Revelation of the Quran

Ramadan is a blessed and sacred month in which Allah عزوجل revealed the Holy Quran. He عزوجل mentions the revelation of the Holy Quran and Ramadan in these words:

شَہۡرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِیۡۤ اُنۡزِلَ فِیۡہِ الْقُرْاٰنُ ہُدًی لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَیِّنٰتٍ مِّنَ الْہُدٰی وَالْفُرْقَانِۚ فَمَنۡ شَہِدَ مِنۡکُمُ الشَّہۡرَ فَلْیَصُمْہُؕ وَمَنۡ کَانَ مَرِیۡضًا اَوْ عَلٰی سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّۃٌ مِّنْ اَیَّامٍ اُخَرَؕ یُرِیۡدُ اللہُ بِکُمُ الْیُسْرَ وَلَا یُرِیۡدُ بِکُمُ الْعُسْرَ۫ وَ لِتُکْمِلُوا الْعِدَّۃَ وَ لِتُکَبِّرُوا اللہَ عَلٰی مَا ہَدٰىکُمْ وَلَعَلَّکُمْ تَشْکُرُوۡنَ﴿۱۸۵

The month of Ramadan in which Quran was sent down, the direction for the people and guidance and clear signs of judgement; then whoso of you finds this month, necessarily, he should fast in it, and whoso is ill or on a journey, then same number of fastings in other days; Allah desires facility for you and desires not hardship and for this, that you should complete the counting and speak of the Greatness of Allah, as He guided you and so that you may be grateful.

[Kanz-ul-Iman (Translation of Quran)] (Part 2, Surah Baqarah, verse 185)

Five special blessings

Sayyiduna Jabir Bin ‘Abdullah رضی اللہ عنہ has narrated that the Beloved and Blessed Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم has stated, ‘In Ramadan, my Ummah has been gifted five such things which were not given to any other Prophet علیہ السلام before me:

1. On the first night of Ramadan, Allah عزوجل showers special mercy upon them and the one upon whom Allah عزوجل showers special mercy will never be punished ۔

2. In the evening, Allah عزوجل likes the smell emanating from their mouths (due to hunger) more than even musk.

3. Angels pray for their forgiveness every night and day.

4. Allah عزوجل orders Heaven to be adorned for His (righteous) people and says, ‘Soon they will get rid of the grief of the world and find solace in My house and My bounties.’

5. On the last night of Ramadan, Allah عزوجل forgives them all.’

Standing up, a person asked, ‘Ya Rasulallah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم Is that Laila-tul-Qadr?’ He صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم replied, ‘No. Do you not see that a labourer is given his wage when he finishes his job?’

(Attarghib Wattarhib, pp. 56, vol. 2, hadiš 7)

Compensation for minor sins

Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah رضی اللہ عنہ has narrated that the Prophet of Rahmah, the Intercessor of Ummah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم has stated, ‘The five daily Salah and Salat-ul- Jumu’ah compensate for sins till the next Friday, and Ramadan compensates for sins until the next Ramadan, provided that the major sins are avoided.’

(Sahih Muslim, pp. 144, Hadiš 233)

Method of repentance

سبحن اللہ عزوجل Ramadan is such a blessed month in which rain of mercy showers upon us and it is a means of our minor sins being forgiven. Major sins are forgiven by repentance. The way to repent is to mention the sin one has committed and then feel resentment for it in one’s heart and firmly vow not to commit it again. Let us say, for instance, that someone lied. He should say, ‘Ya Allah عزوجل I repent of the lie I have told and I will not tell lies again.’ Whilst repenting, he must despise the act of lying and be sincere when he says the words ‘I will not tell lies again’ otherwise his repentance will not be valid. If the right of another person was violated, then it is necessary to seek forgiveness from him in addition to repentance.

