Fasting is an act of worship which Allah has made compulsory for the Muslims. So many of us see the month of Ramadan as a punishment and reluctantly fast and turn ourselves to our creator. However, the virtues of Ramadan are countless and it is indeed a beautiful time in order to gain closeness to Allah and correct ourselves.
the significance of Ramadan goes beyond just fasting. It is a time to reflect on one’s faith, to connect with Allah, and to practice important virtues that can be applied in daily life. In this article, we will discuss the important virtues of Ramadan.
1. Patience
Ramadan teaches us the virtue of patience. Muslims fast for a whole month, and during this time, they must resist the urge to eat, drink or indulge in any physical pleasures. This requires a great deal of patience and self-control. By practicing patience, Muslims learn to control their desires and impulses, and this can be applied in other aspects of their lives.
2. Gratitude
During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to give thanks to Allah for all the blessings in their lives. Fasting teaches Muslims to appreciate the simple things in life, such as food, water, and shelter. By practicing gratitude, Muslims develop a positive outlook on life, and they become more content and satisfied with what they have.
3. Empathy
Ramadan is also a time for Muslims to empathise with those who are less fortunate. During this month, Muslims are encouraged to give to charity, volunteer their time, and show kindness to others. This act of empathy helps individuals develop a deeper understanding of the struggles faced by others, and strengthens the bonds between members of the community.
Virtuous actions in Ramadan
- Taraweeh
- Nafl and fardh prayers and actions
- Quran tilawat
Virtues of Ramadan in the Quran
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًۭى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَـٰتٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍۢ فَعِدَّةٌۭ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ بِكُمُ ٱلْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ ٱلْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا۟ ٱلْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
Surah baqarah [2:185]
5 Quran Verses on Fasting in Ramadan >>
Translation
(It was) the month of Ramadan in which the Recital was sent down as guidance for mankind, and as evident explanations of the guidance and the criterion. So whoever of you witnesses the month, then he shall fast it. But whoever is sick or on a journey, then (he must fast) a period of other days. Allah wants ease for you and does not want hardship for you, and that you should complete the period, and that you should glorify Allah for having guided you, and so that you may give thanks.
Hadith on the Virtues of Ramadan
A hadith also tells us that to pray Taraweeh during the nights of Ramadan is a command given to us by Allah. When Rasulullah SAW says that it is sunnah as in the hadith mentioned below, this is to stress its importance.
Abu Hurairah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to urge (the people) to perform (optional Tarawih) prayer at night during the month of Ramadan. He did not order them or make it obligatory on them. He (ﷺ) said, “Whosoever performs (optional Tarawih) prayers at night during the month of Ramadan, with Faith and in the hope of receiving Allah’s reward, will have his past sins forgiven.”
Sahih Muslim
The sunnah of taraweeh is that you listen to the entire quran being recited in salah. There is also the sunnah of to perform taraweeh with jama’at in the masjid for men. For women, they should pray at home without jama’at.
Nafl and Fardh Salaah
Another virtue of Ramadan is that the nafl (voluntary) prayers and actions done in Ramadan are given the reward of a fardh (compulsory). And any fardh action and prayers done in Ramadan, the rewards are multiplied by 70 times.
Quran recitation
It is said that Jibreel AS used to come down and recite the entire quran to Nabi SAW during Ramadan. And sometimes Nabi SAW would recite it and Jibreel AS would listen. This shows how important it is to continuously recite the holy quran during the blessed month. The scholars have also stated that it is mustahab (desirable) that one recites the quran while someone listens to them.
Virtues of the Masjid in Quran and Hadith >>
Don’t waste any time when it comes to Ramadan. Every second is special and we don’t know if we will live to see another of this magical month. Recite the quran everyday, do your daily azhkar and pray all your prayers in the masjid.
