The month of Ramadan is one of the most blessed and rewarding months of the Islamic calendar. Muslims from around the world observe fasting from dawn till dusk (morning adhan to evening adhan). Fasting cleanses a believer’s soul of his past sins. It invokes a sense of humility, righteousness, punctuality, self-restraint, and brotherhood for fellow Muslims. Here are some of the many benefits and the importance of this blessed month.
Attaining Taqwa (God-wariness)
Fasting helps a Muslim attain Taqwa or God-wariness. Taqwa invokes a Muslim to practice self-discipline and self-restraint as he fights his urges for all things immoral, makrooh, or haram. Fasting offers a Muslim protection and is an excellent way of observing some serious self-reflection and how to become a better Muslim in order to please Allah the Almighty while simultaneously preparing for the Hereafter.
Doors of Heaven are Open
It is in the authentic narrations that in the month of Ramadan, the gates of hell are closed, the devil is chained and the doors of heaven are open. There is a door in Paradise called Al-Rayyan which is only meant for those believers who have observed fasting during Ramadan.
Multiplication of Rewards
Ramadan is the most rewarding month of all the Islamic months. During Ramadan, Allah the Almighty multiplies a Muslim’s rewards for worship and good deeds manifold.
Blessings of Sahar (Dawn)
Sahar or dawn is an hour before the morning adhan and the start of the fast. Sahar gives the Muslim a chance to offer regular nighttime prayers, recite the Holy Quran, spend time doing dhikr, and offering Fajr prayers which, unfortunately, are often not offered regularly on time.
Supplications and Repentance in the Nights of Qadr
Throughout Ramadan, especially the nights of Qadr, Muslims do estighfar and seek forgiveness from Allah the Almighty to cleanse their body and soul of past sins and misdeeds. Spending the Qadr nights awake earns a Muslim rewards, blessings, and forgiveness for his efforts. In addition to earning rewards, they get a chance to self-reflect, attain peace of mind, and become patient during these nights.
Health Benefits
Fasting not only purifies a Muslim’s soul but also his body. It has been medically and scientifically proved that fasting helps reduce excess weight and rejuvenate the body as food consumption is modified and the body gets a chance to cleanse itself of unwanted impurities and toxins.
Ramadan brings with itself countless blessings and benefits. Observe fasting in the month of Ramadan to be rewarded in this world and the Hereafter.