Dear Islamic brothers! Books of A adiš are full of the virtues of Ramadan. There are so many bounties and blessings in Ramadan that our Holy Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم even said, ‘If my Ummah had known what Ramadan is, they would wish if only Ramadan had remained the whole year۔

(Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, pp. 190, vol. 3, Hadiš 1886)

Heart-warming saying of the Holy Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم۔

Sayyiduna Salman Farsi رضی اللہ عنہ has narrated that on the last day of Sha’ban, the Prophet of Rahmah, the Intercessor of Ummah, the Owner of Jannah صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم said, ‘O people! An auspicious and blessed month has approached you. In this month, there is a night that is better than a thousand months. Allah عزوجل has made it Fard to fast in this sacred month. To offer (Tarawi Salah) in its nights is Sunnah. If you do a good deed in this month, it will be equivalent to carrying out a Fard act in any other month and if you perform a Fard act in this month, it will be equivalent to carrying out 70 Fard acts in any other month. This is the month of patience whose reward is Heaven. This is the month of sympathy, and the believer’s sustenance is increased in this month.

In this month, the one who serves a fasting person with something to do If ar, will be forgiven for his sins and his neck will be freed from the fire of Hell, and he will be rewarded the same as the one who fasted, without any reduction in the reward of the fasting person.’ The companions asked humbly, ‘Ya Rasulallah صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم ! Not all of us possess enough money (to present a meal to the fasting person) for If ar.’ He صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم replied, ‘Allah عزوجل will give this reward to the one who offers a sip of milk, a date or a sip of water to the fasting person, and the one who serves the fasting person with a meal so that his stomach is full will be given water from my pond (Kawšar) such that he will never feel thirsty and will enter Heaven.

The first ten days of this month are mercy, the middle ten days are forgiveness and its last ten days are freedom from the fire of Hell. One who treats his slave leniently in this month (by not burdening him with heavy duties) will be forgiven and freed from the fire of Hell. In this month, there are four things which you should do in abundance, two of them will earn the pleasure of Allah عزوجل for you, and you cannot do without the other two. The two which will earn you the pleasure of Allah عزوجل are:

1. To testify that there is none worthy of worship other than Allah.

2. To ask for forgiveness.

The two which you cannot do without are:

1. To ask Allah for عزوجل Heaven.

2. To seek refuge of Allah عزوجل from Hell.’

(Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah, pp. 1887, vol. 3)

Heaven is adorned

Dear Islamic brothers! Heaven is adorned the whole year to welcome the month of Ramadan. Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Umar رضی اللہ عنہ has narrated that the Prophet of mankind, the Peace of our heart and mind, the most Generous and Kind ْﷺ has stated, ‘Indeed, Heaven is adorned for Ramadan from the beginning of the year to the end.’ He ﷺ has further stated, ‘On the first day of Ramadan, a breeze blows beneath heavenly trees, delighting the big eyed maidens of Heaven. The maidens say, ‘Ya Allah عزوجل make such servants of Yours our husbands who would feast their eyes on us, and we would feast our eyes on them.’

(Shu’ab-ul-Iman, pp. 312, vol. 3, Hadiš 3633)

Sixty thousand forgiven every night

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Ibn Masud رضی اللہ عنہ has narrated that the Beloved and Blessed Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم has stated, ‘At every night of Ramadan, an announcement is made in the skies till dawn, ‘O seeker of goodness! Complete (i.e. keep worshipping Allah عزوجل) and rejoice, and O evil one! Give up your evil and take some lesson. Is there any seeker of forgiveness, his desire will be fulfilled? Is there anyone repenting, his repentance will be accepted? Is there anyone making Du’a, his Du’a will be accepted? Is there anyone who seeks anything, he will be given what he wishes for?’ Allah عزوجل frees sixty thousand sinners from Hell each evening of Ramadan at the time of sunset, and on the day of Eid He عزوجل forgives as many people as the total number of those freed throughout the month.’

