The Answer: Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is a "month of blessing" marked by prayer, fasting, and charity. Muslims believe that during the month of Ramadan, Allah revealed the first verses of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam.
2. RamadanRamadan
Ramadan is the “Ninth and Holiest Month” of the Islamic calendar and
the month of fasting for Muslims. Fasting is one of the five pillars of
Islam.
The word “Ramadan” comes from the Arabic root ramiḍa or
ar-ramaḍ, which means “SCORCHING HEAT or DRYNESS”.
Fasting in Ramadan is compulsory on all physically and mentally healthy
and mature Muslims. Except who are suffering from an illness, travelling,
elderly, pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic, chronically ill or going through
menstrual bleeding.
Ramadan is a time of thoughtful prayer, religious study and
comteplation for the 1.6 billion Muslims living around the world.
The Prophet Mohammed(PBUH) 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.”
[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1800, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 1079]
3. 1. FAST1. FAST
IT IS AN UNIQUE MORAL AND SPIRITUAL CHARACTERISTIC OF ISLAM.
Fasting - To abstain “completely” from foods, drinks, intimate
intercourse and smoking, before the BREAK OF THE DAWN till SUNSET.
[Sahih Bukhari, Book of Fasting]
Allah has said:
"Every act of a person is for himself, but fasting is for Me.
That is why I will give its reward."
4. 2. Pray2. Pray
Perform the obligatory FIVE prayers regularlyPerform the obligatory FIVE prayers regularly
“O you who believe! seek help with patient, perseverance
and prayer; Allah is with those who patiently persevere.”
[Al Quran, 2:153]
5. 3. Learn & recite Qur’an3. Learn & Recite Qur’an
In the month of RAMADAN Qur’an was revealed as a guidance
for mankind. So, LEARN, RECITE and try to UNDERSTAND the
Qur’an.
“Verily the one who recites the Qur’an beautifully, smoothly, and
precisely, he will be in the company of the noble and obedient
angels. And as for the one who recites with difficulty, stammering or
stumbling through its verses, then he will have TWICE that reward.”
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim]
6. 4. Charity4. Charity
DONATE YOUR MONEY. Try tipping service workers; give money or food
to a helpless person.
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME. Serve food to the homeless or pick up trash
in your neighborhood.
BE A POSITIVE FORCE. Be patient and kind, as much as possible, and try
to brighten the days of the people you meet.
“Your smile to your brother is a sadaqah (charitable act) for you.
Your guiding a man in the land of misguidance is a sadaqah for you.
Your removing a stoneor thorn or bone from the road is a sadaqah for
you.” .
[Tirmidhi]
7. 5. Du’a5. Du’A
Make lots of DU’A & ask for FORGIVENESS.
Avoid committing the major sins that might not be forgiven.
Make lots of DU’A & ask for FORGIVENESS.
“And ask for forgiveness of your Lord and repent to him.
Indeed, my Lord is Merciful and Loving.”
[Al Qur’an, 11:90]
Make DU’A at the time of PRAYER, before IFTAR, at TAHAJJUD,
during the night of QADR and ask for forgiveness.
8. 6. Work6. Work
Continue your works. Never stop WORKING.
“And when the prayer is finished disperse through the land and
seek Allah’s grace, and remember Allah much so that you may be
felicitous”
[Surah al-Jumua, 62:10]
Continue your works. Never stop WORKING.
Rather, BOOST yourself up in this Ramadan.Rather, BOOST yourself up in this Ramadan.
9. 7. Repeat7. REPEAT
“Whoever makes Allah his only worry, then Allah wil take care of
the rest of his worries”
[Diwan al-Imam ash-Shafi’i]