Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset throughout the holy month of Ramadan, eschewing eating, drinking, and other pleasurable urges. But why do Muslims fast throughout the month of Ramadan? Fasting allows us to spend time getting closer to Allah (SWT) by enhancing our ibadah (worship) and boosting our dhikr (remembrance of God).
During this fortunate month, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stated, according to Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him): "As Ramadan approaches, the gates of Paradise open, the gates of Hellfire close, and the devils are chained." (According to Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
As a result, Ramadan is the ideal time for us to reconnect with our spirituality, family, and community, as well as reinforce our resolve as Muslims. So, how do you accomplish this throughout Ramadan? Here are some ideas to help you have a more complete and rewarding Ramadan experience.
The spiritual importance of Ramadan
For Muslims, Ramadan is a spiritual season. Ramadan, as a month that represents dedication, thought, and discipline, helps us to protect ourselves from sin through fasting. According to the Prophet (PBUH):"Fasting serves as a shield. So the fasting person should avoid filthy words and act naively and ignorantly, and if someone argues with him or insults him, he should tell him twice, "I am fasting."
In addition to fasting, more acts of worship are given special attention. These deeds can include prayer, dhikr, reciting the Qur'an, offering charity, and asking Allah (SWT) for pardon. We draw closer to our Creator and receive more blessings during this wonderful month by completing such activities that please Allah (SWT).
The importance of family during ramadan
Ramadan is a time when Muslims get together, especially when family is present. In turn, being able to gather at Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and Iftar (breaking fast meal) allows us to interact and unite with our families.There are numerous activities we can engage in to strengthen our bonds with our families, ranging from assisting our parents with meal preparation to reciting the Qur'an with our younger siblings. Other fantastic family bonding activities include praying together, reading Islamic books together, visiting local Mosques, and attending community Iftar celebrations together.
Ramadan is the ideal month to make the most cherishable and unforgettable moments with our family since it is the most auspicious time for Muslims to learn and grow together. Similarly, reintroducing family rituals during Ramadan can bring the family closer together while also bringing everyone closer to Allah (SWT).
The importance of community during Ramadan
Ramadan undoubtedly brings the community together, both to one other and to Allah (SWT).Because fasting is one of Islam's five pillars, the importance of fasting during Ramadan fosters unity among Muslims of all ages, backgrounds, and circumstances.
From big community Iftars to local street food vendors and taraweeh gatherings in local Mosques, Ramadan is when our communities engage in activities that involve everyone - in some manner!
Likewise, Ramadan is a time when we all strive together to fulfill another pillar of Islam: Zakat. The Muslim community has long emphasized charitable giving to people in need from the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him).
Because Ramadan provides the most possibilities to obtain Allah's (SWT) blessings, many of us opt to contribute our Zakat or Sadaqah (charity) during this glorious month.
Many Muslims join together, especially in the last 10 nights of Ramadan, to try to observe Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power). Because Laylatul Qadr is the holiest night of the year, it is the best time for us to pray more and donate more charity as a community.
Following the completion of Ramadan, the entire community gathers to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, a pleasant time of gift-giving, dining (in moderation), and spending time with our loved ones.
Because Ramadan provides the most possibilities to obtain Allah's (SWT) blessings, many of us opt to contribute our Zakat or Sadaqah (charity) during this glorious month.
Many Muslims join together, especially in the last 10 nights of Ramadan, to try to observe Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power). Because Laylatul Qadr is the holiest night of the year, it is the best time for us to pray more and donate more charity as a community.
Following the completion of Ramadan, the entire community gathers to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, a pleasant time of gift-giving, dining (in moderation), and spending time with our loved ones.