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Ramadan Ranks High in Islam

Question

Tell me about the significance of the month of Ramadan.

Answer

All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) is His slave and Messenger.

No doubt that Ramadan is the best month in the year. Allah, the Great and Almighty, has singled out Ramadan with: (1) the obligation of fasting and (2) revealing of the Quran at once to the heaven of this world.

Allah Says (what means): {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. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it;...} [Quran 2:185]

Fasting in Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam.

Ibn Umar  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  him narrated that the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “Islam is founded on five (Pillars): (1) To bear witness that none deserves to be worshipped except Allah, and Muhammad is His Messenger, (2) to establish the prayer, (3) to give Zakat, (4) to fast in Ramadan, and (5) to perform Hajj to Makkah if one can afford it.' Fasting in Ramadan constitutes a great reward as stated in many sound Ahadeeth. Abu Hurayrah  may  Allaah  be  pleased  with  him narrated that the Prophet  sallallaahu  `alayhi  wa  sallam ( may  Allaah exalt his mention ) said: “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed and the devils are chained.” [Al-Bukhari]

In other words, whoever fasts believing that Ramadan is one of his obligations, that will be rewarded by Allah alone, then one will have his previous sins forgiven.

In addition to that, fasting during Ramadan helps one to become righteous, be watchful in public and in secret, and to be patient. Then, it helps one to control himself and his lusts, as well as providing mercy, kindness and other health benefits.

Allah knows best.

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