Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, narrates that the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him, said, “When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained up.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
Ramadan is considered the most sacred month in the Islamic calendar. Muslims worldwide observe fasting as a form of worship and dedication during this period, abstaining from food, drink, sexual relationship, and other wrong thoughts from dawn until sunset. According to Islamic belief, the first revelation was done during this blessed month, making it a particularly significant time for Muslims.
Hazrat Abu Hurairah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Holy Prophet, peace be upon him, said,
“Whoever observes the fast of Ramadan with faith (i.e., believing in the Shari’ah and having faith in
the obligation of fasting in Ramadan) and seeking reward (i.e., not out of fear or showing off but purely for the sake of Allah), all his past sins will be forgiven. And whoever stands for prayer in Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, all his past sins will be forgiven. Similarly, whoever stands in prayer on the Night of Decree (Laylat ul-Qadr) with faith and seeking reward, all his past sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari & Muslim)
The Quran has several verses that emphasize the importance of Ramadan and the act of fasting during this holy month. This article will delve into some of the crucial Quranic verses that pertain to Ramadan.
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183) [1]
This verse emphasizes the importance of fasting during Ramadan and links it to the concept of righteousness. Fasting is seen as a means of purifying the soul and increasing one’s devotion to God.
[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] – then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but
with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess – it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew. (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:184) [2]
In the beginning, when fasting was made obligatory, it was also allowed that if someone couldn’t fast, they could give fidyah instead. Later, Verse 185 was revealed which nullified this concession and gave a clear command that whoever is able to fast in the month of Ramadan should do so. However, the option of fidyah is still available for those who are extremely old and incapable of fasting, and for whom there is no hope of gaining the ability to fast in the future.
The month of Ramadhan [Is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon 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 does 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. (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185) [3]
This verse highlights the significance of Ramadan as the month in which the Quran was first revealed. It emphasizes the Quran’s role as a guide for mankind, providing clear signs for guidance and judgment. This verse also recognizes that not all Muslims will be able to fast for the entire month. Those who are ill or traveling are exempt from fasting but are encouraged to make up the missed days at a later time.
It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your wives [for sexual relations]. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them.
Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek that which Allah has decreed for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until sunset. And do not have relations with them as long as you are staying for worship in the mosques.
These are the limits [set by] Allah, so do not approach them. Thus does Allah make clear His ordinances to the people that they may become righteous. (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:187) [4]
This verse discusses the regulations and guidelines related to fasting during the month of Ramadan. The verse specifically addresses the permissibility of sexual relations between married couples during the
night before the fast begins. The verse emphasizes the importance of mutual love and intimacy
between spouses in Islam, describing them as garments for each other. It also acknowledges the human tendency towards sin and urges repentance and seeking forgiveness from Allah.
The verse also highlights the importance of following the limits and guidelines set by Allah, including refraining from sexual relations during the daytime hours of fasting and while staying in the mosque for
worship.
Overall, this verse emphasizes the importance of seeking forgiveness, maintaining a healthy and loving relationship between spouses, and following the guidelines and limits set by Allah in order to become
righteous. The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. (Surah al-Qadr, 97:03) [5]
This verse highlights the significance of Laylat al-Qadr, which is also considered the Night of Decree, in Islamic tradition. It was the night when the Qur’an was first revealed during this holy month. All
Muslims around the world is encouraged to search for this night during Ramadan, especially in the last ten days, and to dedicate it to prayer, good deeds, and other spiritual activities in order to seek the pleasure of Allah.
References;
[1, 2, 3, 4, 5] Sahih International
