Significance of Ramadan in Quran and Hadith

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. Ramadan is the month of fasting in which Muslims abstain from eating or drinking from dawn to dusk, they also refrain from inappropriate things due to the spirituality of this holy month.  Muslims develop a deeper relationship with Almighty Allah during this religious season.

Ramadan is the month in which Allah Almighty opens His doors of mercy, forgiveness and blessings upon Muslims. This month is anxiously awaited by all the Muslims as they perform the duty of fasting in this month. In the Holy Quran Allah Almighty says about the importance of Ramadan in these words: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness” (Quran, 2:183)

It is traditional for Muslims to read the whole Quran in the month of Ramadan. “Ramadan is the (month) in which the Quran was sent down, as a guide to mankind, also Clear (Signs) for guidance and the differentiation (between right and wrong)” (Quran, 2:185). 

Muslims believe that the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed with the start of Ramadan. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said in one of his hadiths: “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained” (Bukhari).

Muslims believe that when someone fasts in the month of Ramadan with sincere faith, he/she will be forgiven by Allah Almighty. Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said in hadith: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, and then all his past sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari)

Abu Huraira (RA) narrated that: “I heard Allah’s Messenger (SAW) saying regarding Ramadan, “Whoever prayed at night in it (the month of Ramadan) out of sincere Faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari)

The Night of Decree Laylat- al- Qadr falls in this holy month of fasting. This night is known to be better than a thousand months and Muslims are encouraged to pray and give more on this holy night for seeking forgiveness and getting more blessings from Almighty Allah. In the Holy Quran Allah (SWT) said about the significance of this holy night in the night in these words. “Indeed, We sent the Quran down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” (Quran. 97:1-5)

 It is also recommended to give Zakat in the month of Ramadan. It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar (RA) said: “The Messenger of Allah enjoined the Zakat of Ramadan on everyone, young and old, free and slave, male and female, a Sa of dates or a Sa of barley.” (Sunan Nasai)

Ramadan is about to come we should get ready for this Holy month. May Allah Almighty make this Ramadan easy for us and accept our fasts and good deeds! Ameen