With Ramadan 2024 expected to arrive in less than 2 months in March 2024, Muslims around the world are looking to prepare for the physical, mental and spiritual demands of an immensely blessed month.
But what does the Quran itself say about the month of Ramadan and its spiritual significance?
Read on to find out:
The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. God intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete this period and to glorify God for that [to] which He has guided you, perhaps you will be grateful (Surat AlBaqra, 2:185).
In this verse, God in the Quran describes Ramadan as a month of clarity, spiritual guidance and ease.
As this is the month the Quran itself began to be revealed to Prophet Muhammad (on him be peace), Ramadan also carries a celebratory sentiment and is when the Muslim community received its first spiritual guidance.
While the month is one of contemplating the Quran and increasing worship efforts, this verse also instructs Muslims not to fast during times of hardship, namely illness and travel. This is to promote balance in a Muslim’s Ramadan worship life and to encourage Muslims to be merciful to themselves the way God is to them. Balance is key during this holy month in order to ensure Muslims do not overburden themselves while striving in their worship.
Oh, you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, [so] that you may learn piety and righteousness (Surat Baqarah, 2:183).
Fasting is perhaps the most distinguishing feature of worship in Ramadan, as Muslims fast from sunrise until sunset for the entire month.
Rather than being a form of penance or austerity, God in the Quran describes fasting as a means by which Muslims can learn humility and become more attuned to the spiritual life. It is also mentioned as being a longstanding Abrahamic tradition passed down through generations of prophets and their followers.
While difficult physically, fasting in Ramadan allows Muslims to shift their focus away from food and drink and towards worship actions while they strive to improve their spiritual character during the month.
Laylatul Qadr [The Night of Power] is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Spirit [Gabriel] by God’s Permission with all Decrees, peace it is until the appearance of dawn (Surat Al-Qadr, 97:1-5).
Within the month of Ramadan, during the final 10 nights, is the night of Laylatul Qadr, or The Night of Power.
Historically, this is the exact night the Quran started to be revealed and interestingly, it does not occur on the same date every year. Instead, the Night of Power is sought through recognizing certain astrological and spiritual qualities during the last 10 nights of Ramadan. The Night of Power itself is said to carry immense blessings with it and Muslims are encouraged to strive even more with their worship in order to attain the benefits. They often prepare for the Night of Power through planning their extra acts of worship (prayer, charity, etc.) and often attend late night prayer services with family, friends and community members.
We at Zakat Foundation of America wish you a blessed Ramadan 2024 to come and hope that this month is filled with blessings, as well as contemplation of the Quran.
Check out these tips from last year on how to prepare for Ramadan!