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Ramadan – The Beloved Month is approaching! 

Ramadan – The Beloved Month is approaching! 

February 21, 2025 Team Comments Off

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, a time when Muslims around the world dedicate themselves to fasting, prayer, and acts of charity. It is a month of immense blessings, forgiveness, and mercy from Allah (SWT). The virtues of Ramadan are numerous, and it serves as a spiritual purification for believers.

The month of Ramadan is described in the Quran as the time when the revelation of the Quran began:

“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.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185)

Fasting during Ramadan is an obligation upon every able Muslim as a means of attaining righteousness:

“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

During Ramadan, the gates of Paradise are opened, and the gates of Hell are closed. This is a special mercy of Allah (SWT) for the believers.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of the Heaven are opened, and the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1899, Sahih Muslim 1079)

The righteous dead who have observed fasting and remained steadfast in their worship are granted entry into Paradise through a special gate called Al-Rayyan:

“There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Rayyan, and those who observe fasting will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection, and none except them will enter through it.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1896, Sahih Muslim 1152)

Significance of Taraweeh Prayers

Taraweeh is a special prayer performed during the nights of Ramadan. It is a highly recommended Sunnah and a means of attaining immense rewards.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“Whoever prays during the nights of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1905, Sahih Muslim 759)

Zakat al-Fitr: Purification and Charity

Zakat al-Fitr is an obligatory charity given by Muslims at the end of Ramadan before the Eid prayer. It serves as purification for the fasting person and a means to help the less fortunate.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said:

“The fast remains suspended between Heaven and Earth until the Sadaqat al-Fitr is given.” (Hadith in Sunan al-Kubra by Al-Bayhaqi 4/260)

Who Should Pay Zakat al-Fitr?

Every Muslim who has surplus food or wealth beyond their needs is required to pay Zakat al-Fitr on behalf of themselves and their dependents.

Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported:

“The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) enjoined the payment of one sa’ (approximately 2.5 to 3 kg) of dates or barley as Zakat al-Fitr upon every Muslim, young or old, male or female, free or slave.” (Sahih al-Bukhari 1503, Sahih Muslim 984)

Who Should Receive Zakat al-Fitr?

Zakat al-Fitr is distributed among the needy and those eligible to receive zakat, including the poor, the destitute, and those in debt. It ensures that all Muslims, regardless of their financial situation, can partake in the joy of Eid.

Ramadan is a month filled with opportunities for spiritual growth, mercy, and forgiveness. Through fasting, prayer, and acts of charity, believers can attain closeness to Allah (SWT) and purify their souls. As we observe this blessed month, may we make the most of its virtues and emerge with renewed faith and righteousness.

May Allah (SWT) accept our fasting, prayers, and charity. Ameen.