Ramadan – A Month of Devotion & Transformation

Length: 1.221 words
Read Time: 7–9 minutes

 

Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar – a time of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and increased devotion to Allah (swt). Every year, this blessed month provides us with a unique opportunity to deepen our faith, purify our hearts, and improve our behavior. Ramadan is not just a month of fasting but also a time of compassion, generosity, and self-reflection.

In this blog post, we will explore the significance of Ramadan, the reasons for fasting, proper preparation, essential do’s and don’ts, and valuable tips for Suhoor and Iftar.

 

 

The Month of Ramadan & Its Significance

The Meaning of the Word Ramadan

The word "Ramadan" comes from Arabic and is derived from the root "Ramid," which means "extreme heat" or "burning." This symbolizes the purification of the soul, just as fire burns away impurities. Thus, Ramadan serves as an opportunity for Muslims to cleanse themselves of sins and strengthen their connection to Allah (swt).

The Special Blessings of Ramadan

Good deeds are multiplied in this month, making every form of Ibadah even more valuable. However, bad deeds also carry greater weight.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:

"When Ramadan begins, the gates of Heaven are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained." (Sahih al-Bukhari 1898)

Laylatul Qadr – The Night of Decree

The most significant night of Ramadan, Laylatul Qadr, is described in the Quran as:

"Indeed, ˹it is˺ We ˹Who˺ sent this ˹Quran˺ down on the Night of Glory. And what will make you realize what the Night of Glory is? The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months. That night the angels and the ˹holy˺ spirit (Gabriel) descend, by the permission of their Lord, for every ˹decreed˺ matter. It is all peace until the break of dawn." (Surah Al-Qadr 97:1-5)

An important supplication for this night is:

"Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul-‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni."

("O Allah, You are the Forgiving, You love to forgive, so forgive me.")

Zakat al-Fitr (Charity in Ramadan)

A mandatory donation given to the needy before the Eid prayer. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

"The best Sadaqah is that which is given in Ramadan." (Tirmidhi 663)

Muslims donate 2.5% of their wealth to support those in need.

 

 

Why Do We Fast?

Allah’s Commandment

Fasting in Ramadan is an obligation for every Muslim. The Quran states:

"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous. [Fasting is for] a limited number of days (...) But to fast is best for you, if you only knew. The month of Ramadan [is that] in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it (...) 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 [to] which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183-185)

Spiritual Purification

Fasting is not just abstaining from food and drink; it is a means to:

• Strengthen Taqwa (God-consciousness).
• Develop self-discipline and control desires. Tip: My Ramadan planner is your perfect companion to achieve exactly that!
• Purify the heart, mind, and soul.

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

"Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven." (Bukhari 38)

Character Development

Fasting emphasizes improving behavior and character. It is essential to:

Avoid lying and foul speech

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "Whoever does not give up false statements (i.e. telling lies), and evil deeds, and speaking bad words to others, Allah is not in need of his (fasting) leaving his food and drink." (Bukhari 6057)

Learn patience and self-control Resisting temptations strengthens willpower.

Additionally, dry fasting has many health benefits, but these should be seen as a positive side effect, not the primary purpose of fasting. Allah (swt) commands us nothing without inherent benefits for us in this world.

Preparing for Ramadan

To make the most of Ramadan, good preparation is essential.

Spiritual & Mental Preparation

• Set a sincere intention (Niyyah): Fast only for Allah (swt)
• Read the Quran: Create a plan to read the Quran more frequently or complete it (Khatam). Learning to understand the Quran is also important – the Quran Journal will help you with that!
• Eliminate bad habits: Aim to improve character, control anger, and restrain the nafs.

Physical Preparation

• Adjust sleep patterns: Get used to waking up early for Suhoor.
• Change eating habits: Reduce caffeine and heavy meals to prepare the body.

Do’s & Don’ts in Ramadan

What to Do

• Perform additional prayers and Dhikr: Tahajjud, Duha, Istighfar & Tawbah...
• Read the Quran daily – every letter brings at least 10 Hasanat!
• Give Sadaqah and Zakat: Help those in need.
• Control your tongue and thoughts: Avoid negative speech and arguments.

What to Avoid

• Skipping obligatory prayers.
• Lying, gossiping, or committing sinful acts.
• Neglecting Zakat or charity.
• Fasting without the intention of self-improvement.
• Wasting time on unnecessary distractions.

"None of you should speak obscene words or argue on a day he is fasting. If someone insults him or fights with him, let him say: ‘I am fasting.’" (Bukhari, Sawm 9)

 

Tips for Suhoor & Iftar

Suhoor

The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

"Eat Suhoor, for there is blessing in it." (Bukhari 1923, Muslim 1095)

Best Suhoor Practices:

• Delay Suhoor until shortly before Fajr (Sunnah).
• Eat dates – a recommended food of the Prophet (ﷺ):

  "The best Suhoor for a believer is dates." (Sahih Abi Dawud)

• Do not skip Suhoor: Even a sip of water is beneficial.
• Consume protein- & fiber-rich, easily digestible food (e.g., eggs, yogurt, oatmeal).
• Drink enough water, possibly with electrolytes.

Iftar

• Break the fast with dates or water – a Sunnah of the Prophet (ﷺ).

  Anas bin Malik (RA) said: "The Prophet (ﷺ) would break his fast with fresh dates before praying. If he did not find fresh dates, he would eat dry dates. If he did not find dry dates, he would drink some sips of water." (Ahmad & Abu Dawud)

• Avoid overeating – One-third for food, one-third for water, one-third for air.

Conclusion

Ramadan is not just a time for fasting but an opportunity for self-discipline, reflection, and personal growth. It reminds us of our purpose in life and our responsibility towards Allah (swt).

May Allah (swt) accept our fasting, prayers, and good deeds and grant us the strength to make the most of this Ramadan. Ameen.

My personal recommendations to make the most of Ramadan:

If you want to not only read the Quran but also learn to understand it, feel free to check this out!

If you've set a goal to learn the 99 Names of Allah during Ramadan, then the 99 Names of Allah Journal is perfect for you! It’s available in both digital and print versions.

And if you need more structure this Ramadan to keep track of your goals and plans, this Ramadan Planner is your perfect companion!

References and Further Reading

• Qur'an
• Hadith Collections
• Islamic Scholars and Texts
• Psychological texts

 

One more Note for You

This text has been prepared to the best of my knowledge and conscience and also agreed with a person of knowledge - but as it is the nature of mankind errors are unavoidable. All good comes from Allah and all mistakes from me. And Allah knows best. If you recognize any mistake do not hesitate to inform me at info@yourdigitalukhti.com.
Thank you very much for reading my blog post - May Allah bless you immensely!

 

Wassalamu Alaykum.

Your sister, Aleyna