Islam is based on five core principles; adhering to these principles is essential for being recognized as a follower of the Islamic faith.
These principles, also known as the Five Pillars of Islam, include Shahadah (belief in the oneness of God, Allah SWT), Salat (prayer), Sawm (fasting), Zakat (charity), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca). These acts of worship, mandated by Allah SWT, define the Islamic way of life. Among these, fasting during Ramadan is obligatory for all able Muslims. Ramadan, the ninth month of the lunar calendar, is a period of piety and salvation—a time for liberation from worldly illusions and deep immersion into the sweetness of faith.
Ramadan serves as a divine blessing, showering Allah’s light and blessings on believers like torrential rain. It is a month of strict fasting from dawn to sunset, celebrated as the holiest month, marking the revelation of the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad. The fast begins the day after the crescent moon is sighted, indicating the start of a new month. Ramadan culminates in the global celebration of Eid ul Fitr, marking the end of fasting.
The month is characterized by a heightened commitment to prayer, daily recitation of the Quran, opportunities for learning about faith, and charity. Fasting teaches self-control, reinforces faith, increases mindfulness of God’s blessings, and is a means for seeking forgiveness for past sins. It also reminds believers of the plight of those less fortunate, fostering a sense of empathy and community spirit.
The deeper purpose of fasting is to achieve taqwa—God-consciousness. Taqwa involves being constantly aware of God’s presence and striving to live according to the ethics of the faith. Fasting enhances mindfulness of Allah, helping avoid unintentional offenses. The essence of this blessed month is about lifting the veil of heedlessness, reconnecting with our true purpose, and seeking forgiveness for past transgressions. By nurturing this consciousness, we can imbibe the essence and blessings of Ramadan fully.
Fasting is not only a physical abstention but also a moral and spiritual act. Allah SWT states in the Quran: “O you who have believed, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may become righteous” (Al-Baqarah 2:183). This verse underscores that fasting is a pathway to righteousness, spiritual purification, and moral elevation.
A hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) reinforces the value of fasting: “Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven” (Bukhari and Muslim). Fasting is thus seen as a form of spiritual purification and a testament to the resilience and fortitude of believers.
In addition to spiritual benefits, Ramadan is a time of physical and mental cleansing. It offers health benefits by allowing the body to detoxify and renew. The social aspect of Ramadan is also significant, as families and communities come together to break their fast and strengthen their bonds.
Ultimately, Ramadan is about more than fasting; it is a time for deep spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and devotion to Allah. It is a transformative journey that fosters gratitude, generosity, and empathy, enriching not only our spiritual lives but also our relationships with others.
Ramadan is one of the twelve Arabic months. It is a month which is venerated in the Islamic religion, and it is distinguished from the other months by a number of characteristics and virtues, including the following:
1- Allah has made fasting this month the fourth pillar of Islam , as He says (interpretation of the meaning):
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month…” [al-Baqarah 2:185].
And it was narrated in al-Sahihayn (al-Bukhari, 8; Muslim, 16) from the hadith of Ibn ‘Umar that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Islam is built on five (pillars): the testimony that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; establishing prayer; paying zakah; fasting Ramadan; and Hajj to the House (the Ka’bah).”
2- Allah revealed the Quran in this month, as He says in the verse quoted above (interpretation of the meaning):
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)…” [al-Baqarah 2:185].
And Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily, We have sent it (this Quran) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree).” [al-Qadr 97:1].
3- Allah has made Laylat al-Qadr in this month, which is better than a thousand months, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“Verily, We have sent it (this Quran) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree). And what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshipping Allah in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e. 83 years and 4 months). Therein descend the angels and the Ruh [Jibreel (Gabriel)] by Allah’s Permission with all Decrees, (All that night), there is peace (and goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.” [al-Qadar 97:1-5].
“We sent it (this Quran) down on a blessed night [(i.e. the Night of Al-Qadr) in the month of Ramadan – the 9th month of the Islamic calendar]. Verily, We are ever warning [mankind that Our Torment will reach those who disbelieve in Our Oneness of Lordship and in Our Oneness of worship].” [al-Dukhan 44:3].
Allah has blessed Ramadan with Laylat al-Qadr . Explaining the great status of this blessed night, Surat al-Qadr was revealed, and there are many ahadith which also speak of that, such as the hadith of Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month which Allah has enjoined you to fast, during which the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained up. In it there is a night which is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived.” (Narrated by al-Nasai, 2106; Ahmad, 8769, classed as sahih by al-Albani in Sahih al-Targhib, 999).
And Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever spends Laylat al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, will be forgiven his previous sins.” (Narrated by al-Bukhari, 1910; Muslim, 760).
Credit: Issahaku Yakubu and Sa’eed Mas’uud Adedayo Adedokun