Opinion | Ramadan: The glorious month to purify souls

Ramzan, also known as Ramadan, is considered the most glorious month in the Islamic calendar. The month of fasting, prayer and reflection where Muslims all over the world observe a huge intensity of spiritual devotion. During this month, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to sunset, and devote themselves to prayer, recitation of the Holy Quran, and charitable deeds. In the Holy Quran it’s clearly outlined in the Surah Baqarah Ayat 183 “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous”. This verse conspicuously substantiates that Ramadan is not only the month of starving but is the month of purifying soul, rejuvenating faith, and seeking forgiveness by abstaining from negative behavior, such as gossiping, lying, recrimination and backbiting. By avoiding these behaviors, we can rejuvenate our faith.

The beauty of this month is that the gates of heaven are opened, and the gates of hell are closed. Fasting during Ramadan is an act of worship and a means of self-discipline. When we deprive ourselves of food and drink, we learn to control our desires and become more mindful of our actions. Fasting is also an act of solidarity with the less fortunate, as it reminds us of the suffering of those who do not have one time to eat or drink.
In this glorious month, The Holy Quran was revealed on Prophet Muhammad (SAW) among the last 10 odd days of this month i.e 21, 23,25,27,29. Among all these dates 27 is considered the most authentic and that night is known as Layla-tul-Qadr which has a great significance and is also mentioned in Quran in Chapter 97 verse 3 “The Night of Power is better than a thousand months”. Moreover, Anas ibn Malik (RA) reported: The Messenger of Allah (SAW) said. There is a night within it that is better than a thousand months. Whoever is deprived of it has been deprived of all good. Reciting the Quran during this month is considered a way of getting closer to Allah, and it is believed that the rewards for reading the Holy Quran during this month are multiplied (Saying of Prophet Muhammad Peace Be upon Him). In this month Muslims are giving enormous charity to the poor and needy, and to several organizations. Around the world people take advantage of this month to launch fundraising campaigns. Giving charity is considered a way of purifying one’s wealth, and it is believed that the rewards for giving during this month are multiplied (Sayings of Prophet).
In the month of Ramadan a special night prayer, known as Taraweeh or Qiyam is offered. Abu-Hurairah reports that the Prophet SAW said.“Whoever prays during the nights of Ramadan (Taraweeh) with a firm belief and hoping for reward, all of his previous sins would be forgiven”. Taraweeh comprises twenty Rakats followed by Witr at the end. These prayers are an opportunity for us to connect with Allah and seek his forgiveness.
This month is also a time for increased family and community gatherings. Before Iftar (breaking fast) we gather with our families to supplicate congregationally. Because before some minutes of Iftar the time is considered imperative and precious as the angels are waiting to recite Amen on our supplications and it is being said whatever we supplicate at the time of Iftar shall be accepted before long.
This is the month of attaining spirituality and to make a deeper connection towards Allah. Fasting, prayers, reciting the Quran, and giving charity are all the ways which will pave the way for us to purify our souls and seek Allah’s forgiveness. This is a month of community and togetherness. Muslim community comes together to share their experiences, to support each other, and to pray together. It is time to put aside differences, forgive those who bruised you, have a talk with those with whom you have a dispute, purify your heart from all hatred and malice before Ramadan evaporates and to focus on what unites us as a community. This is what Ramadan teaches us.
– The writer is a Masters’ student in the Department of Statistics, University of Kashmir. He can be reached at syedanaiyatbukharie@gmail.com