Information about Ramadan: A Beginner’s Guide

Ramadan is the most prominent month for Muslims throughout the year, as it is considered the month of repentance, forgiveness, and drawing closer to Allah.

During this sacred month, Muslims devote significant time to reciting the Quran and performing prayers. However, there are many people who do not know the details about Ramadan; therefore, we have prepared this article to be a comprehensive guide for everything you need to know about it.

Information about Ramadan

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month in the order of the Hijri months; in it, Allah has enjoined fasting upon every adult, sane Muslim.

The great virtues of Ramadan

It has a great merit for Muslims, as it is considered the month of repentance, forgiveness, and the expiation of sins.

In it, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained, due to the saying of our Noble Messenger: (When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained)

And its value is shown in that Allah singled out this month for the revelation of the Quran in it to our Prophet Muhammad (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam).

Also, there is an unspecified night in Ramadan that is equivalent to a thousand months, and it is called Laylat al-Qadr.

When did Allah enjoin fasting on Muslims?

Fasting was enjoin on Muslims in the second year of the Hijra, approximately one month after the changing of the Qibla from Bayt al-Maqdis to the Kaaba.

The evidence from the Quran on the obligation of fasting

Revelation descended with the imposition of fasting in the saying of Allah the Almighty:

O you who have believed, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become righteous, “یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا كُتِبَ عَلَیْكُمُ الصِّیَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِیْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُوْنَۙ ”

So whoever among you witnesses the month, let him fast it, “فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ”.

Fasting time and Iftar time

Muslims start fasting from the Fajr call to prayer until the Maghrib call to prayer.

Benefits of fasting in Ramadan

There are numerous benefits that Muslims gain from fasting during the month of Ramadan, including religious and health benefits, which include:

• Fasting in Ramadan is essential for completing one’s faith, as it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
• It is very healthy, as it is considered a means of detoxifying the body, gives the digestive system a rest from the continuous process of digesting food, and also contributes to lowering cholesterol levels.
• Fasting boosts serotonin levels, which helps reduce stress and anxiety. It also fosters self-discipline and strengthens the ability to control desires and break negative habits.

Conclusion

Having shared the most essential information regarding fasting and the month of Ramadan, we pray that Allah allows us all to reach this holy month in the best of health and spirit.