Significance of Ramadan & Fasting from Quran & Sunnah
Ramadan is the month of countless blessings in which fasting is obligatory on every Muslim. Ramadan is the month that closes us to Allah (SWT) and reveals unto us His clear commandments because this is the month in which Allah revealed the Quran on His last Messenger Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The month of Ramadan holds great importance in the life of Muslims. Fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, which also include prayer and charity.
Muslims believed that during the month of fasting the gates of heaven are open and the devils are chained up; this makes Ramadan a spiritually peaceful time for Muslims. In the holy Quran Almighty Allah said about Ramadan in these words: “O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those who were before you that you may attain Taqwa.” (Quran, 2:183)
Apart from an obligation to fast in the month of Ramadan, Allah (SWT) revealed Quran as well. The Holy Quran states: “Ramadan is the (month) in which the Quran was sent down, as a guide to mankind and a clear guidance and judgment (so that mankind will distinguish from right and wrong).” (Quran,2:185)
The act of fasting is not only one that is full of reward and blessing but it is a protection against sins. “(Allah said), ‘Every good deed of Adam’s son is for him except fasting; it is for Me. and I shall reward (the fasting person) for it.’ Verily, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to Allah than the smell of musk.” (Bukhari)
The act of fasting leads us to paradise. It is stated in hadith in these words: Abu Umaamah (RA) said: I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah Prophet (PBUH), tell me of an action by which I may enter Paradise’. He (SAW) said: ‘Take to Fasting, there is nothing like it.’ (Imam Nasai)
Fasting teaches self-discipline or self-restraint; the ability to control worldly desires and spend time in prayer and meditation. Laylatul Qadar also lies in the month of fasting which is among the blessed nights in which Allah (SWT) forgives His believers. In the Quran Allah says: “Allah has made Laylatul-Qadr in this month, which is better than a thousand months, as Allah says…The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh [Jibreel (Gabriel)] by Allah’s Permission with all Decrees, there is peace until the appearance of dawn.” (Quran, 97:1-5)
Abu Huraira (RA) related that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “If anyone omits his fast even for one day in Ramadan without a concession or without being ill, then if he were to fast for the rest of his life, he could not make up for it.” (Bukhari)
Aisha (RA) related that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: “Look for Laylatul Qadr on an odd-numbered night during the last ten nights of Ramadan.” (Bukhari)
