Importance of Ramadan

Ramadan is the ninth month of Islamic calendar and it comes after Rajab. The month is recognized by observance by all Muslims in all the regions of the world. This month lasts for about twenty-nine to thirty days depending on the crescent moon.This month is observed by Muslims as a month of fasting which is also an important pillar among the five pillars of Islam i.e. SAWM-meaning ''to refrain''.

Fasting is obligatory for all Muslims but there are relaxation for the patients of some chronic illness, travelers and pregnant women and the same number of fasts are to be observed after those specific conditions . The fasting time is from Dawn to Sunset .During fasting period, Muslims are not allowed to eat or drink and they are ordered to restrain themselves from evil deeds, sexual activities ,unethical behavior and even bad thoughts and they are commanded to engage themselves in prayer activities. The meal with which the fast starts is called Sehr and one at which it ends is known as Iftar.

At first, Ramadan was known as month of Quran because Quran was revealed in this month. But later after the introduction of fasts, it was known as month of fasts .Quran is the source of guidance for mankind and for humanity till the end -Akhirah. As the title of Holy Quran is MAN and it is a source of relaxation for all creatures. Surah Yaseen is known as ''the heart of Quran''.

Taraweeh was the sunnah of Holy Prophet during the month of Ramadan.As narrated by Hazrat Ibn-Abbas, he used to offer 20 rakats of taraweeh after Isha and witr were offered after Taraweeh.

Besides fasting , Ramadan is also significant for the night of Decree .This night comes in the last ten days of Ramadan and within those days it comes in the odd dates ,mostly the 27th night and every prayer prayed and every good deed committed in this night is exponentially rewarded.This is one of the outstanding nights of the whole year and no night can stand equal to it in respect of sacredness and the biggest virtue of this night is considered to be the Holy Quran. As the Quran describes this night as;

''Verily, we have sent it (the Quran) down in the night of Qadr (Decree).''

At another place in Holy Quran , Allah said;

''The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e. worshiping Allah in this night is better than worshiping Him a thousand months ).''

Ramadan provides us the golden opportunity to refresh our faith on Allah and offer our prayers at right time and recite Holy Quran. This month revives our relationship with God.

The benefits of Ramadan are infinite and that is why it is regarded as month of blessings and happiness.

• Allah says in Holy Quran;

''Whoever does something good in this month , Allah multiplies it by 70.''

• The Holy Quran says;

''Allah does not intend to make difficulty for you , but He intends to purify you and complete His favor upon you that you may be grateful.''

• Holy Prophet (PBUH) SAID;

''When Ramadan begins , the gates of Paradise are opened.''

• Holy Prophet said;

''Whatever is prayed for at the time of breaking the fast is granted and never refused.''

• Holy Prophet said;

''Whoever gives food for a fasting person to break his fast, he will have a reward like theirs , without that detracting from their reward in the slightest.''

• Quran says;

''So verily with the hardship there is relief.''

• In this month, the doors of heavens are opened, the doors of hell are closed, the shaitan is chained up and rewards are multiplied by 10-700 times.
• Holy Quran says;

''Allah is with those who restrain themselves.''

• Holy Prophet said;;

''Fasting is a shield against the FIRE just like the shield of anyone of you against anyone.''

• It gives rest to digestive system.
• Enables to start a healthy diet.
• It can reduce hunger levels.
• Normalizes body's insulin condition.
• Enhances detoxification process.
• It can boost immune system and reduces high blood pressure.
• Clears the complexion

Fasting is the process in which a person can neither eat nor drink and it has a lot of benefits .Some people take it as punishment and misunderstand the purpose of fasting but actually, it is for the benefit of human body and also for human soul.

Its main purpose is to rid man of those habits which he has accumulated during the previous year and to prepare him for the next year.

ISLAM IS THE RELIGION OF HUMAN NATURE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

• Holy Quran says;

''Allah does not burden a soul beyond that it can bear.''

• Holy Quran says;

''O you who believe! Observing as-saum (the fasting) is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become ai-muttaqun (the pious).

• The prophet of Allah stated;

''Whoever does not give up lying and evilactions, then Allah is not in need of his leaving food and drink.''