(Ad-Dur-rul-Manšur, pp. 146, vol. 1)

One million sinners freed from Hell every day۔

Whilst mentioning the favours, bounties, mercy and forgiveness from Allah عزوجل one day the Beloved and Blessed Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم said, ‘ On the first night of Ramadan, Allah عزوجل sees His creation with mercy, and if Allah عزوجل sees any of His servants with mercy He عزوجل will not punish that servant. He عزوجل frees one million (sinners) from Hell every day, and on the 29th night He عزوجل sets free as many as were freed throughout the month. On the night of Eid-ul-Fitr, the angels rejoice and Allah عزوجل reveals the specific attribute of His Nur and says to them, ‘O group of angels! What is the reward for a labourer that has completed his work?’ They reply that he be given his complete recompense. Allah عزوجل then says, ‘Be witness that I have forgiven each one of them.’

(Kanz-ul-‘Ummal, pp. 219, vol. 8, hadiš 23702)

Forgiveness of one million in every moment of Friday.

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas رضی اللہ عنہ has narrated that the Beloved and Blessed Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم has stated, ‘In Ramadan, every day at the time of sunset, Allah عزوجل frees one million such sinners from Hell for whom Hell had become Wajib due to their sins, and in every moment of Friday (in Ramadan), He عزوجل frees one million such sinners from Hell who had deserved damnation.

(Kanz-ul-‘Ummal, pp. 223, vol. 8, hadiš 23716)

Immense goodness

Amir-ul-Muminin, Sayyiduna ‘Umar Faruq رضی اللہ عنہ would say, ‘We welcome the month that purifies us. The whole Ramadan contains goodness; whether it is the fasting of the day or Salah of the night. Spending (money etc.) in this month is like spending in Jihad.’

(Tanbih-ul-Ghafilin, pp. 176)

Spend more

Sayyiduna Damurah رضی اللہ عنہ has narrated that the Prophet of Rahmah, the Intercessor of Ummah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم has stated, ‘Spend more (money etc.) on your family in Ramadan because spending in Ramadan is like spending in the path of Allah عزوجل.’

(Al-Jami’-us,Saghir, pp. 162, Hadiš 2716)

Big eyed maidens

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas رضی اللہ عنہ has narrated that the Beloved and Blessed صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم has stated, ‘On the first day of Ramadan a breeze called Maširah blows beneath the divine ‘Arsh, swaying the leaves of heavenly trees and making such an extremely pleasant sound that no one had heard before. On hearing this sound, big eyed maidens appear, they stand on top of the high heavenly palaces and say, ‘Is there anyone to ask for our hand in marriage?’ Then they ask (Sayyiduna) Rizwan رضی اللہ عنہ, ‘What night is this?’ (Sayyiduna) Rizwan رضی اللہ عنہ recites Talbiyah (i.e. Labbaik) and says, ‘It is the first night of Ramadan, the portals of Heaven have been opened for the fasting (Muslims) of the Ummah of Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم’

(Attarghib Wattarhib, pp. 60, vol. 2, Hadiš 23)

Two types of darkness removed.

It is narrated that Allah عزوجل said to Sayyiduna Musa Kalimullah (علیہ الصلوۃ والسلام), ‘I have bestowed two types of Nur upon the Ummah of Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم to protect them from two types of darkness.’ Sayyiduna Musa Kalimullah علیہ الصلوۃ والسلام humbly asked, ‘Ya Allah عزوجل What are those two types of Nur?’ Allah عزوجل said, ‘The Nur of Ramadan and that of the Quran.’ Sayyiduna Musa Kalimullah علیہ الصلوۃ والسلام further asked, ‘What are two types of darkness?’ Allah عزوجل said, ‘The darkness of grave and that of the Judgement Day.’

(Durra-tun-Nasihin, pp. 9)

Dear Islamic brothers! Did you see how Allah عزوجل is merciful to those who spend Ramadan worshipping wholeheartedly. There is a description of huge mercy and blessings of Ramadan in the previous two narrations. One can earn the pleasure of Allah عزوجل and the eternal rewards of Heaven by fasting in Ramadan. Further, the second narration describes two types of Nur and darkness. The existence of light is essential for the removal of darkness. What a great favour our Allah عزوجل has bestowed upon us by giving us the light of Ramadan and the Quran to remove the darkness of grave and the Judgement Day.

