Ijtihad Network Being Wise and Faithful Muslim in the Contemporary World
The word “Ramadan” in Arabic means the scorching heat of the sun. It has been narrated from the Holy Prophet (PBUH) that this month is named Ramadan because it burns away sins and purifies the hearts from impurities.
Ramadan is the ninth lunar month. It is one of the most sacred months in the Islamic calendar that comes between the months of Shʻban and Shawwal. It has a special status among Muslims because it is the only month explicitly named in the Holy Quran.
God says in Verse 185 of Surah Al-Baqarah: “The month of Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was sent down, a guidance for people, and clear verses of guidance and the criterion.”
This verse clearly says that the Quran was revealed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in this month and this fact has turned Ramadan into an exceptional and blessed month.
The word “Ramadan” in Arabic means the intensity of the sun’s heat. It has been narrated from the Holy Prophet (PBUH) that this month is named Ramadan because it burns away sins and purifies the hearts from impurities.
In some Hadiths, Ramadan is referred to as one of the names of God, which indicates its greatness and sacredness.
One of the distinguishing features of Ramadan is the obligation to fast during this month. Fasting means abstaining from eating, drinking, and other actions that invalidates fasting from dawn until sunset. This obligatory act is emphasized in Verse 183 of Surah Al-Baqarah: “Believers, fasting has been made mandatory for you as it was made mandatory for the people before you, so that you may have fear of God.”
Fasting is not only a physical act of worship but also a practice for piety, self-improvement, and self-he control.
Ramadan is also the month in which other divine books have been revealed. According to Hadiths, the Scriptures of Abraham (AS), the Torah, the Gospel, and the Psalms were also revealed in this month. This adds to the significance and greatness of Ramadan, making it a special month for connecting with God and receiving divine guidance. The Night of Destiny, referred to in the Quran as “Laylat al-Qadr”, is one of the most important nights of the year and it occurs during Ramadan.
God says in Surah Al-Qadr: “We revealed the Quran on the Night of Destiny. Would that you knew what the Night of Destiny is! : The Night of Destiny is better than a thousand months.” (Verses 1-3)
This night holds a unique significance due to the revelation of the Quran and its countless blessings and worship on the Night of Destiny is better than worship for a thousand months.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims, in addition to fasting, engage in reciting the Quran, performing Mustahab (recommended but not obligatory) prayers, making supplications, and Istighfar (seeking forgiveness). They strive to earn God’s pleasure by doing good deeds and helping those in need. This month is an opportunity for a return to the pure human Fitrat (nature) and a way to draw closer to the Creator. For this reason, Muslims around the world eagerly welcome this month and benefit from its endless blessings.
