Ramadan begins on Saturday 1st March, 2025. Ramadan is not just a month on the Islamic calendar; it is a period of deep spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and immense blessings for Muslims worldwide. Every year, millions of believers anticipate its arrival with great enthusiasm, knowing it brings an opportunity to renew their faith, seek divine mercy, and strengthen their connection with Allah.
During this sacred month, fasting is not merely an act of abstaining from food and drink; it is a comprehensive spiritual exercise that requires Muslims to shun immoral behavior, increase acts of kindness, and focus on worship. Even those engaged in demanding corporate jobs or business ventures make adjustments to prioritize their devotion. Wealthy individuals and community leaders set aside resources for charitable acts, Ramadan lectures, and the daily breaking of fast (Iftar), ensuring that even the less privileged can partake in the blessings of the month.
Mosques and Islamic centers worldwide come alive with increased activities—prayers, Qur’an recitations, and lectures—while believers set personal worship schedules to maximize the holy month’s rewards. But what truly makes Ramadan stand out? Why do Muslims hold it in such high esteem? Below are some key reasons, supported by Qur’anic verses and Hadith:
(1) GOD MADE IT A HOLY MONTH FOR MUSLIMS
Allah Himself has designated Ramadan as a sacred and significant period for Muslims. It is the only month explicitly mentioned in the Qur’an as being chosen for fasting: “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an was revealed, 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…” (Qur’an 2:185).
This divine selection elevates Ramadan above all other months, making it a time when Muslims are required to dedicate themselves to worship and self-purification.
(2) ANY GOOD DEED DONE ATTRACTS MULTIPLE REWARDS
During Ramadan, the rewards for good deeds are multiplied many times over, making it a golden opportunity for believers to earn immense blessings. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) emphasized this: “Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, all his past sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 38).
Even small acts of kindness—such as feeding someone who is fasting—are rewarded abundantly: “Whoever provides food for a fasting person to break his fast, he will earn the same reward as him, without anything being lessened from the reward of the fasting person.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 807).
(3) IT IS THE MONTH OF THE QUR’AN
Ramadan is closely associated with the Qur’an because it was in this month that the holy book was revealed as guidance for humanity: “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which the Qur’an was revealed…” (Qur’an 2:185)
As a result, Muslims dedicate extra time to reading, memorizing, and reflecting on the Qur’an. Many aim to complete its recitation at least once before the month ends.
(4) THE NIGHT
OF MAJESTY (LAYLATUL QADR)
One of the most spiritually significant aspects of Ramadan is Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Decree), a night that is greater than a thousand months in rewards and blessings: “Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Qur’an 97:1-3)
Muslims intensify their prayers and seek forgiveness during the last ten nights of Ramadan, hoping to witness this extraordinary night.
(5) CONSISTENT NIGHT VIGILS (QIYAM-UL-LAYL)
In Ramadan, Muslims engage in additional night prayers known as Taraweeh, performed in congregations at mosques. These prayers bring them closer to Allah and help in spiritual purification. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever stands in prayer during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2008)
(6) A MONTH OF PASSION AND BROTHERHOOD
Ramadan fosters unity and love among Muslims. People gather for Iftar, perform prayers together, and assist the less fortunate. The Prophet (peace be upon him) emphasized the importance of brotherhood, saying: “None of you truly believes until he loves for his brother what he loves for himself.” (Sahih Muslim, 45)
(7) A MONTH WHEN PRAYERS ARE ANSWERED
Allah promises to accept the supplications of believers, especially during Ramadan. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Three people’s supplications are never rejected: the fasting person until he breaks his fast, the just ruler, and the oppressed person.” (Sunan Ibn Majah, 1624).
Muslims use this opportunity to make heartfelt prayers for themselves, their loved ones, and the entire Ummah.
(8) A MONTH WHEN SATAN AND HIS WARRIORS ARE CHAINED
One of the unique aspects of Ramadan is that the devils are chained, making it easier for believers to resist temptation and focus once righteousness. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1899)
This creates an environment where people naturally incline towards good deeds and spiritual growth.
(9) A MONTH
OF INTENSE PRAYER AND FASTING
Fasting is one of the 5 pillars of Islam, and Ramadan is the time when it is observed with the greatest sincerity and devotion. Allah says: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Qur’an 2:183).
Through fasting, Muslims develop patience, self-control, and a heightened sense of spirituality.
(10) THE BEST MONTH FOR CHARITY
Charity holds immense value in Islam, and Ramadan is the best time to engage in it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was known to be especially generous during this month: “The Messenger of Allah was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous in Ramadan…” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 6)
Muslims give Zakat (obligatory charity) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity) during Ramadan to support the poor and needy.
(11) A MONTH AIMED AT TRAINING MUSLIMS ON HOW TO BEHAVE
Ramadan is a period of spiritual training, teaching discipline, patience, and empathy. The Prophet (peace be upon him) advised: “Fasting is not just abstaining from food and drink, but from improper speech and impure actions.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1903).
By the end of Ramadan, believers are expected to emerge spiritually stronger and more conscious of their actions.
Ramadan is not just another month—it is a time of divine mercy, immense rewards, and personal transformation. Muslims worldwide cherish it, not only because it is an obligation but because it presents a unique opportunity for spiritual growth, forgiveness, and closeness to Allah.
As the Prophet (peace be upon him) beautifully said: “Ramadan has come to you. It is a month of blessing, in which Allah covers you with His mercy, forgives sins, and answers prayers.” (Sunan al-Nasa’i, 2106)
May all Muslims make the most of this special month and reap its abundant rewards.
-Jamiu Abubakar
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