By: Bilal Abu Aisha
All praise belongs to Allah who said in His final revelation, the Qur’an: “O you who believe! Observing fast is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious.”1 And peace and blessings of Allah be upon the greatest of Messengers, Prophet Muhammad, his family, his companions, and upon all those who pursue his path, the path of righteousness, till the Last Day. As the noble month of Ramadan draws near, it is relevant for us to look into some of the rulings associated with fasting. It is incumbent on Muslims to be aware of what Allah Most High has made permissible, and have knowledge of what He has forbidden, in order that we worship Allah with sure sightedness and clear evidence. Thus by the will of Allah be included amongst the winners of this month. By Bilal Abu Aisha
Virtues of the month of Ramadan
Allah (s.w.t) has specified the month of fasting to be the month entailing a number of specialties that signify its nobility and great virtue. From amongst the distinguishing elements is that the Qur’an was sent down in it, as Allah Most High said: “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an…”2 Also, in this month is the night of decree, which is better than a thousand months. Allah (s.w.t) said: “Verily! We have sent it down in the night of Al-Qadr (decree).”3 In this month the Shaitaans (Satans) are chained, the gates of Jahannam (Hellfire) are closed, and the gates of Jannah (Heaven) are open as per hadith Abu Hurairah in Saheeh Bukhari.
From amongst the specialties of this month also, is that Allah Most High said fasting is for Him alone: “All of the actions of the sons of Adam are multiplied…except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it…”4
