Written and Translated by: Nur Fazrini Alia Abd Majid

Edited by: Suziana Che Wil

Ramadan: A Month Of Blessings, Patience And Strengthening Values

Ramadan returns to the Muslim community with abundant mercy and forgiveness. Its arrival is always eagerly anticipated, as it is a month filled with blessings (al-shahr al-mubārak), a month devoted to worship (shahr al-‘ibadah), and a sacred period that nurtures the soul towards righteousness and God-consciousness (taqwa).

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijrah) calendar. Throughout this month, Muslims who meet the required conditions are obligated to observe fasting from dawn until sunset. This obligation is stated in Surah al-Baqarah, verse 183:

“O you who believe! Fasting has been prescribed upon you as it was prescribed upon those before you, so that you may attain taqwa.”

This verse makes clear that the primary objective of fasting is to cultivate individuals who are mindful of Allah SWT, preserving their relationship with Him while upholding good character and conduct in daily life.

 

The Significance of Ramadan

Ramadan is not merely about abstaining from food and drink. It is a comprehensive spiritual training. Fasting teaches Muslims to control their desires, guard their speech, and avoid actions that are wasteful or prohibited.

The uniqueness of fasting lies in its deep reliance on sincerity. Unlike other acts of worship that are physically visible, fasting is known fully only to the individual and to Allah SWT. It nurtures personal integrity and strong inner discipline.

In addition, Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as guidance for all humanity. Within this blessed month is Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Decree), a night that is better than a thousand months.

 

The Virtues of Fasting

According to the renowned scholar Al-Izz ibn Abd al-Salam, in his book Maqasid al-Sawm, fasting carries numerous virtues, including:

• Elevating one’s rank in the sight of Allah SWT.
• Erasing minor sins committed between one Ramadan and the next.
• Weakening base desires and serving as a shield against the temptations of Satan.
• Encouraging greater charity and compassion toward those in need.
• Increasing acts of obedience such as voluntary prayers, recitation of the Quran, and remembrance (dhikr).
• Cultivating gratitude for the blessings of health and sustenance.
• Preventing involvement in sinful and prohibited acts.

These virtues clearly demonstrate that Ramadan is a month dedicated to moral development and spiritual purification.

May Ramadan 1447H bring blessings to us all and serve as an opportunity to improve ourselves, enhance our worship, and strengthen the values of integrity and responsibility in our lives.

Date of Input: 26/02/2026 | Updated: 26/02/2026 | suziana.wil