam and Ramadan is the holy month of fasting. This can be
broadly elaborated as the time when it is mandatory for Muslims to refrain from
food and drinks, sexual activity, unkind words, impure thoughts and immoral
behavior between dawn and dusk. Pregnant women, travelers, children, the sick
as well as the elderly may not fast, however, they can feed the poor and needy.
The meal eaten by
Muslims just before dawn is called the ‘Suhoor’ or ‘Sehri’, whereas, the meal
consumed post sunset is known as the ‘Iftar’.
Ramadan is the month
of patience. You will be rewarded for your true patience with Jannah
(Paradise). Also, you shall receive Barakah (Blessings). Moreover, if you show
kindness by feeding a fasting individual at the time of breaking the fast post
sunset, your sins will be forgiven and you shall be free from the fire of
Jahannam (Hell) as well. Besides, both you and the fasting individual you fed
will get the same reward.
The
Story Behind the Celebration of Ramadan
It is a strong belief
that in A.D. 610, the angel named Gabriel appeared in front of Prophet Muhammad
and revealed the
Quran (the holy book of Islam) to him. It is believed that the revelation, ‘Laylat
Al Qadr’ or the ‘Night of Power’, took place at the
time of Ramadan. Hence, people belonging to the Muslim religion fast during
that month as a mark of respect to the Quran.
The last 10 days or
the Third Ashra hold special significance because the Laylat Al Qadr also falls
under the last Ashra. Many Muslims also get involved in the practice of Itikaf
during the last ten days. It is mandatory for a Muslim not to let the last 10
nights of Ashra go waste and wholeheartedly worship the Almighty Allah. If a person seeks
forgiveness from the Almighty Allah (?????? ???????) for his sins by staying in the mosque, then there cannot be a
better way to practice Itikaf than this.
The
Three Important Parts of Ramadan
Ramadan is divided
into three different stages –
1st stage
of Mercy – In the First Ashra or the first 10 days of Ramadan, Muslims must
seek the mercy and blessings of the Almighty Allah.
2nd stage
of Forgiveness – In the Second Ashra or the second 10 days of Ramadan, every
Muslim should seek the forgiveness of the Almighty Allah for all his sins.
3rd stage
of Safety – Lastly, in the Third Ashra or the last 10 days of Ramadan, Muslims
pray to the Almighty Allah for safety from the fire of hell.
Allah Alone Knows Best and
He is the Only Source of Strength.
The
End of Ramadan and the Celebration of Eid al-Fitr
The ending of Ramadan
is followed by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr – the festival, wherein, Muslims
offer special prayers, enjoy meals with friends and relatives, and exchange
gifts amongst themselves.
Good
and Noble Deeds you can be Involved in During Ramadan
1.
Along with your friends and family, you can also share food with
your neighbors at the time of breaking the fast. This way, not only food, but
love and happiness are shared as well.
2.
Volunteer to help other people. You can offer food to the poor
and the less fortunate. You can make contributions and provide help to those
who are suffering.
3.
Make it a point to pay Zakat, and you will be rewarded and
blessed. Zakat, the third pillar of Islam, is a portion of wealth donated for
charitable purposes.
4.
How about spending as much time as possible with your loved ones
at home? You can do household chores together. For instance, you can also cook
and prepare food for yourself as well as your loved one. Then you both can
break the fast together after sunset by eating the meal that has been prepared by
you.
Last but not the least, not
only during Ramadan, what you need to do throughout the year is just one thing
– Be a good human being and work towards the welfare of mankind. Only then you
will be blessed and rewarded by Allah.
