Islam centers around the month of Ramadan, during which Muslims worldwide observe a daily fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs. When preparing for Ramadan, our focus is often on increasing virtuous deeds, such as reading the Qur’an and engaging in additional night prayers. Ramadan encourages us to maximize our efforts, but we tend to overlook the primary activity it is renowned for, fasting. Unlike night prayers or Qur’an recitation, fasting is a daily commitment during Ramadan, and its profound benefits for our souls, minds, bodies, and our connection with Allah (SWT) may not receive the appreciation they deserve.
Numerous hadiths emphasize the significance and virtues of Ramadan. If you are learning the Quran online you probably know that the hadiths delving into these teachings instill a greater eagerness among Muslims to observe fasting during this majestic month. Moreover, Ramadan hadiths serve as a conduit for drawing closer to Allah and seeking His mercy and blessings. Through these hadiths, one can glean insights into the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and understand the path of truth delineated by Allah. They provide spiritual nourishment during the blessed month of Ramadan.
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Hadiths About Ramadan That Touch The Heart
- “When Ramadan enters, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained”. – Al-Bukhari and Muslim
- “There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month, which Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, has enjoined you to fast. In it, the gates of the heavens are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and every devil is chained up. In it Allah has a night which is better than a thousand months; whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived”. – Sunan an-Nasa’i 2106
- “Every action a son of Adam does shall be multiplied—a good action by ten times its value, up to 700 times. Allah says: With the exception of fasting, which belongs to Me, and I reward it accordingly. For, one abandons his desire and food for My sake. There are two occasions of joy for a fasting person: one when he breaks his fast, and the other when he meets his Lord, and the (bad) breath (of a fasting person) is better in the sight of Allah than the fragrance of musk”. – Al Bukhari
- “The five (daily) prayers, and from one Friday prayer to the next and from Ramadan to Ramadan, are expiation for sins committed in between, provided one stays away from the major sins”. – Al-Bukhari
- “When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hellfire are closed and the devils are chained. “ – Al Bukhari 1800, Sahih Muslim 1079
The Benefits Of Fasting
The Physical Advantages of Fasting
Our bodies are entrusted to us by Allah, and fasting aids in fulfilling that trust! Here are some physical health benefits of consistent fasting that you might have learned about in Quran online classes:
- Fending off obesity and related chronic ailments
- Diminishing inflammation
- Enhancing cognitive function and potentially preventing neurodegenerative conditions
- Regulating blood sugar levels by reducing insulin resistance
- Improving heart health
- Potentially extending lifespan and slowing the aging process.
Fasting is a Sunnah not only during Ramadan but also regularly throughout the year, offering numerous health advantages! However, it’s crucial to maintain pure intentions. Ultimately, we fast for the pleasure of Allah, not solely for weight loss, heart disease prevention, or other health reasons. Therefore, always ensure your intentions are sincere when fasting, and remind yourself of this intention throughout the day!
The Mental Advantages of Fasting
Fasting plays a significant role in enhancing our mental well-being, particularly by reshaping our relationship with food.
Food, undoubtedly, stands as one of the most remarkable blessings bestowed upon us by Allah. It brings us the joy of communal dining, the delight of savory aromas and flavors, and the satisfaction of culinary creativity. Indeed, many of us associate Ramadan, the month of fasting, with the anticipation of sumptuous dishes like samosas, fruit salads, and biryanis.
It’s truly remarkable how much pleasure we derive from food, considering that Allah is the ultimate Provider:
“And it is He Who causes gardens to grow, trellised and untrellised, and palm trees and crops of different (kinds of) food, and olives and pomegranates, similar and dissimilar. Eat of (each of) its fruit when it yields and give its due (Zakat) on the day of its harvest. And be not excessive. Indeed, He does not like those who commit excess.” (The Noble Qur’an, 6:141)
However, in today’s world, our relationship with food has become skewed. A common question asked is, ‘Do you eat to live, or do you live to eat?’ Unfortunately, many of us fall into the trap of excess. We consume out of boredom, social pressures, stress, or sheer indulgence. Our diets often consist of fried and sugary foods, leading to cycles of overindulgence followed by extreme detox diets, perpetuating an unhealthy pattern.
The Spiritual Advantages of Fasting
Cultivating Taqwa
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those who came before you, so that you may attain Taqwa (piety)” [The Noble Qur’an, 2:183]
Taqwa, often interpreted as a consciousness of Allah or piety, entails being mindful of Allah’s presence and His commandments in every aspect of our lives. Fasting nurtures this consciousness, helping us navigate life’s challenges while avoiding actions displeasing to Him. It enhances our self-awareness, self-assessment, and self-control. Consequently, we develop into individuals less susceptible to negative habits and more inclined toward deeds that please Allah.
Shielding Against the Fire
The Messenger of Allah (saw) proclaimed, “A worshipper does not fast a day for the sake of Allah except that that day (of fasting) distances the Fire from his face by seventy autumns.” [Tirmidhi]
SubhanAllah, a single day of fasting moves us farther away from the Hellfire. Consider the immense reward for those who fast weekly or monthly—how distant they must be from the Fire and how close to Paradise!
Gateway to Paradise
The Prophet (saw) conveyed, “Indeed, there is a gate of Paradise called Ar-Rayyan, through which only those who fasted will enter on the day of Resurrection. No one else will enter it along with them. It will be said, “Where are those who fasted, that they may enter?” When the last of them enter, it will be closed and no one else will go through it.” [Bukhari]
Each day of fasting propels us closer to this ultimate destination. Imagine getting all the rewards you heard about while learning the Quran online. This hadith alone should inspire us to intensify our voluntary fasts while awaiting Ramadan, ideally maintaining the practice throughout our lives!
Unfathomable Rewards
While numerous good deeds lead us to Jannah and distance us from Hellfire, fasting entails a distinct reward—a reward obtainable solely through fasting for Allah’s sake.
The Prophet (saw) elucidated, “Every action of the son of Adam is given manifold reward, each good deed receiving ten times it’s like up to seven hundred times. Allah the Most High said, “Except for fasting, for it is for Me and I will give recompense for it, as he leaves off his desires and his food for Me”. For the fasting person, there are two times of joy; a time when he breaks his fast and a time of joy when he meets his Lord, and the smell coming from the mouth of the fasting person is better with Allah than the smell of musk.” [Bukhari]
Scholars assert that the reward of fasting is Allah Himself. By sacrificing our basic needs of food and water for His sake, He promises to reward us with His presence in the Hereafter. There exists no greater “moment of joy” than this—it is the ultimate reward.
As Ramadan nears, let’s reflect on the act of fasting and the immense rewards it brings each day. Every passing hour of fasting draws us nearer to meeting Allah in the Hereafter.
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