Ramadan: A sacred invitation to divine mercy
By: Dr Aftab Jan
The wait is over! Ramadan—the blessed, life-changing month—has arrived! A celestial gift from Allah Ar-Rahman, a season not merely of fasting but of purification, renewal, and eternal triumph. A time the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and his companions eagerly anticipated, preparing themselves months in advance for its arrival.
This is no ordinary month—it is a divine gateway to Jannah (Paradise). The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“إِذَا دَخَلَ رَمَضَانُ فُتِّحَتْ أَبْوَابُ الْجَنَّةِ، وَغُلِّقَتْ أَبْوَابُ النَّارِ، وَصُفِّدَتِ الشَّيَاطِينُ”
“When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.”
(Sahih Bukhari 1899, Sahih Muslim 1079)
This is our opportunity to rewrite our destiny with Allah! Will we embrace it or let it slip away?
Ramadan: The Month of the Quran and Divine Guidance
Allah declares in the Quran:
“يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ”
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain taqwa (God-consciousness).” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183)
Fasting is not just abstinence from food and drink—it is a journey towards Allah. It trains the soul to break free from distractions and return to its Creator in complete devotion.
Moreover, Ramadan is the month when the Quran was revealed—a divine manual of guidance, mercy, and light: “شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ”
“The month of Ramadan in which the Quran was revealed, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs of guidance and criterion (between right and wrong).” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185).
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ and Jibrīl (AS) would review the entire Quran every night in Ramadan (Sahih Bukhari 4998). The righteous among us continue this Sunnah, increasing their recitation, reflection, and application of Allah’s words.
The Incredible Benefits of Ramadan
Ramadan is more than just a religious duty—it is a month of spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical transformation.
- Fasting Purifies the Body and Mind
Scientific studies confirm that fasting detoxifies the body, strengthens immunity, and enhances brain function. More importantly, it cleanses the heart from sins and worldly distractions.
- Strengthening the Connection with Allah
Fasting is an act of sincerity—it is a hidden worship that only Allah sees. He promises: “الصِّيَامُ لِي وَأَنَا أَجْزِي بِهِ”
“Fasting is for Me, and I alone will reward it.” (Sahih Bukhari 1904)
- Enhancing Self-Discipline and Patience
Ramadan teaches self-control, training us to resist not just food but bad habits, sinful actions, and negative thoughts.
- Forgiveness of Past Sins
The Prophet ﷺ said: “مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ”
“Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih Bukhari 38)
- Laylatul Qadr: The Night of Power
One night in Ramadan—Laylatul Qadr—is better than 1,000 months of worship. Seeking this night is a chance to erase our past sins and change our destiny.
- Increasing Generosity and Helping the Needy
Ramadan softens our hearts, making us more compassionate. The Prophet ﷺ was more generous in Ramadan than the fast-blowing wind (Sahih Bukhari 1902).
- Uniting the Ummah in Worship
From the rich to the poor, everyone fasts the same way—breaking barriers and strengthening unity. The communal prayers (Taraweeh) bring believers together in worship.
The Reality of Death: Will This Be Our Last Ramadan?
As Ramadan comes and goes, one question should shake our hearts:
What if this is my last Ramadan? “كُلُّ نَفْسٍ ذَائِقَةُ الْمَوْتِ…” “Every soul will taste death…” (Quran 3:185)
Millions who fasted last Ramadan are no longer with us. Some passed away just days before Ramadan. We assume we will live to see another—but what guarantee do we have?
The Prophet ﷺ advised: “Live in this world as a traveler or a passerby.”
(Sahih Bukhari 6416)
Will we let Ramadan slip away without transforming? Or will we make this the Ramadan that changes our destiny forever?
Let us cry out to Allah: اللَّهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ صِيَامَنَا وَقِيَامَنَا وَأَعْتِقْ رِقَابَنَا مِنَ النَّارِ
“O Allah, accept our fasting and prayers, and free our necks from the Hellfire.”
اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنَا مِنْ عُتَقَائِكَ فِي هَذَا الشَّهْرِ الْكَرِيمِ
“O Allah, make us among those whom You liberate in this noble month.”
May this Ramadan be our means of eternal success, forgiveness, and entry into Jannah. Ameen, Yā Rabbal-‘Ālamīn!