Fast and the Holy Quran will intercede

Fasts and the Holy Quran will intercede for the Muslims on the Day of Judgement. The Prophet of mankind, the Peace of our heart and mind, the most Generous and Kind صلی اللہ علیہ وسلمhas stated, ‘The fast and the Holy Quran will intercede for people on the Day of Judgement. The fast will say, ‘O Merciful Allah عزوجل prevented him from eating and satisfying his desires during the day, accept my intercession in his favor.’ The Holy Quran will say, ‘I prevented him from sleeping at night, accept my intercession for him.’ Their intercessions will be accepted.’

(Musnad Imam Ahmad, pp. 586, vol. 2, Hadiš 6637)

Reason for forgiveness

Amir-ul-Muminin, Sayyiduna ‘Ali کرم اللہ وجہہ الکریمhas said, ‘If Allah عزوجل had intended to punish the Ummah of Muhammad صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم would never have bestowed upon them Ramadan and Surah Al-Ikhlas.’

(Nuzha-tul-Majalis, pp. 216, vol. 1)

Reward of hundred thousand Ramadan

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas رضی اللہ عنہ has narrated that the Prophet of Rah mah, the Intercessor of Ummah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم has stated, ‘The one who spends Ramadan in Makka-tul-Mukarramah, keeps fasts and offers Salah at night as much as possible, Allah عزوجل will reward him equivalent to one hundred thousand Ramadan spent elsewhere. He عزوجل will give him the reward of freeing a slave every day and every night each as well as the reward of providing a horse for Jihad every day. He عزوجل will also give him the reward of a good deed each day and each night.’

(Sunan Ibn Majah, pp. 523, vol. 3, Hadiš 3117)

The Holy Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم would worship devotedly

Dear Islamic brothers! We should worship Allah عزوجل abundantly in Ramadan and do every such act that earns us the pleasure of Allah عزوجل and His Beloved Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم If anyone is not forgiven even in this merciful month, when will he be forgiven then? The Beloved and Blessed Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم would devote himself to worship as soon as Ramadan arrived. Sayyidatuna ‘Aishah Siddiqah رضی اللہ عنھا has said, ‘In Ramadan, the Prophet of Rahmah, the Intercessor of Ummah, the Owner of Jannah صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم would devote himself to the worship of Allah عزوجل and did not use to come to his blessed bed the whole month.’

(Ad-Dur-rul-Manšur, pp. 449, vol. 1)

The Holy Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم would make Du’a abundantly

She رضی اللہ عنھا has further said, ‘In Ramadan, the colour of the blessed face of the Holy Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم would change. He صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم would offer Salah abundantly, make Du’a in an extremely humble manner and remain overtaken by divine fear.’

(Shu’ab-ul-Iman, pp. 310, vol. 3, Hadiš 3625)

The Holy Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم would donate abundantly

Dear Islamic brothers! In this month, donating money abundantly is also a Sunnah. Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم has said, ‘In Ramadan the Prophet of mankind, the Peace of our heart and mind, the most Generous and Kind صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم would set free every prisoner and give something to every such person who asked for.’

(Ad-Dur-rul-Manšur, pp. 449, vol. 1)

Most generous

Sayyiduna ‘Abdullah Ibn ‘Abbas رضی اللہ عنہ has stated, ‘The Holy Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم is the most generous of all people and his ocean of generosity would turn turbulent the most in the moments of Ramadan when the honourable Jibrail علیہ السلام visited him.

Jibrail علیہ السلام would come every night and they both would recite the Holy Quran. Rasulullah صلی اللہ علیہ وآلہ وسلم would demonstrate more generosity than even a fast blowing wind.’

