In today’s world, fasting is considered a modern term. It’s interchangeably used with intermittent fasting, which people follow to gain health benefits such as weight loss. However, in Islam, fasting began around the 7th century after the revelation of the Quran upon Hazrat Muhammad (P.B.U.H). 

In Islam Ramzan falls among the five pillars of Islam, and it’s a must to observe the fast during this holy month. People who are sick, pregnant women, and travelers are exempted from fasting, followed by making up the missed fasts after Ramzan. 

In our religion, the holy month of Ramzan plays a significant role in the life of Muslims. When Muslims fast, they not only learn to prohibit eating and drinking water, but they also get to know the difference between good and evil. 

Moreover, fasting is a way of thanking God for the sustenance he provides. God expects thanks in return, which a Muslim pays through fasting. If we look back to history, before Islam, people in Makkah would observe fast during Muharram to pay for their sins and thank the Lord.

So, if you’re a Muslim observing fast for the first time, congratulations, as Ramzan is around the corner. The month of Ramzan is expected to begin on the 11th of March, 2024. With that said, this blog explains the importance of Ramzan in Islam in detail.

The Revelation of the Holy Quran

Ramzan is the month the Quran was revealed to our Holy Prophet. There’s a history behind it. It dates back to when Muhammad P.B.U.H used to retreat atop the mountain in cave Hira. In 610 AD, an angel named Ibrahim appeared in front of him when the Hazrat Muhammad was in the cave in solitude. He asked Muhammad to recite the ayat of Surah al-Alaq, to which the Prophet replied, I can’t. I don’t know how to read. He then commanded the same thing, and the Prophet said the same answer. The same conversation took place greatly, and that’s when the angel Ibrahim pressed and squeezed the Prophet and asked to recite, and as Ibrahim held him tight, he began to recite the following ayat.

اقْرَ‌أْ بِاسْمِ رَ‌بِّكَ الَّذِي خَلَقَ ﴿1﴾ خَلَقَ الْإِنسَانَ مِنْ عَلَقٍ ﴿2﴾ اقْرَ‌أْ وَرَ‌بُّكَ الْأَكْرَ‌مُ ﴿3﴾ الَّذِي عَلَّمَ بِالْقَلَمِ ﴿4﴾ عَلَّمَ الْإِنسَانَ مَا لَمْ يَعْلَمْ ﴿5﴾

‘Read with the Name of your Lord Who created [ everything ], He created man from a blood clot. Read, and your Lord is the most gracious, who imparted knowledge by means of the Pen. He taught man what he did not know.’

Night of Laylatul Qadar

The last ashra of Ramadan holds significant importance as it contains powerful nights, also known as five odd nights. Among the five odd nights, on one appears the laylat-ul-Qadar, the night of Noor. It’s one of the holiest nights, and increasing prayers on these nights can help you gain more regards. In addition, if you pray and fast from the heart, then Allah may choose you among those who witness Laylatul Qaadr in real. 

The Month of Forgiveness

It’s the holy month of Ramadan when Allah orders the doors of hell to close and the doors to heaven remain open. In this month, Allah forgives everyone except for those who drink alcohol and commit shirk. Also, Ramzan brings opportunities for Muslims to correct themselves, prohibit sin, and follow the guidance of Allah and His Rasool.

Differences in the Ramadan Celebration

Ramadan is observed throughout the world among the Muslim community. However, differences exist between the sects and the countries. Some countries celebrate Ramadan according to the Saudi government, while others celebrate it as per their country’s government. On the other hand, some people initiate the month of Ramzan by self-sight and seeing the moon. Despite these differences, Muslims worldwide practice fasting upon the commencement of Ramadan, followed by suhoor and iftar. 

Ramzan, followed by Eid ul Fitr.

As you thank Allah by fasting, He bestows upon Muslims a reward of three days of celebration after Ramzan in the form of Eid-ul-fitar. On Eid-ul-Fitar, Muslims offer Namaz-e-Eid in the morning, give charity as fitra to the poor, and meet and greet their loved ones.

Wrap-Up

In conclusion, Ramadan is the month of sacrifices and blessings. You stay hungry and thirsty the whole day and abstain from sinning; as a reward, you get a table full of sustenance as iftar. Also, you get to experience the pain of those who starve for days and months due to a lack of resources. In sum, Ramzan teaches compassion, sympathy, and empathy towards others.