RAMZAAN – The Month of Mercy, Forgiveness and Salvation by Adv. Nizam A. Khan (M.A. Islamic Studies)

Ramzaan (Ramadan) is not merely a month in the Islamic calendar; it is a divine training period, a spiritual revolution, and a sacred opportunity granted by Allah ﷻ to His servants. It is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed, the month of fasting (Sawm), the month of mercy (Rahmah), forgiveness (Maghfirah), and freedom from Hellfire (Najaat min an-Naar).

Allah ﷻ says: “O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)

Ramzaan is therefore not just about hunger and thirst — it is about attaining Taqwa (God-consciousness).

1. The Blessings and Virtues of Ramzaan

Ramzaan is a month in which:

• The gates of Jannah are opened.
• The gates of Jahannam are closed.
• The devils are chained.
• One good deed is multiplied many times over.
• Laylatul Qadr, better than a thousand months, is granted.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever fasts in Ramzaan with faith and seeking reward, all his past sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al Bukhari H. No. 38 & Muslim)

Ramzaan is a gift. The real question is: Are we prepared to receive it properly?

2. Importance of Fasting (Sawm)

Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam. It is an act of worship that is purely for Allah.

The Prophet ﷺ said: Allah said, “Fasting is for Me, and I alone will reward it.” (Hadith Qudsi)

Fasting teaches:

• Self-discipline
• Patience (Sabr)
• Gratitude
• Control over desires
• Compassion towards the poor

True fasting is not only abstaining from food and drink but also:

• Avoiding lies
• Guarding the tongue
• Controlling anger
• Protecting the eyes and ears from sin

The Prophet ﷺ warned:

“Whoever does not give up false speech and evil actions, Allah has no need of him giving up his food and drink.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1903)

Fasting reforms the body and purifies the soul.

3. The Spiritual Beauty of Iftar

Iftar is a moment of acceptance of duas. The fasting person has a special status at the time of breaking fast.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “The supplication of a fasting person at the time of breaking fast is not rejected.”

Iftar is not meant for extravagance but for gratitude. Even a date and water bring immense reward if consumed with sincerity.

Feeding a fasting person carries equal reward without reducing the reward of the one fasting.

Ramzaan teaches sharing, unity, and brotherhood.

4. Importance of Salah in Ramzaan

Salah is the backbone of faith. In Ramzaan, its importance multiplies.

Five daily prayers in congregation bring immense reward. Ramzaan is the best time to:

• Correct our Salah
• Improve concentration (Khushu’)
• Become regular in Masjid attendance

A person who fasts but neglects Salah loses the true spirit of Ramzaan.

5. Taraweeh – The Night Illumination

Taraweeh is a special night prayer offered only in Ramzaan after Isha Salah.

The Prophet ﷺ said: “Whoever stands (in prayer) during Ramzaan with faith and hope for reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari & Muslim)

Taraweeh connects the believer to the Qur’an. Listening to the entire Qur’an during Taraweeh strengthens faith and understanding.

It is not a burden; it is an honor.

6. Qiyam-ul-Lail and Tahajjud

The last third of the night is the most blessed time.

Allah descends to the lowest heaven and asks:

“Is there anyone seeking forgiveness so that I may forgive him?”

Qiyam-ul-Lail softens the heart. It brings closeness to Allah. The sincerest tears are shed in the darkness of night.

Ramzaan nights are opportunities for transformation.

7. Laylatul Qadr – The Night of Power

Laylatul Qadr is greater than 1,000 months (more than 83 years of worship).

It falls in the last ten odd nights of Ramzaan.

On this night:

• Angels descend
• Decrees are written
• Worship equals a lifetime of devotion

The best dua taught by the Prophet ﷺ:

“Allahumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni”
(O Allah, You are Most Forgiving and love forgiveness, so forgive me.)

Missing Laylatul Qadr is a great loss.

8. Reciting and Understanding the Qur’an

Ramzaan is the month of Qur’an.

Jibreel (AS) would revise the Qur’an with the Prophet ﷺ every Ramzaan.

We must:

• Recite daily
• Reflect on meanings
• Implement its teachings

The Qur’an is guidance, mercy, healing, and light.

Recitation without understanding limits benefit. Ramzaan is the best time to reconnect with the Book of Allah.

9. Charity and Good Deeds

The Prophet ﷺ was most generous in Ramzaan.

Zakat purifies wealth. Sadaqah removes calamities.

Even a smile, kind word, or helping someone brings reward.

Ramzaan multiplies every good deed.

10. I’tikaaf – Spiritual Retreat

In the last ten days, the Prophet ﷺ used to observe I’tikaaf in the Masjid.

I’tikaaf teaches:

• Detachment from worldly distractions
• Deep reflection
• Continuous worship

It is a powerful way to seek Laylatul Qadr.

11. Eid-ul-Fitr – The Day of Gratitude

Eid-ul-Fitr is not merely celebration; it is thanksgiving.

After 30 days of fasting, prayer, sacrifice, and patience — Allah rewards His servants with Eid.

Before Eid Salah:

• Pay Zakat-ul-Fitr
• Seek forgiveness
• Maintain ties of kinship
• Spread joy and unity

Eid is a reminder that after patience comes relief.

Conclusion: Ramzaan – A Personal Transformation

Ramzaan is a school of discipline.
Ramzaan is a hospital for the soul.
Ramzaan is a courtroom of self-accountability.

The real success of Ramzaan is not how much we ate at Iftar, but how much we changed.

If after Ramzaan:

• Our Salah improves
• Our character improves
• Our relationship with Qur’an strengthens
• Our sins reduce

Then we have truly benefited.

May Allah ﷻ allow us to witness Ramzaan, honor it, and emerge from it purified like a newborn child.  Ameen.

Article by

Adv. Nizam A. Khan (M.A. Islamic Studies)

Date: 20-February-2026