The Virtues of Ramadan
Sheikh Ahmad Hassan
Islamic Scholar
The Virtues of Ramadan
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a time of profound spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. It is the month in which the Quran was revealed, and it holds blessings and virtues unlike any other time of the year. Understanding these virtues can help us maximize our worship and transform our lives during this blessed month.
The Month of the Quran
The most significant virtue of Ramadan is its connection to the Quran. Allah (SWT) says: "The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion." (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185)
The revelation of the Quran began on Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power) in Ramadan, making this month eternally special. During Ramadan, the relationship between a Muslim and the Quran should intensify – through increased recitation, study, and implementation of its teachings.
The Quran and Fasting Will Intercede
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "Fasting and the Quran will intercede for the servant on the Day of Resurrection. Fasting will say: 'O Lord, I prevented him from food and desires during the day, so let me intercede for him.' The Quran will say: 'I prevented him from sleep at night, so let me intercede for him.' Then they will both intercede" (Ahmad).
The Gates of Paradise and Hell
During Ramadan, the spiritual atmosphere changes dramatically. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained up" (Bukhari and Muslim).
- Good deeds become easier to perform
- Evil influences are diminished
- The atmosphere is more conducive to worship
- Opportunities for spiritual growth multiply
Fasting: A Shield and Protection
The act of fasting itself carries tremendous virtue. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Fasting is a shield" (Bukhari and Muslim). This shield protects from:
Protection from Sin When fasting, a Muslim is more conscious of their actions, speech, and thoughts. This heightened awareness acts as a barrier against sinful behavior.
Protection from Hellfire The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever fasts one day seeking Allah's pleasure, Allah will distance him from the Hellfire by seventy years' distance" (Bukhari and Muslim).
Protection from Desires Fasting trains self-control and discipline, teaching us to control our desires rather than being controlled by them.
The Uniqueness of Allah's Reward for Fasting
Unlike other acts of worship, fasting holds a special place with Allah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) narrated that Allah said: "Every deed of the son of Adam is for him, except fasting; it is for Me, and I shall reward it" (Bukhari).
- The reward for fasting is with Allah Himself
- The reward is not measured or limited
- Fasting is between the servant and Allah alone
- The sincere faster will receive a reward beyond imagination
Special Times Within Ramadan
The Last Ten Nights The final ten days of Ramadan hold exceptional significance. The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to exert himself in worship during these nights more than at any other time. **"He would tighten his waist belt, spend the night in worship, and wake up his family"** (Bukhari and Muslim).
Laylatul Qadr: The Night of Power The most blessed night of the entire year falls within Ramadan. Allah says: **"The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months"** (Surah Al-Qadr, 97:3)
Worship performed on this one night equals worship of over 83 years. The Prophet (peace be upon him) encouraged seeking it in the odd nights of the last ten days, particularly the 27th night.
The Prophet taught us to say on this night: "Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'anni" – "O Allah, You are Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me" (Tirmidhi).
Forgiveness of Sins
Ramadan is a golden opportunity for forgiveness. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven" (Bukhari and Muslim).
He also said: "Whoever stands (in prayer) during Laylatul Qadr with faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven" (Bukhari and Muslim).
These ahadith teach us that sincere worship during Ramadan can wipe away years of sins, offering a fresh start and spiritual rebirth.
The Joy of the Fasting Person
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "The fasting person has two moments of joy: when he breaks his fast and when he meets his Lord" (Bukhari and Muslim).
The Joy of Iftar After a long day of fasting, the moment of breaking fast brings physical relief and spiritual satisfaction. It's a reminder of Allah's blessings and a celebration of successfully completing another day of worship.
The Joy of Meeting Allah The greater joy awaits in the Hereafter when the fasting person meets Allah and receives the full reward for their fasts. This eternal joy far surpasses any temporary pleasure of this world.
The Special Gate of Ar-Rayyan
Paradise has a gate specifically designated for those who fasted. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Rayyan, through which those who fasted will enter on the Day of Resurrection, and no one will enter it except them" (Bukhari and Muslim).
The name "Ar-Rayyan" comes from the word meaning "to be quenched from thirst," a beautiful reward for those who endured thirst during their fasts.
Ramadan: A Month of Generosity and Charity
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous during Ramadan. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "The Messenger of Allah was the most generous of people, and he was most generous during Ramadan" (Bukhari).
- Feeding others
- Helping the needy
- Supporting charitable causes
- Sharing our blessings
The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever feeds a fasting person will have a reward like that of the fasting person, without any reduction in his reward" (Tirmidhi).
The School of Taqwa (God-Consciousness)
Allah concludes the verse about fasting by stating its ultimate purpose: "That you may become righteous (develop Taqwa)" (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183).
Ramadan is a training ground for Taqwa – consciousness of Allah in all circumstances. This is achieved through:
- Self-discipline: Controlling hunger, thirst, and desires
- Mindfulness: Remaining conscious of Allah throughout the day
- Improved character: Patience, humility, and kindness
- Spiritual awareness: Increased prayer, Quran recitation, and remembrance
Maximizing the Blessings of Ramadan
To fully benefit from Ramadan's virtues, consider these practices:
1. Sincere Intention (Niyyah) Renew your intention daily to fast purely for Allah's pleasure, not for habit or social reasons.
2. Consistent Suhoor (Pre-Dawn Meal) The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Take Suhoor, for there is blessing in it" (Bukhari and Muslim). Wake up for Suhoor, even if you don't feel hungry, and use the time for Tahajjud prayer and Dua.
3. Delay Iftar Slightly Break your fast promptly when the time enters, as this is Sunnah. The Prophet said: "The people will continue to be fine as long as they hasten to break the fast" (Bukhari and Muslim).
4. Increase Quran Recitation Aim to complete at least one full reading of the Quran during Ramadan. If possible, try to understand what you recite by reading the translation and Tafsir.
5. Perform Taraweeh Prayers Attend or pray Taraweeh at home. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever stands (in prayer) in Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven" (Bukhari and Muslim).
6. Give Generously Increase your charity (Sadaqah) and fulfill your Zakat if due. Remember that good deeds are multiplied in Ramadan.
7. Make Sincere Dua Take advantage of the special times for Dua: just before Iftar, during the last third of the night, and on Laylatul Qadr.
8. Control Your Tongue and Behavior The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Fasting is not just from food and drink, but from vain speech and foul language" (Ibn Khuzaymah). Avoid gossip, arguments, and any behavior that diminishes the spiritual state of fasting.
Ramadan Beyond Ramadan
The true virtue of Ramadan is not just in the month itself but in its lasting impact. Ramadan should be a catalyst for permanent positive change. The habits developed – regular prayer, Quran recitation, charity, good character – should continue throughout the year.
Ask yourself: What will I take from Ramadan that will remain with me until next Ramadan and beyond?
Conclusion: A Gift from Allah
- Good deeds are multiplied
- Sins are forgiven
- Prayers are answered
- Hearts are softened
- Souls are purified
The question is: Will we recognize this gift and make the most of it?
Call to Action
- Daily Quran goals
- Specific Duas to make
- Acts of charity
- Islamic knowledge to learn
- Character improvements to work on
If you would like structured guidance before Ramadan, our Quran recitation classes improve fluency for taraweeh, Hifz supports memorisation, and Tafseer helps you understand what you recite. Every student begins with a free trial class.
May Allah allow us to witness many Ramadans, accept our fasts and worship, and write us among those who earn His forgiveness and pleasure. Ameen.
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