Welcome to Islam
Accept Islam for your salvation
Live according to Islam for your spiritual progress
Muslim Students
WHY I LOVE THE MONTH OF RAMADAN
By: Hafiz Usman Munawwar
I love the month of Ramadan because it is the greatest month in the Islamic calendar. This holy month is full of events and worship of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta‘ala). A lot of great things took place in Ramadan. I love Ramadan because it contains two of the pillars of Islam. It contains Zakah and Fasting. I love the month of Ramadan because the Qur’an was revealed in this month. I also love it because Laylatul Qadr takes place in this holy month. I love it because you get to perform Itikaaf and Tarawih Prayers.
The Qur’an guides us on the right path. The Qur’an was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Muslims should recite the Qur’an at least once in the month of Ramadan. The Qur’an was revealed through Sayyidina Jibril (‘Alayhissalam). In a Hadith it says that in Ramadan the gates of Heaven are open and the gates of Hell are closed. This means we should try to recite as much Qur’an as we can.
The great night called Laylatul Qadr takes place in the month of Ramadan. Laylatul Qadr means “the Night of Power”. In the Qur’an it says that this night is greater than a thousand months. A lot of Muslims make ibadah for the whole night. Qur’an and tasbeeh (glorification of Allah) are recited a lot in this great and powerful night.
Many Muslims also like to give their Zakah in Ramadan. Zakah can be paid at other times but you get more heavenly reward if you give it in Ramadan. Every Muslim must pay 2.5% of his/her wealth in Zakah. Zakah is given to the poor and needy people. It is important to give Zakah because it is a pillar of Islam.
Fasting is a big part of Ramadan. It is also the fourth pillar of Islam. Every Muslim must fast in Ramadan. Fasting teaches us to have fear of Allah (Subhanahu wa Ta‘ala) and it also teaches us discipline. Fasting keeps us away from bad things. It also shows us how the needy people feel.
Itikaaf (seclusion for worship) and tarawih prayers are also two things that take place in Ramadan. Itikaaf is performed in the masjid for the last ten days of Ramadan. Tarawih prayers are performed every night in Ramadan. They start right after Isha salah. All the huffaz (those who have memorized the whole Qur’an) go to different masajid to lead tarawih salah.
Every night 20 rak‘aat are performed.
After Ramadan comes Eid-ul-Fitr. Eid-ul-Fitr is a great celebration for Muslims. The fasting stops and Muslims go to pray in the morning. Then they celebrate with their relatives and friends. A lot of special food is made on Eid. These are the reasons why I love the month of Ramadan.
Dhu’l Hijjah 1423, March 2003