By Hafsat Aminu Abubakar
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The month of Ramadan is a holy and contemplative time for Muslims everywhere. It commemorates the month when God first revealed the Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and is therefore observed by Muslims as a time of reflection and prayer. In Ramadan, Muslims fast from sun-up to sunset, denying themselves food and drink in order to learn self-control, patience and gratitude. Ramadan is also joyful and communal, as families come together for suhoor and iftar, and mosques are always full for Taraweeh prayers.
In our beautiful month called Ramadan, people rush to charity and good deeds. Benefits during Ramadan are immense because good deeds earn multiplications, sins are forgiven, and Laylatul Qadr — one of the last ten nights – is deemed more rewarding than a thousand months of prayers.
Allah says in Surah al-Baqarah (2:183)
O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed
for you as it was prescribed for those before you,
that you may become righteous.
Allah SWT also reminded us in another verse in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185)
The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So, whoever sights (the new month of) the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease, and those do not intend for you hardship, and (wants) for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that (to) which he has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.
Our beloved Rasul (SAW) also said in various hadith that:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
‘’Fasting is a shield ”.
‘Every deed of the son of Adam is for him except fasting; it is for me, and I will reward it.’
Hafsat Aminu Abubakar is a Year 10 Emerald student of Premier international school, Wuse II, Abuja