Ramadan is considered one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims. It is the month in which the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW, PBUH) through the angel Jibreel (Gabriel) in A.D. 610. The timing of revelation is given special significance and is known as Laylatul Qadr or the Night of Power. It is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, which is based on the lunar cycle or phases of the moon. Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an, and fast from food and drink during the sunlight hours as a means of drawing closer to God and cultivating self-control, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate. Ramadan is a month of intense spiritual rejuvenation with a heightened focus on devotion, during which Muslims spend extra time reading the Qur’an and performing special prayers and give Sadaqa to the needy. An extraordinary spiritual journey and cleanse for the mind, body, and soul.

WHY WE FAST

Islam is based on five core principles; believing in these principles is key to being identified as a follower of the Islamic faith. These five principles are referred to as the Five Pillars of Islam: Shahadah (belief in one God, Allah SWT), Salat (prayer), Zakat (charity), Sawm (to fast), and Hajj (pilgrimage). These are acts of worship that Allah (SWT) has made compulsory. Fasting for Ramadan is one of the five pillars, meaning it is mandatory for all able Muslims and forms a significant aspect of their devotion to Allah.

The ultimate goal of fasting is gaining greater God-consciousness, known in Arabic as taqwa, signifying a state of constant awareness of God. From this awareness, a person should gain discipline, self-restraint, and a greater incentive to do good and avoid wrong. In commemoration of the revelation the Qur’an, which began in the month of Ramadan. Muslims may attempt to read the entire book during Ramadan. The entire Qur’an is also recited during Taraweeh, special night prayers.

Allah (SWT) says in the Quran: “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” [Al-Baqarah 2:183]

As humans, we are susceptible to sin and transgression. Fasting teaches Muslims to be pious, helping them restrain from worldly pleasures and focus on spiritual growth. The purpose of Ramadan is to establish a fixed training period where believers can overcome vices, learn virtues, and earn Allah’s (SWT) blessings.

The Prophet (SAW) said:  “Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and in hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Bukhari (38) and Muslim (759)]

This holy month provides a chance for believers to reflect on their actions and renew their relationship with Allah (SWT).

DIFFERENT ACTS OF CHARITY

SADAQAH

Sadaqah is when a person makes a charitable donation or does something that may benefit to someone else, be it human being, an animal or the earth. Acts of Sadaqah can include things like:

1. Volunteering at a homeless shelterGiving you time to help the less fortunate
2. 2 Helping a neighbour in need
3. Assisting people in a difficult situation or circumstance
4. Spreading Knowledge as Sadaqah
5. Sharing Islamic knowledge, teaching the Quran, and disseminating information about prayers and their times are considered ongoing acts of Sadaqah.
6. Giving Sincere Advice
7. Providing valuable advice, especially in matters of faith and righteousness, qualifies as Sadaqah.
8. Acts of Kindness
9. Simple gestures like helping, offering a kind word, or smiling contribute to Sadaqah.
10. Sharing Food Providing food to others, especially those in need, is a form of charitable giving.
11. Time and Energy Dedication of time and energy towards noble causes and acts of kindness is recognized as Sadaqah.
12. Patience in Times of TrialEnduring hardships with patience is deemed an act of charity.
13. Caring for Family Fulfilling responsibilities towards family, especially children, is regarded as a form of Sadaqah.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) mentioned that the best charity is that given in Ramadan, indicating the increased value and multiplied rewards of charitable acts during this time.

HADITH

Giving Zakat or Sadaqah during Ramadan is multiplied by 70 times, and the reward for any righteous act is equivalent to having performed that same deed every day for 83 years, SubhanAllah!

The likeness of those who spend for Allah’s sake is as the likeness of a grain of corn, it grows seven ears every single ear has a hundred grains, and Allah multiplies (increases the reward of) for whom He wills, and Allah is sufficient for His creatures’ needs, All-Knower).” (Quran, 2:261)

“Those who (in charity) spend of their goods by night and by day, in secret and in public have their reward with their Rabb (only God and Sustainer). On them shall be no fear nor shall they grieve.” (Quran, 2:274)

‘Believe in Allah and His Messenger, and spend (in charity) out of the (substance) whereof He has made you heirs. For, those of you who believe and spend (in charity), for them is a great Reward.’ (Quran 57:7)

Narrated Abū Hurayra: The Prophet (SAW) said, “Charity is obligatory every day on every joint of a human being. If one helps a person in matters concerning his riding animal by helping him to ride it or by lifting his luggage on to it, all this will be regarded charity. A good word, and every step one takes to offer the compulsory congregational prayer, is regarded as charity; and guiding somebody on the road is regarded as charity.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 2891)

Narrated `Adi bin Hatim heard the Prophet (SAW) saying: “Save yourself from Hell-fire even by giving half a date-fruit in charity.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1417).

Anas narrated that: the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) was asked which fast was most virtuous after Ramadan? He (Peace Be Upon Him) said: “Sha’ban in honor of Ramadan,” He said: “Which charity is best?” He (Peace Be Upon Him) said: “Charity in Ramadan.” (Jami` at-Tirmidhi 663).

SADAQAH JARIYAH

Sadaqah Jariyah is an act of charity that provides ongoing benefits. For completing an act of Sadaqah Jariyah, Allah (SWT) gives rewards even after the person has left this Earth.

1. Sponsoring a Child, Teacher, or Orphan

Providing ongoing support to individuals ensures a continuous flow of benefits and rewards.

2. Spreading Knowledge

Disseminating Islamic knowledge and contributing to educational initiatives create a lasting impact.

3. Building a Water Well

Constructing water wells ensures sustainable benefits, earning rewards for the giver long after the act.

4. Building Mosques, Schools, or Hospital.
5. Contributing to the construction of vital infrastructure guarantees ongoing benefits to communities.

