Another month of Ramadan is by the corner and Muslims world over are geared up and preparing earnestly to receive the most blessed and revered month of the Islamic calendar. Looking around, it can be noticed that mosques around the world get fuller with more devotees paying greater attention to their Islamic obligations during Ramadan. This is because of the great benefits and importance attached to this Holy month, which can be seen both in spiritual, social, medical and physical terms.
According to the words of Almighty Allah in Qur'an 2:183 and 185 respectively,
"O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious (Al-Muttaqun)"
"The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an is a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights the crescent on the first night of the month (of Ramadan, he must fast that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number must be made up from other days. Allah intends for you ease and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah on seeing the crescent of the months of Ramadan and Shawwal for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him".
Importance of Ramadan
These two verses quoted above contained in the second chapter of the Qur'an are part of the verses that exalt the importance of the month of Ramadan. It must also be noted that obligatory fasting, which is carried out in the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, which must be adhered to by all adult Muslims.
Basically, the month of Ramadan should be seen as a training period where Muslims learn the spirit of sacrifice and abstinence from natural desires. Muslims are expected to stay away from feeding and sexual intercourse from dawn to sunset for twenty-nine or thirty days during the fasting period, even though they have all these resources within their reach. This lesson is one of the greatest that can be learned, because it helps Muslims to understand the sufferings of the needy. Thus, they will become more merciful, aware of their spiritual duties.
Benefits of Fasting in Ramadan
There are numerous benefits associated with fasting in the holy month of Ramadan as prescribed by the verses of the Holy Qur'an and hadiths of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The benefits of Ramadan can be experienced in several realms, from spiritual to social as earlier stated above.
The most important spiritual benefit apart from the training gained by Muslims is the opportunity for Muslims to attain forgiveness from all their previous sins. This is as stated in the hadith of the Prophet (pbuh) that "Anyone who fasts during Ramadan with purity of belief and with expectation of a good reward (from Allah), will have his previous sins forgiven". This benefit is equivalent to that of one whom has performed the pilgrimage to Makkah with a pure heart.
From a medical point of view, fasting during the month of Ramadan can help with cleansing the system of toxins, and assist with weight loss and stopping cravings. It is also a good means of quitting alcohol, cigarettes and other drugs harmful to the body. Medically specific research in this regard can be found in a number of medical journals.
Finally, the most important benefit that can be gained from the month of Ramadan is the ability to stay true to the lessons of abstinence, piety, sacrifice and goodness learnt even after the month is long gone. This way, Muslims can gain maximum value from the teachings and blessings of Ramadan on a long-term basis.
As Ramadan begins, Muslims can get lessons of the first ten days of Ramadan here.
Sources
The Importance of Ramadan and Fasting, Accessed 30 July, 2011
33 Blessings of Ramadan and Fasting: How many will you reap?, Accessed 30 July, 2011
Medical Benefits of Fasting, Accessed 30 July, 2011
M Abbey - A prolific writer who wishes to inform the world based on facts and personal experiences in a bid to impact lives positively.
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