Introduction
Every ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims all over the world engage in what is referred to as Ramadan. Also known widely as Ramadhan and Ramazaan, this month is exceptionally set aside for fasting and additional prayers. Islam being more than a religion (where its teachings tend to make it a lifestyle), fasting is integral part of it considering the implications that it has on an individual’s life. This paper intends to point out the meaning and importance of Ramadan.
Ramadan as Allah’s own
First, serving and pleasing Allah plays an axiomatic role when professing the religion. Consequently, Ramadan, more than any other practice, offers such a chance. Significance of Ramadan (par.1) clearly specifies that, “Every act of man is for him except fasting, it is done for my sake and I will give reward for it. The breath of a faster is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of Musk.” Clearly, these words from Allah, as quoted by Significance of Ramadan portray the significance of this event to the life of a Muslim. While other practices are aimed at edifying one’s soul, Ramadan is meant for Allah.
Month of the Quran
Second, Ramadan is the month of the Quran. It is axiomatic that a building without a foundation will easily be swept away by the slightest of storms. Similarly, as a religion, Islam would not stand without the foundational teachings specified in the Quran. Therefore, Muslims place great importance on the month of Ramadan because it was during this month that the Quran and hence guidance to mankind was revealed. The Muslim world commemorates the importance of the month by increasing their god deeds (Robinson 21).
Month of repentance
Third, Ramadan is a month that allows the Muslims to ask for forgiveness. During this month, Allah accepts their repentance while stepping up his generosity awarded to good deeds. Considering this, Muslims take this opportunity of increased generosity to increase their blessings by helping those in need. Furthermore, they can use this opportunity to ask repentance on all sins ever committed. The Quran, as quoted by Significance of Ramadan states that during this month, Satans remain in chains during the whole period while the gates of paradise remain wide open. The usual access to believers by Satan is denied. Consequently, the prophet said, “woe to one, Ramadan reached to him but he could not use it for forgiveness of his sins” (Significance of Ramadan, par.2).
A pass to paradise
Ramadan is a straight pass to paradise. Through the prophet’s teachings, it is understood that there is a special gate called ‘Rayyan’ in which only fasters will pass. After they are through, the gate will be locked. In addition, like the holy Quran, fasting will intercede for its people. During judgment day, fasting will stand before Allah and say, “My Lord, because of me he was prohibited food and satisfaction of desire at the day time, so accept my intercession for him” (Significance of Ramadan, par.4) and the prophet clearly says that Allah will accept the intercession.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ramadan is a practice in Islam that cannot be matched by any other. This is particularly important given that it brings joy to Allah himself as opposed to other practices that are meant to edify the individual. Also, it assists a person to book a ticket to paradise and allows Muslims to commemorate the month when the holy Quran was revealed to mankind. Therefore, a Muslim should fast. The Prophet says a day’s fast guarantees one salvation worth 70 years from hell fire.
Works Cited
Robinson, Neal. Islam: A Concise Introduction. Washington: Georgetown, 1999.
“The Significance of Ramadan.”2004. Web.