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“When a human being dies, all one’s deeds cease, save three: Sadaqah Jâriyah, [religious] knowledge [one leaves behind] from which others benefit, and a righteous child who prays for them.” (Muslim)

FITRA

Fitra is a required charity given at the end of Ramadan, and before Eid-ul-Fitr prayers, to show gratitude to Allah for allowing us to observe the obligatory fasts in Ramadan with compassion and steadfastness. The head of household pays it on behalf of every family member, and it is compulsory for every individual who has sufficient food for themselves and their family.

FIDYA

Fidyah is paid when a person is unable to fast due to a valid reason such as travel, illness, old age, harmful levels of thirst or hunger, or oppression, Allah allows them to make up the missed fast(s), if possible, or offer fidya in which a needy person is fed for each missed fast.

KAFFARAH

When a person deliberately misses or breaks an obligatory fast during Ramadan without a valid reason, i.e. any reason besides travel, illness, old age, harmful levels of thirst or hunger, or oppression, Allah allows them to offer kaffarah to seek forgiveness. In such situations, the person should either fast for 60 consecutive days or feed 60 needy people per missed or broken fast. Kaffarah may also be given to compensate for unfulfilled oaths or promises. In such situations, 10 underprivileged people should be fed for each occurrence.

WHAT IS TARAWEEH?

Meaning rest or relaxation, Taraweeh is a voluntary prayer performed after the evening prayer, Isha, every single night during Ramadan. As it is a highly recommended Sunnah, mosques across the world hold congregational Tarawih prayers for men and women on every night of this blessed month.

Many believe those who pray Taraweeh throughout Ramadan will be rewarded immensely and have their sins forgiven.

The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, “He who observes optional prayer (Tarawih prayers) throughout Ramadan, out of sincerity of Faith and in the hope of earning reward will have his past sins pardoned.” (Al- Bukhari and Muslim)

REWARD FOR TARAWEEH

Praying qiyam in Ramadan is one of the greatest acts of worship by means of which a person can draw closer to his Lord in this month.

Al-Hafiz Ibn Rajab said: “Note that in the month of Ramadan the believer engages in jihad al-nafs on two fronts: during the day by fasting and during the night by praying qiyam. Whoever combines these two types of jihad will be given reward without limit.”

Al-Bukhari (37) and Muslim (759) narrated from Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Whoever prays qiyam in Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”

LAYLATUL QADR

بِسۡمِ اللّٰہِ الرَّحۡمٰنِ الرَّحِیۡمِ

اِنَّاۤ اَنۡزَلۡنٰہُ فِیۡ لَیۡلَۃِ الۡقَدۡرِ

وَ مَاۤ اَدۡرٰٮکَ مَا لَیۡلَۃُ الۡقَدۡرِ

لَیۡلَۃُ الۡقَدۡرِ ۬ۙ خَیۡرٌ مِّنۡ اَلۡفِ شَہۡرٍ

تَنَزَّلُ الۡمَلٰٓئِکَۃُ وَ الرُّوۡحُ فِیۡہَا بِاِذۡنِ رَبِّہِمۡ ۚ مِنۡ کُلِّ اَمۡرٍ

سَلٰمٌ ۟ۛ ہِیَ حَتّٰی مَطۡلَعِ الۡفَجۡرِ

[97:1] In the name of Allah, the Gracious, the Merciful. [97:2] Surely, We sent it down on the Night of Destiny. [97:3] And what should make thee know what the Night of Destiny is? [97:4] The Night of Destiny is better than a thousand months. [97:5] Therein descend angels and the Spirit by the command of their Lord — with every matter. [97:6] It is all peace till the rising of the dawn.

Laylatul Qadar is a night of great blessing in which Allah^(swt) showers His Mercy upon those of His believers whom sincerely and faithfully love and obey His Will. It is a night which is commonly associated with the revelation of the Holy Qur’an but also has other meanings which are all deeply rooted in Allah’s attribute of Rahmaniyyat.

Laylat-al-Qadr, also known as the Night of Power, which falls within the last ten days of Ramadan. This sacred night carries blessings that surpass those of 1,000 months. Allah (SWT) says:

“Indeed, it is We Who sent this Quran down on the Night of Qadr.” [Al-Quran 97:1]

Offering qiyam (is the standing position at the beginning of Islamic prayers) in the last ten days of Ramadan – Laylatul Qadr. The believer should be keen to strive in worship in the last ten nights of Ramadan more than at other times, because in these ten nights is Laylat al-Qadr , of which Allah says:

“The Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months” [al-Qadr 97:3]

According to the most correct opinion, it is the twenty-seventh night of Ramadaan. Most of the haadeeths state this, such as the hadeeth of Zurr ibn Hubaysh, who said:

I heard Ubayy ibn Kab saying and it was said to him that Abd-Allah ibn Masood said: Whoever follows the Sunnah will catch Laylat al-Qadr!

In Saheeh al-Bukhari, it is reported that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) woke up one night and said, “Subhaan Allah! What tribulations have come down tonight! What treasure has come down tonight! Who will wake up the dwellers of the apartments? There may be women who are clothed in this world and naked in the Hereafter.”

Dua for Laylat-al-Qadr

The best dua for Laylat-al-Qadr is the dua the Prophet (PBUH) taught Aisha (R.A.) She is reported to have asked the Prophet (PBUH),

“O Messenger of Allah If I know which night is Laylat al-Qadr, what should I say?” He said:

“اللَّهمَّإنَّكعفُوٌّتُحبُّالعفوَفاعْفُعنِّي ”

Allahumma Innaka Afuwwun Tuhibbul Afwa Fa’Fu Annee

(O Allah, You are All-Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me).”