(Sahih Bukhari, pp. 9, vol. 1, Hadiš 6)

Thousand times more reward

Dear Islamic brothers! The reward of good deeds is multiplied several times in Ramadan, so one should perform as many virtuous deeds as possible. Sayyiduna Ibrahim Nakh’i رحمۃ اللہ علیہ has stated, ‘One day’s fast in Ramadan is greater than a thousand fasts (in any other month), making Tasbih (i.e. saying سبحن اللہ ) once in Ramadan is better than saying it a thousand times in any other month and offering one Rak’at of Salah in Ramadan is greater than offering a thousand Rak’at in any other month.’

(Ad-Dur-rul-Manšur, pp. 454, vol. 1)

Excellence of Zikr in Ramadan

Amir-ul-Muminin, Sayyiduna ‘Umar Faruq رضی اللہ عنہ has narrated that the Prophet of mankind, the Peace of our heart and mind, the most Generous and Kind صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم has stated, ‘The one who remembers Allah عزوجل in Ramadan will be forgiven, and the one who asks Allah عزوجل for anything in this month will not be deprived.’

(Shu’ab-ul-Iman, pp. 311, vol. 3, hadiš 3627)

Who will be destitute on Judgement Day?

The Holy Prophet صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم once asked his companions رضی اللہ عنھم ‘Do you know as to who a destitute person is?’ They replied, ‘Ya Rasulallah صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم the one who does not have wealth is a destitute.’ He صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم said, ‘The destitute in my Ummah is the one who will be brought on the Judgement Day with Salah, fasts and charity (in his book of deeds) but would have abused and accused someone, he would have taken wealth unlawfully and shed blood (or) beaten someone and as a result of these sins, his good deeds will be taken from him. If he runs out of good deeds and there are still claimants (against him), he would have to take the sins of the oppressed (people) and would resultantly be thrown into Hell.’

(Sahih Muslim, pp. 1394, Hadiš 2581)

Sins in Ramadan!

Sayyidatuna Umm-e-Hani رضی اللہ عنھا has narrated that the Beloved and Blessed Rasul صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم warned, ‘My Ummah will not be disgraced as long as it fulfils the rights of Ramadan.’ He صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم was asked as to what was meant by the disgrace of Ummah in this matter, he صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم replied, He صلی اللہ علیہ وسلم has further stated, ‘If anyone fornicates or drinks alcohol in this month Allah عزوجل and all His angels curse him, if he dies before the next Ramadan he will not have a single virtue to save him from the fire of Hell. So fear (Allah عزوجل) concerning Ramadan. As the reward of good deeds is increased in this month compared to other months, the severity of sins also increases.’ ‘Committing sins in this month.’

(Mu’jam Saghir, pp. 60, vol. 9, Hadiš 1488)

Black spot on heart

A Hadiš states, ‘When a person commits a sin, a black spot is marked on his heart. If he commits another sin another black spot is marked on his heart (and this carries on) until his (whole) heart becomes black. Then advice has no effect on his heart.’

(Ad-Dur-rul-Manšur, pp. 446, vol. 8)

What is best form of worship?

O fasting Islamic brothers! O seekers of Heaven! Never waste the precious moments of Ramadan in useless and idle activities! Life is very short, so take advantage of its precious moments. Instead of wasting your time by playing cards and listening to songs in the name of ‘passing time’ try to utilize it reciting the Holy Quran and Salat-‘Alan-Nabi and remembering Allah عزوجل The more thirst and hunger you endure the more you will be rewarded. It is narrated, افضل العبادات احمرھا (The best worship is the one that involves more hardship).’

(Kashf-ul-Khifa-wa-Muzil-ul-Ilbas, pp. 141, vol. 1, Hadiš 459)

Imam Sharafuddin Nawavi رحمۃ اللہ has said, ‘The reward and excellence of worship augments when it involves more hardships and expenses.’

SharaH Sahih Muslim lin-Nawavi, pp. 390, vol. 1)

Sayyiduna Ibrahim Bin Adham رضی اللہ عنھم has said, ‘The harder a deed is in the world the heavier it will be on the scales on the Judgement Day.’

(Tazkira-tul-Auliya, pp. 95)