IMPORTANCE OF RAMADHAN

The Glorious Qur’an is the Book of Allah, the Most Gracious, Most Merciful, Who has promised to safeguard it from any violations in its purity, the most important and sacred book and the ultimate guidance for all. The Qur’an was revealed in the month of Ramadhan to the prophet Mohammed (peace be upon him) by the angel Jibrail.

The Qur’an is a source of inspiration for us all and there are many ways in which the Qur’an can be implemented not only throughout Ramadhan but throughout our lives. Below are a few examples of how we could use Qur’an in our lives.

Listen to the Qur’an - this can be done in a number of ways at home. Listen to other members of the family reciting Qur’an, or put a tape on and listen to a recitation. While out and about you can listen in the car, or take a personal stereo player - but remember personal safety at all times.

How much time do we spend waiting for someone or something or in a queue? This time could be put to use, listening to a Qur’anic recitation tape. This will help you relax and make better use of your time.

Study and understand the Qur’an – this can be done on your own, or with a group of friends. You could set up a study circle which helps make studying easier. The circle could meet regularly, or just as a one off. Remember that during Ramadhan the rewards are increased.

Convey the message of the Qur’an – the Qur’an is useful for everyone. Conveying the message of Islam is compulsory upon all Muslims, and this can be done through the Qur’an, which is beautiful to read. Most translations contain an easy to follow guide.

Make use of the Qur’an in our lives - the Qur’an contains invaluable information that Muslims should use in their personal and communal matters, and at all levels of society.

The Qur’an will help guide us through all the situations in our lives.   Memorise verses of the Quran - Memorisation in Ramadan carries more reward than at any other time in the year. Be sure to check your memorised recitation by reciting it to a Qur’an teacher, or someone who has good knowledge of the Qur’an.

Increase your recitation of the Qur'an in Ramadan – Recitation during Ramadhan carries much reward, and extra recitation should be encouraged. During salah (obligatory prayer) make use of longer surah’s where you might previously have used shorter ones.

Perform Taraweeh prayers in congregation - The completion of the Qur’an takes place over the period of Ramadhan and there is much reward for praying in congregation.

Recite during the night – “Truly the rising by night is most potent for governing (the soul) and most suitable for (framing) the Word (of Prayer and Praise).” The Holy Quran 73:6. 

Reciting during the day is also beneficial, but night time recitation is easier as there are less distractions and noise.

There are many texts we can study to look at the meaning of Ramadhan, but for this section we will look purely at the Qur’anic translation in English. It is important to look at the Qur’an relating to the verses regarding Ramadan so we can understand the essence of fasting. The verse that will be looked at is surah Al – Baqarah, it is the second surah in the Qur’an and one of the longest surahs.

Fasting for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill or on a journey the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship) is a ransom the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more of his own free will it is better for him and it is better for you that ye fast if ye only knew. THE HOLY QURAN 2 : 184

Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful. THE HOLY QURAN 2: 185

These ayat show us the mercy of Allah (SWT) whose mercy enables us to omit our fast when we are ill or travelling so the fast may not be a burden on us. It also allows us to take part in charity towards those less fortunate then ourselves so that we can appreciate what we have.

Here is a hadith which is narrated by Ibn 'Abbas:
“The Prophet was the most generous person, and he used to become more so (generous) particularly in the month of Ramadhan because Gabriel used to meet him every night of the month of Ramadhan till it elapsed. Allah's Apostle used to recite the Qur'an for him. When Gabriel met him, he used to become more generous than the fast wind in doing good”. Therefore let us also become generous by increasing the amount of Qur’an we recite in the month of Ramadhan.