The Merits of Ramadan

The Merits of Ramadan

The Prophet (peace be upon him) was reported to have said that "When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened."
Collected by al-Bukhari (Sahih Al-Bukhari (Arabic-English), vol.3, pp. 64-5, no. 115).

The month of Ramadan is a great opportunity for one to do the deeds that could bring him/her closer to Paradise.

Fasting in Ramadan is also an opportunity to atone for one's sins. Abu Hurayrah quoted the Prophet (peace be upon him) as saying, "Who ever fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah will have all of his previous sins forgiven."
Collected by al-Bukhari (Sahih Al-Bukhari (Arabic-English), vol.3, pp. 69-70, no. 125)

Fasting also provides protection from evil for those who sincerely fast. Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) was reported to have said, "Fasting is a shield."
Collected by Muslim (Sahih Muslim (English Trans.), vol.2, p.554, no. 2565)

Allah has a special reward which He personally gives one who fasts faithfully. Abu Hurayrah related that the Prophet (peace be upon him) quoted Allah as saying, "Every act of Adam's descendants is for themselves, except fasting. It is meant for Me alone, and I alone will give the reward for it."
Collected by Muslim (Sahih Muslim (English Trans.), vol.2, p.559, no. 2566

Perhaps the greatest and most unique merit of Ramadan lies in the fact that the Quran, which is the last and only unchanged book of Divine Guidance remaining in the world, was revealed during this month. Allah states:

"The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down as a (pure source of) guidance for mankind. In it are clear teachings showing the Right Way and the Criterion (for judging truth and falsehood)."
 
[Noble Quran 2:185]

This act of revelation represents the greatest blessing from Almighty Allah to mankind, who had become steeped in darkness and ignorance since the time of the prior revelation. Without this supreme act of mercy, the weakening glimmer of guidance would have gone out completely and oppression would have reigned in all corners of the globe.

Taqwa

The ultimate goal of the fast is to develop taqwa (consciousness of God) in people, as Allah said:

"..so that it may produce Taqwa in you."
 
[Noble Quran 2:183]


Taqwa is among the highest moral qualities that a Muslim can attain. It is produced by placing a shield between one's self and Allah's wrath, as the root meaning of the word implies (i.e. taqwa comes from the verb waqaa, which means "to safeguard"). This is achieved by being conscious of Allah and all His commandments at all times, which means avoiding the Haram (prohibited) as well as the makruh (undesirable) and even some of the halal (permissible) wherever doubt arises.