The five fundamental
pillars of Islam are profession of faith, fasting, praying, giving and
pilgrimage. One of the most important observed pillars is following the holy
month of Ramadan. It marks the ninth month of the Muslim calendar (lunar) and
begins with the appearance of the crescent moon and also ends with its
appearance. As per the traditions, the angel visited Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and presented the
holy book of Islam, the Quran, that would serve as a guidance for people. This
holy book will help them distinguish between the good and bad.
For the followers of Islam, Ramadan is a period where they can self analyse themselves, recite prayers, read the holy scriptures, keep fasts, only to seek and ask for forgiveness from Allah (SWT) and to get closer to Him. The Almighty Allah (SWT) happily forgives their sins as they observe the holy month of Ramadan.
During this holy month in Islam, the ummah of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is granted 5 gifts and they are:
o Allah (SWT) looks at his Ummah with mercy and does not punish his people – During Ramadan Allah (SWT)forgives every one who seeks forgiveness. Only a simple act of kindness is all that one needs to seek forgiveness from the Almighty Allah (SWT).
o
For Allah (SWT) the smell of his mouth is more beautiful than the smell of
musk – It is believed that sweet smell will come out of the mouth of the ummah
who fasted during Ramadan and this smell will be more pleasing to Allah (SWT) than the smell of
musk.Some say that on the day of Qiyamah when the ummah shall rise from the
grave, a sweet smell shall come from his/her mouth only because he/she fasted.
o
Angels ask Allah (SWT) for his forgiveness every day and night – Ummah who fasts
during the holy month have angels praying for him/her to Allah (SWT) to forgive him/her
of his/her sins.
According to one Hadeeth, “When Allah (SWT) loves a person, He says to the angel Jibraeel , ‘I love that
person, so you also love Him.’ Normally only those who are near to a person
seem to love him, but here that love spreads all over, even the animals in the
jungle and the fish in the sea do the same. They all then make dua on his
behalf.
o
The gates of heaven remain open and the gates to hell close –
The preparations for welcoming His followers start days before Ramadan. He
waits to welcome his ummah eagerly with open arms.
o
Ummah who has undergone hardships and sinned throughout the year
is kept away from evil by Allah (SWT) – According to Allah (SWT) in Quran, “Never! But on their heart is the stain (of Evil)”
(Al-Munafiqeen 14). That is why the devil is changed and the Ummah is protected
from the evil.
Ramadan is a month of
sacrifice, a month of offering and a month of prayer. No matter how many sins
one has committed, the “all-forgiving” Allah (SWT) forgives every one who
seeks forgiveness. These 5 gifts granted to the Ummah are unique in their own
ways as they have never been offered to any of the prophets. Therefore, one
shall feel obligated to observe Ramadan in order to enter Heaven.
