The Immense Virtues of Ramadan: Its Blessings and Importance in Islam

The blessed month of Ramadan is one of the most magnificent months in the Islamic calendar, distinguished by unique virtues and characteristics mentioned in the Holy Quran and the Prophetic Sunnah. Below is a review of its most prominent virtues, supported by religious evidence.

Gates of Heaven Opened, Gates of Hell Closed

During Ramadan, Allah closes the gates of Hell, opens the gates of Paradise, the heavens, and mercy, and restrains the devils and rebellious jinn. Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: “When the first night of Ramadan arrives, Allah restrains the devils and rebellious jinn, locks the gates of Hell so none of them opens, and opens the gates of Paradise so none of them closes.” Discover the spiritual virtues of Ramadan, the blessings of fasting, and the protection from evil during this sacred month.”

A caller cries out: ‘O seeker of good, come forward! O seeker of evil, stop!’ And Allah has people whom He frees from the Fire, and that happens every night.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari and Muslim).

Another narration mentions the opening of the “gates of the heavens” (Al-Bukhari), and another mentions the “gates of mercy” (Muslim).

Laylat al-Qadr: A Night Better Than a Thousand Months

Ramadan contains Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree), a night whose value is better than a thousand months of worship.

Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Ramadan has come to you, a blessed month in which Allah made fasting obligatory. In it, Allah opens the gates of Paradise, closes the gates of Hell, and chains the rebellious devils. In it, Allah grants a night better than a thousand months. Whoever misses its goodness truly suffers loss.” (Narrated by An-Nasa’i).

Acceptance of Du’a (Supplications)

Ramadan is a month when prayers are answered. Allah Almighty mentions this immediately after the verses on fasting:
﴾And when My servants ask you, [O Muhammad], concerning Me – indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls upon Me.﴿ [Quran, Al-Baqarah: 186].

“The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said: ‘Indeed, Allah frees people from the Fire every day and night, and for each of them, a supplication is answered.’ Discover the spiritual virtues of Ramadan, the blessings of Allah’s mercy, and the power of answered prayers during this sacred month.  (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi).

The Reward of Umrah and the Status of the Believer

Performing Umrah (minor pilgrimage) in Ramadan is equivalent in reward to performing Hajj (major pilgrimage) with the Prophet (peace be upon him). Furthermore, whoever fasts during Ramadan and establishes its nights in prayer is counted among the truthful (Siddiqin), as narrated in the hadith of Amr ibn Murrah al-Juhani. (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi).

The Month of Qiyam (Night Prayers) and Taraweeh

Ramadan is the month of Qiyam al-Layl (voluntary night prayers). The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Whoever stands in prayer during Ramadan out of faith and in hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari).

Whoever prays Taraweeh with the Imam until he finishes, it is recorded for him as if he prayed the entire night. (Narrated by An-Nasa’i).

A Month of Historical Victories and Increased Generosity

Ramadan witnessed major Islamic victories, such as the Battle of Badr and the Conquest of Makkah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) was the most generous of people, and his generosity would increase even more in Ramadan when the angel Jibril (Gabriel) met with him, becoming “like a strong, sending wind.” (Narrated by Al-Bukhari).

Studying the Quran and I’tikaf (Spiritual Retreat)

Every night in Ramadan, the angel Jibril would review the Quran with the Prophet (peace be upon him). (Narrated by Al-Bukhari). It is also the month of I’tikaf, which is the practice of secluding oneself in the mosque for worship.

The Specific Virtues of Fasting

Fasting is an act of worship with numerous benefits and rewards:

  • It is a means to attain Taqwa (God-consciousness).
  • It is a shield (Junnah) from the Hellfire.
  • Allah distances the face of the fasting person from the Fire by seventy years for each day of fasting.
  • It serves as protection from sinful desires.
  • Fasting people will enter Paradise through a special gate called Ar-Rayyan.
  • Fasting will intercede for the servant on the Day of Judgment.
  • The fasting person experiences two joys: one when breaking the fast and another when meeting their Lord.
  • The smell from the mouth of a fasting person is more pleasant to Allah than the scent of musk.
  • Whoever provides Iftar (the meal to break the fast) for a fasting person receives a similar reward without diminishing the other’s reward.
  • The supplication of a fasting person at the time of breaking the fast is not rejected.

“Ramadan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed as guidance for humanity, containing clear signs and the criterion. Whoever witnesses this month should fast, and those who are ill or traveling should make up the missed days. Allah desires ease for you, not difficulty, so that you complete the period and glorify Him for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.

Conclusion

Allah has favored His servants with the month of Ramadan and its immense blessings. The righteous predecessors (Salaf) used to pray to Allah to let them reach Ramadan and to accept their deeds in it. We should welcome it with sincere repentance and firm resolve. “We must be careful not to fast a day before Ramadan begins out of doubt.