Ramzan is Coming: Embrace the Blessings of the Holy Month
Ramzan is Coming: Embrace the Blessings of the Holy Month
Ramzan (or Ramadan) is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. As this sacred month approaches, Muslims around the world prepare to welcome it with open hearts, seeking Allah’s mercy, blessings, and forgiveness. The Quran was revealed in this month, making it a time of immense spiritual significance.
The month of Ramzan is filled with blessings (barkat), opportunities to gain spiritual rewards (sawab), and purification of the soul. Through fasting, Tarawih prayers, giving charity (zakat and fitrah), and sincere devotion, believers strengthen their faith and earn countless rewards from Allah.
1. The Importance of Ramzan and its Blessings (Barkat)
Ramzan is more than just abstaining from food and drink; it is a time to purify the heart, seek forgiveness, and increase acts of worship. The barkat (blessings) of Ramzan are abundant, and it is a month in which the doors of heaven are opened, the doors of hell are closed, and the devils are chained (as mentioned in a hadith by Prophet Muhammad ﷺ).
Blessings of Ramzan:
- Forgiveness of sins – A sincere fast and prayer in Ramzan lead to the expiation of past sins.
- Increased rewards – Every good deed is multiplied by 70 times or more in this month.
- Dua is accepted – The supplications (duas) of fasting individuals, especially at Iftar (breaking of fast), are answered by Allah.
- Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree) – This blessed night, occurring in the last ten nights, is better than a thousand months (Quran 97:3).
2. Fasting (Sawm) – The Core of Ramzan
Fasting (Sawm) is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is obligatory (Fardh) for every Muslim who is physically able to fast. Fasting begins at dawn (Suhoor) and ends at sunset (Iftar), during which one abstains from food, drink, and other physical desires.
Benefits of Fasting:
- Spiritual purification – Helps develop self-control, patience, and consciousness of Allah (Taqwa).
- Physical benefits – Cleanses the body, boosts metabolism, and strengthens discipline.
- Empathy for the less fortunate – Fasting helps Muslims understand the struggles of the poor and needy, increasing generosity and gratitude.
Who is Exempt from Fasting?
- The sick and elderly
- Pregnant and nursing women
- Women in menstruation (Hayd) or postnatal bleeding (Nifas)
- Travelers (Musafir)
- Children who have not reached puberty
Those who cannot fast must either make up the missed fasts later (Qada) or, if unable, give Fidya (feeding a poor person per missed fast).
3. Tarawih Prayers – Nightly Spiritual Upliftment
Tarawih is a special prayer performed only in Ramzan after Isha Salah. It is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah (emphasized Sunnah) and a highly rewarding act of worship.
Why Should You Offer Tarawih?
- It is a means of forgiveness of sins.
- The entire Quran is often recited in Tarawih in mosques.
- It strengthens faith and connection with Allah.
- It brings a sense of peace and spiritual satisfaction.
Muslims should strive to attend Tarawih in congregation at the mosque but can also pray at home if needed.
4. Fitrah and Zakat – Charity and Helping the Poor
Ramzan is also a time for giving and sharing blessings with the needy. Fitrah (Zakat al-Fitr) and Zakat (mandatory charity) are essential acts of purification of wealth.
Fitrah (Zakat al-Fitr):
- Compulsory charity that must be given before Eid Salah.
- Ensures that the poor can also celebrate Eid.
- The amount is usually equivalent to the cost of a meal (varies by country).
Zakat – Purifying Wealth:
- An obligatory act for those whose wealth exceeds the Nisab threshold (minimum amount for eligibility).
- 2.5% of savings/assets must be given to the poor, orphans, and those in need.
- It purifies one’s earnings and brings barakah (blessings) in wealth.
5. Sawab Batoreh – Accumulate Rewards in Ramzan
Ramzan is the best time to earn maximum rewards (sawab). Every good deed is multiplied manifold.
Ways to Earn More Sawab:
- Reading and Understanding the Quran – The Quran was revealed in Ramzan; make an effort to recite and understand its meanings.
- Performing Extra Prayers (Nafl Salah) – Tahajjud, Ishraq, and other optional prayers increase spiritual rewards.
- Making Dua and Seeking Forgiveness – Especially during Suhoor, Iftar, and Laylatul Qadr.
- Helping Others and Being Kind – Feeding the poor, helping neighbors, and spreading kindness.
- Avoiding Sins and Bad Habits – Stay away from gossip, arguments, and haram activities.
6. Enjoy the Blessings of the Almighty
Ramzan is a time of joy, reflection, and spiritual elevation. It is a gift from Allah to cleanse our hearts, renew our faith, and strengthen our relationship with Him.
How to Make the Most of Ramzan?
- Plan your worship – Set goals for reciting Quran, making duas, and performing good deeds.
- Make sincere repentance (Tawbah) – Seek Allah’s forgiveness for past mistakes.
- Strengthen family bonds – Spend time with loved ones, teach children about Islam, and break fast together.
- Prepare for Laylatul Qadr – Devote the last ten nights in worship to seek this blessed night.
- Celebrate Eid with gratitude – After completing the fasts, celebrate Eid with joy, thanking Allah for His blessings.
Make This Ramzan Your Best Yet
Ramzan is coming – a golden opportunity to earn the mercy, forgiveness, and rewards of Allah. Let’s embrace fasting, perform Tarawih, give charity, and increase our devotion to make the most of this sacred month.
May Allah accept our fasting, prayers, and good deeds, and may we leave this Ramzan spiritually enriched, purified, and closer to Allah.
Ameen.
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