Dear Brothers and Sisters,
As the blessed month of Ramadan approaches, we pray this message finds you well and in good health. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a time of immense spiritual significance for Muslims worldwide. It is a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community, a period where we strive to draw closer to Allah and strengthen our faith.
What is Ramadan Really About?
For those who are newer to Islam, Ramadan is a time when Muslims abstain from food, drink, and certain other activities from dawn until sunset. This act of fasting is not simply about abstaining from physical needs; it is a profound act of worship designed to purify our hearts, minds, and souls.
Fasting allows us to experience, in a small way, the challenges faced by those less fortunate, fostering empathy and compassion within us. It’s also crucial to remember that fasting isn’t just about refraining from food and drink, it also involves abstaining from sinful actions, speech, and thoughts. This holistic approach to fasting helps us to truly draw closer to Allah and attain taqwa.
Allah says in the Quran: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous (muttaqun).”
This verse highlights the primary purpose of fasting, which is to achieve taqwa/muttaqun. Taqwa means righteousness, God consciousness, and awareness of Allah in all aspects of our lives. Through fasting, we aim to refine our character, increase our patience, and develop a deeper connection with our Creator.
The Gates of Paradise are Open
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: "When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained."
This hadith illustrates the immense spiritual opportunities that Ramadan presents. It is a time when the rewards for good deeds are multiplied, and the path to forgiveness is made easier. It’s a chance for us to turn to Allah in repentance, seek His forgiveness, and strive to improve ourselves.
Ramadan: The Month of the Quran
Ramadan is also a month of increased focus on reciting the Quran. The Quran was revealed in this blessed month, and it is highly recommended to increase our recitation and reflection upon its verses.
"The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion."
The Beauty of the Night Prayer
Another significant aspect of Ramadan is the Taraweeh prayer. These are special (optional) nightly prayers performed in congregation at the mosque, straight after the Esha (night) prayer. Our scholars and pious predecessors have emphasised the importance of how to spend our days during the month of Ramadan; the believers devout their days fasting, reading the Quran and their nights in prayer. If you can’t make it to the mosque, then you can perform extra prayers at home.
Taraweeh provides a beautiful opportunity to connect with Allah through extended prayer and recitation of the Quran.
A Night “Better than a Thousand Months”
In addition to the nightly Taraweeh prayers, we would like to highlight the significance of Layl-a-tul Qadr, the Night of Decree. This is considered the most blessed night of the year, when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). It is a time for increased prayer, reflection, and seeking forgiveness.
Allah says in the Quran: "Indeed, We sent it down [the Quran] during the Night of Decree. And what makes you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit [i.e., Gabriel] descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter.”
We encourage you to spend this night in prayer and reflection, seeking Allah’s forgiveness and mercy.
Some suggestions to make the most of this blessed month
This Ramadan, let us all strive to make the most of this blessed time. Let us prepare ourselves spiritually by:
- Making sincere repentance and seeking forgiveness.
- Strengthening our connection with the Quran through recitation and reflection.
- Increasing our acts of charity and kindness towards others.
- Focusing on prayer and supplication (dua), including Taraweeh prayers.
- Building stronger bonds with our families and communities.
- Striving to abstain from all forms of sin, both outward and inward.
We encourage you to reach out to us if you have any questions about Ramadan or if you would like to learn more. We are here to support you on your journey.
May Allah bless you and your families during this upcoming month, and may He accept our fasts and our good deeds.
Ramadan Mubarak!
