All Muslims eagerly wait every year for Ramadan, and it’s normal if you know the importance of Ramadan.

What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the 9th month in the Hijri Calendar (Islamic Calendar). It is a Holy month in which increased worship is encouraged. Fasting during this month is one of the 5 foundational pillars of Islam.

Why is Ramadan Important to Muslims?

There are a few reasons!

• “Laylat-ul-Qadr”, the day the Qur’an was revealed, during this month.

• Fasting during Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam.

• Good deeds are multiplied during this month.

• Community, learning, and personal spiritual reflection are encouraged during this month.

Why Do We Fast During Ramadan?

We fast during Ramadan because it is a pillar of the 5 pillars of Islam.

What Are Some Benefits of Fasting During Ramadan?
Taqwa: taqwa is an important concept in Islam, and it means having an awareness of Allah so that you keep in mind that he can see you and therefore you watch yourself from sinning.

When we fast, we are increasing our awareness of Allah! Since we cannot do our normal routines that include food and water, we are constantly in a state of worship and we are thinking about Allah and our deen.

Also, when we are fasting, we watch out for even minor sins so that our fasts are valid. We observe ourselves and pay attention so we don’t fall into wrong things like gossiping behind someone’s back, arguing with someone unnecessarily, using harsh words, forgetting prayer, etc. This attention and active effort we put into having a good day with good deeds, is an amazing practice of Taqwa.

Gratitude:

“And remember when your lord proclaimed, if you are grateful I will give you even more. But if you are ungrateful, my punishment is severe.” (surah Ibrahim. 14:7).

This ayah (verse) shows that Allah encourages us to practice gratitude. Being grateful is very important in Islam, and fasting is a great way to practice gratitude.

When we interrupt our daily comforts, such as meals during the day, we get to remind our souls what it is like to be grateful for everything and not take comfort and sustenance for granted.

Sabr (Patience):

“Oh believers, seek comfort in patience and prayer. Allah is with those who are patient.” (Surah Al-Baqarah. 2:153).

Patience is a very important and encouraged virtue in Islam. Allah (swt) has told us that patience is greatly rewarded. The above ayah is only one of many more that tell us of the importance and reward of having patience.

When we fast, we practice this great virtue. We must wait until maghrib to have our first meal of the day, and this means we need to have patience.

Ramadan is a perfect time to lay the foundation for habits you would like to build and sustain. For example, you can try to increase your reading of the Quran or practice praying on time more. You can choose whatever habit you wish to begin building, and make dua that Allah makes it easy for you.

Ramadan Mubarak to everyone inshAllah.

Importance of Ramadan in Islam