The month of Ramadan in which the Quran was revealed, is a guidance for people with clear proofs and criterion for correct guidance. Whoever sights the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful. (Al-Baqarah 185)

Ramadan is considered one of the most blessed months of the year. This is due to the revelation of the Holy Quran to our beloved Prophet Muhammad, may peace and blessings be upon him. Honoring and showing extreme gratefulness to Allaah is done by placing emphasis, priority and focus on the reciting, reading, memorizing, reflecting and implementing the Holy Quran during this month.

Fasting in Islam

Muslims who are in a good health throughout the world are required to fast the entire days of this great month, from the dawn of each day until the sun sets on the same day. It is noteworthy that the holy month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri year; it comes between the month of Sha’baan (the eighth month) and the month of Shawwal (the tenth month).

The benefits of Ramadan

Ramadan has many important and variable benefits, which gives an opportunity to redeem the soul and gain closeness to Allaah at a time most favorable to the seekers of good.

In Ramadan, the acts of worship are doubled. For this reason, it is advisable for all people to take full advantage of doing everything that will bring them an abundance of reward, endless mercy, forgiveness and the elevation of their status with Allaah.

The second benefit of this blessed month relates to improving our health. Fasting, according to medical research, improves the health of the human being. Fasting helps to treat stomach infections, regulates blood sugar, blood pressure and other physical diseases. As for the psychological aspect, fasting plays a great role in refining and restraining the human soul by preventing it from the excesses of eating, drinking, sleeping etc, which teaches the mind, body, and soul to control these desires and return to a state of balance.

The third benefit of this great month is that it strengthens and unifies family and community relationships. Ramadhan is a time you find people being more concerned about the needs of others. Visiting family members, sharing meals and giving an abundance of charity are some of the greatest most beloved deeds to Allaah that we desire to be accepted by Him, particularly in this blessed month.