Assalamu Alykum!! Welcome To The Official MSA Website! Google Classroom Code: 4tjd45d

Ramadan Overview

April 28, 2022 | Written by The 2021-22 Human Resources Team

Millions of Muslims worldwide participate in Ramadan, the ninth and holiest month in the Islamic calendar. The sighting of the crescent moon marks the beginning and end of the month. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset as fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam and an act of worship to Allah, the Arabic word for God. Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, and immoral behaviour. However, there are exceptions with fasting; those who are ill and those with temporary conditions should not fast. With over 1.9 billion followers of Islam, Ramadan is a blessed and important month for Muslims to connect with their religion and Creator.

The Purpose of Ramadan

The primary purpose of Ramadan is to increase consciousness of God. The Quran states, “Oh you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it has been prescribed on those who came before you so that you may attain God-Consciousness” (Quran 2:183). The Arabic term meaning god-fearing or consciousness of Allah is ‘Taqwa’, which relates to piety and righteousness. Constantly being aware of God is essential because it helps with the development of morals and having pure intentions. Through fasting, Muslims become mindful of their blessings, and as a result, they become more mindful of their Lord, who has blessed them abundantly. In other words, Muslims learn to develop gratitude and reflect upon their actions and intentions.

Spiritual Benefits

In addition, Ramadan is the month when Muslims strive to develop their character and spirituality. Fasting is not about being hungry; rather, it is about abstaining from destructive habits and immoral behaviour. This can include foul language, gossip, lying, smoking, and drinking. According to recent studies, such as those conducted by the United States Olympic Committee, it takes 30 days to create a new habit, making Ramadan the perfect opportunity to implement good practices. It is also a month for self-improvement through positive actions and adopting excellent character. This includes traits such as forgiveness, appreciation, empathy, and respect, as well as treating people with patience and kindness. In fact, good deeds are especially encouraged during Ramadan as the reward is multiplied up to 700 times. By developing gratitude during this month, one learns to restrain from wrongdoings, and instead do good for the sake of God. Muslims all around the world take part in giving Zakat (charity), a pillar of Islam, and giving back to the community, such as assisting the needy, which promotes unity and peace. Not only does this month aid with improving one’s character, but also spirituality for the rest of the year. One of the numerous Ramadan fasting benefits is the opportunity to strengthen and cultivate a more meaningful relationship with God, Allah.

Physical and Psychological Benefits

The amazing benefits are not limited to spirituality; they also extend to one’s physical and mental wellness. A study published in the National Library of Medicine found that fasting during Ramadan significantly increased serotonin, 'the happy chemical', levels in the body, which reduces depression, demonstrating the benefits on one’s overall mood. Moreover, the body feeds on stored fats while fasting, making it an excellent way to lose weight. It can also improve insulin sensitivity, prevent health issues like diabetes, and detoxify the body. Fasting is a form of detoxification from overeating and exposure to chemicals in food and our environment. To best benefit from this detoxification during Ramadan, it is essential to not sleep throughout the day or overeat afterwards. Many chronic diseases and health issues are also linked to the human body's toxic burden, and fasting may improve blood sugar control, reducing cholesterol and the risks of heart attacks or strokes. If people continue to follow a healthy diet after Ramadan, this newly lowered cholesterol level should be easy to maintain. By pushing oneself to a new limit, the body’s true capabilities are discovered. This proves Ramadan to not only be a medium for one to renew their faith, but also to cleanse their bodies.

The Last Ashra (10 days) of Ramadan & The Night of Power

Although the whole month of Ramadan is considered of utmost value in blessings, the last ten nights are particularly important. They harbour Laylatul Qadr: the night when Angel Jibreel revealed the first verses of the Qu’ran, the holy book in Islam, to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). “Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr).” (97:1) On this blessed night, deeds are recorded as if they were done every day for 1000 months. In other words, 83 years! But if it is only one night, why are all the last ten nights important? The Night of Power is believed to be on one of the odd nights, but the exact date remains a mystery. Therefore, it’s key to perform good deeds throughout the whole duration of the final third. This includes actions such as offering night prayers (Taraweeh), reading and reciting the holy book, the Qur’an, giving obligatory charity (Zakat) or voluntary charity (Sadaqah), asking Allah for forgiveness and remembering Him. These are all in the effort of improving one's relation with God.

In short, Ramadan has many benefits that all Muslims strive to achieve. From improving consciousness of Allah, learning self-restraint from bad, to improving character, and faith. This blessed month encourages Muslims to contribute in creating positive and healthier communities. Hunger is not the point of Ramadan, but about making society a better place and striving to be the best version of oneself. Millions around the world eagerly wait for the month to come, and feel saddened when it comes to an end. As Omar Suleiman, an American Islamic Scholar states, “We come to the realization that true happiness is in feeding the soul and being satisfied with your sustenance, that prayer is better than sleep and that charity is better than consumption.”

Stay tuned for more MSA Articles!

Page updated

Google Sites

Report abuse