Ramzan: The glorious month of mercy and purification
By: SYED ANAIYAT BUKHARIE
Ramzan, also known as Ramadan, is considered the most glorious month in the Islamic calendar. The month of fasting, prayer and reflectionsasMuslims all over the world go through spiritual devotion, belief rejuvenation as well as bringing back the peace of soul and mind. During this month, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and sexual activities from dawn to sunset and devote themselves to prayer, recitation of the Holy Quran, and charitable deeds.
In the Holy Quran its clearly outlined in the Surah Bakarah, Ayat 183 “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous” This verse conspicuously substantiates that Ramadan is not only the month of fasting but is the month of purifying soul, rejuvenating faith, and seeking forgiveness from almighty Allah by abstaining from negative behaviour such as gossiping, lying, recrimination and backbiting etc. By avoiding these behaviours, we can rejuvenate our faith.
The beauty of this month is that, the gates of the heaven are opened, and the gates of the hell are closed. Fasting during Ramadan is an act of worship and a means of self-discipline. When we deprive from food and drink, we learn to control our desires and become more mindful of our actions. Fasting is also an act of solidarity with the less fortunate, as it reminds us of the suffering of those who do not have one time to eat or drink.
In this glorious month, The Holy Quran was revealed on Prophet Muhammad (SAW). 27 of Ramadan is considered to be the most authentic date for the blessed night known as Lailatul-Qadir which has a great significance as per the Quran as well as the Hadith of the holy prophet (SAW). Quran says, in Chapter 97 verse 3, “The Night of Power is better than a thousand months”. Moreover, Anas ibn Malik (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said-there is a night within it (meaning within the month of Ramadan) that is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of it has been deprived of all good.
Besides other righteous deeds, reciting the Quranduring this month is considered a way of getting closer to Allah and it is believed that the rewards for reading the Holy Quran during this month ismuch higher as compared to other months.
This is also the moth of charity and giving alms and Muslims all over the world do so with great zeal as giving charity is also considered a way of purifying one’s wealth.According to several hadith’s, the rewards for giving alms during this month are way too higher.
In the month of Ramadan, a special night prayer, known as Taraweeh or Qiyam is offered. Abu-Hurairah (RA) reports that the Prophet SAW said. “Whoever prays during the nights of Ramadan (Tarawee) with a firm belief and hoping for reward, all of his previous sins would be forgiven”. Taraweeh comprises of twenty Rakats followed by witr at the end. These prayers are an opportunity for us to connect with Allah and seek his forgiveness.
This month is also a time for increased family and community gatherings. Before iftar (breaking fast) we gather with our families to supplicate congregationally. Some minutes before Iftar are considered imperative and precious as the angels are waiting to recite Amen on our supplications and whatever we supplicate at the time of iftar, the prayers shall be accepted.
This is the month of attaining spirituality and to make a deeper connection towards Allah. Fasting, prayer, reciting the Quran, and giving charity are all the ways which will pave the way for us to purify our souls and seek Allah’s forgiveness.
This is a month of community and togetherness. Muslim community comes together to share their experiences, to support each other, and to pray together. It is time to put aside differences, forgive those who bruised you and therefore purify your heart from all hatred and malice
The writer is a Masters student in the department of Statistics,University of Kashmir and can be reached at [email protected]
