The Benefits of Ramadan Fasting

  

Ramadan does not only mean abstaining from eating and drinking, but it is also a complete transformation that touches faith, society, health and spirituality. Whoever practises it with sincerity gets inner discipline, succeeds in drawing closer to Allah, develops a solid brotherhood with the Ummah – his Muslim brothers and sisters – and attains a sure means to purify his body and his soul. The Holy Qur’an and Sunnah have shown us several categories of benefits of Ramadan, and I will cite some of them before you:

 

(1) Taqwa (Fear of Allah) 

 

Allah says in the Qur’an: “O you who have believed, fasting (Roza) has been prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa.” (Al-Baqara 2: 184)

The Shahada- 2

  

Shahada, that is, the testimony: Laa Ilaaha illallaahu Muhammadur-Rasullullah, is not merely a formula of faith; it is a complete commitment that Allah demands from a believer, so that he establishes only Allah alone in his heart as his Lord, his God, and that he does not worship any other things, or people, or animals, or claim that these are gods alongside Allah. This person must be conscious that when he pronounces these words, that Allah alone is worthy of worship, not others, and NOT EVEN THE PROPHETS whom Allah sent upon the earth.

 

That is why Shahada is in two phases: first, to believe in Allah and worship Him alone, and second, to believe in Muhammad (pbuh), His Prophet, His Messenger. Here, what is important to retain is that Allah makes it clear: Beware! I alone am worthy of worship – you must pray to Me alone. My Messenger Muhammad (pbuh), just like all the prophets and messengers before him and even those who will come after him, are only human beings who come from Me to show you the path that will lead you to Me.

The Shahada- 1

  

The Shahada, that is, the testimony of faith, is a simple yet profound declaration which forms the heart of a believer in Islam. When a believer says: Ash-hadu alla ilaaha illallahu, wa ash-hadu anna Muhammadar-Rasullullah (I bear witness that there is no other god except Allah and that Muhammad (pbuh) is [simply] His Messenger), it is not merely a phrase upon the lips and tongue; it is a spiritual commitment, a promise that this believer is making before Allah, for this phrase which appears very simple is in fact the key that opens the door of faith.

 

(The first part of the Shahada i.e.) “Laa Ilaaha Illallah” is beyond what people can describe, beyond what they can comprehend; it separates the believers from the disbelievers, those who are blessed and in peace and happiness from those who are far from Allah’s blessings and who make their lives bitter through their own faults; thus this Shahada (Laa Ilaaha Ilallahu Muhammadur Rasullullah) represents the very foundation of Islam. Whoever holds firmly to this word, this key, attains eternal life; whoever neglects it falls into perdition.

'Tawheed': Mission of the Prophets

  

Tawheed, that is to say the absolute Oneness of Allah, remains the very foundation of Islam. Tawheed means to believe in one single God, without giving Him any associate, child, or even wife (spouse).

 

The Holy Qur’an establishes Allah’s Oneness clearly in a direct and plain way: “Say: He is Allah, the One; Allah, the Only One to be implored; He has not begotten (has no child), nor has He been begotten (none has brought Him into existence); and none is equal to Him.” (Al-Ikhlas, 112: 2-5).

 

This Surah summarises all the beauty and truth of Tawheed; each verse evokes the Oneness of Allah, either positively, or by rejecting all associations that humans or jinns attribute to Him in His worship.

 

Islam refuses all diversity in divinity. In Surah Bani Isra’il, Allah says: “Say: Praise be to Allah Who has not taken any child, Who has no associate in His sovereignty, Who has no need of any Protector out of weakness...” (17: 112).

 

In Surah Al-An’am (6: 102), Allah says: “How could He have a child, when He has no wife?”

 

This proves that Allah remains Unique and Alone – He alone is our Creator and none resembles Him in His complete, perfect and eternal attributes. Allah is One in His essence and in His divine nature.

Bai’ah & Sincerity in Repentance

  

Sincere repentance towards Allah is a great obligation for every Muslim. When a person makes a mistake, falls into sin, or deviates from the straight path, he must return to Allah with a humble and sincere heart. Repentance is not merely words on the lips; it is a deep commitment in the heart, a true regret and a firm decision not to return to the same error again.

 

In the Holy Qur’an (Az-Zumar, 39: 54), Allah says that His mercy is vast and He forgives all sins if people return to Him with sincerity. This shows that despite the number of mistakes a servant may commit, the door of forgiveness remains open if he/ she asks for His forgiveness sincerely.

 

In a Hadith reported by Anas bin Malik (ra), the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said: “Allah is more pleased with the repentance of His servant than a traveller who finds his mount after losing it in the desert.” (Bukhari, Muslim). This comparison shows the depth of Allah’s joy when a servant returns to Him.

Generosity in Islam

  

Generosity in Islam is a spiritual treasure which our Creator – Allah – has placed as a light in the life of the believers. It is not only a moral quality; it is an obligation which forms an integral part of faith. In the Holy Qur’an, Allah says concerning the Holy Prophet Muhammad (pbuh): “And indeed, you (Muhammad) are of a great moral character.” (Al-Qalam 68: 5).

 

This verse clearly shows that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) was a perfect model of nobility, kindness and generosity. In a Hadith reported by Tirmidhi, he recommended people to always show beautiful qualities and good behaviour; and he himself embodied this in his daily life.

'Patience is a Light'

Patience (Sabr) is a light in Islam. When a person adopts patience, he gains an inner clarity which illuminates his path. This protects his heart against the darkness of despair and gives him strength to pass through trials without panic. Without patience, life becomes like a house without light; but with patience, every difficulty becomes an opportunity to come closer to Allah.

 

Allah has said in the Qur’an:

 

“O believers! Seek help through patience and prayer; truly Allah is with those who are patient.” (Al-Baqara 2: 154)

 

This verse shows that patience is not merely a moral quality, but a spiritual means of attaining closeness to Allah. When a Muslim practises patience, he feels that Allah is with him, he gains divine support, and he gains courage to continue despite adversities.