While we are waiting for the special blessed month of Ramadan to arrive, we need to be conscious of special blessings that this special month brings into our life.
So, what are these unique features which make Ramadan such a special and month for Muslims all over the world?
Our prophet SAAW ensured us that during Ramadan the gates of Heaven are thrown open, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained. This essentially signifies that, in Ramadan, the devils and their followers have a much more difficult job deviating Muslims from fully taking advantage of the holy days of Ramadan by performing every Islamic duty with a pure intention.
The Prophet SAAW said: "When the first night of Ramadan comes, the devils and the rebellious jinn are chained, the gates of Hell are locked and not one of them is opened; the gates of Paradise are opened and not one of them is locked; and a crier calls, 'You who desire what is good, come forward, and you who desire evil, refrain.' Some are freed from Hell by Allah, and that happens every night."( Tirmithi)
Fasting enhances self-restraint and self-control as the person fasting does not only have to abstain from food and drink, but s/he must also refrain from many other things: backbiting, gossiping, fighting, using foul language etc.
Very strict words have been used in this regard:
The Prophet said, "Whoever does not give up false statements (i.e. telling lies), and evil deeds, and speaking bad words to others, Allah is not in need of his (fasting) leaving his food and drink" (Bukhari).
Fasting also instills in Muslims, the spirit of charity. Abstaining from food and drink gives a solid experience to the rich & wealthy as to what the poor may have to suffer the year around. Hence, it acts as a motivation for them to donate more to charity and to give out of their wealth to those who cannot afford the same luxuries that they do.
The Prophet SAAW said, "He who gives one who has been fasting something with which to break his fast, or who equips a fighter, will have a reward equivalent to his" (Tirmithi).
May Allah SWT make us among those who will observe the holy month of Ramadan. May He accept our Seyam & Qiyam.. Ameen
