Ramadan and Qur’an : A Time of Reflection

Aisha Begum

Introduction

Ramadan is the holiest month in the  Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims  worldwide as a period of fasting,  prayer, and spiritual reflection. It is a  time of increased devotion, seeking  closeness to Allah , and deepening one's understanding of the Qur’an. The  Qur’an is the word of Allah as revealed to Prophet Muhammad ﷺ which holds profound virtues that are  particularly emphasised during this sacred month. 

The Gift of Ramadan

Ramadan is not just a month of fasting  from dawn to sunset; it's a gift that  offers us a chance to detach from the material world and focus on nurturing  our spirituality. It's an opportunity to deepen our relationship with Allah through acts of worship, kindness, and mindfulness. During this month Allah provides Muslims with the chance to  gain an increased number of rewards  through various ways.Abu Huraira (Ra) reported:The messenger of Allah ﷺ said: 

“When the month of Ramadan begins,  the gates of the heaven are opened, the  gates of Hell are closed, and the devils  are chained” [Sahih Al Bukhari 1899, Sahih Muslim 1079]

Through these miraculous opportuni ties, it provides us with the opportunity to increase our Ibaadat and approach  Ramadan with gratitude for the chance  to renew our Imaan and seek the blessings of Allah. 

Self-Discipline and Willpower

The blessed month of Ramadan further serves as a beneficial factor as it not only nurtures self-discipline but also fosters empathy and compassion towards the less fortunate, as we abstain from food and drink to experience a glimpse of the hardships faced by the needy. Fasting was made compulsory by Allah as said in the Holy Qur’an:

“Believers! Fasting is enjoined upon you, as it was enjoined upon those before you, so that you become God-fearing” [Surah Baqarah: 2:183]

Through fasting we learn to control our desires and impulses. This discipline extends beyond fasting – it influences our actions, thoughts, and words. Al-Sha’bi (Ra) reported: Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, said,

“Fasting is not merely abstaining from food and drink alone. Rather, it is from lies, falsehood, vain talk, and swearing.” [Mu’annaf Ibn Abī Shaybah 8882]

The importance of controlling our tongue was not only emphasised by Umar (RA) but Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also said:

“Whoever does not leave evil words and deeds while fasting, Allah does not need him to leave food and drink.” [Sahih Al Bukhari 1903]

Ramadan is the time to embrace the opportunity to gain mastery over our urges and elevate our self-control to new heights through adopting good characteristics and removing bad habits. 

Unveiling the Significance of the Qur’an

Ramadan is a pivotal time for Muslims to draw closer to Allah through additional prayers, reading of the Qur’an, and engaging in charitable deeds. The holy month serves as a chance for spiritual cleansing and growth, paving the way for a better understanding of the virtues and teachings embedded in the Holy Qur’an. The Holy Qur’an is a miracle; within it is everything we need to succeed. It has every answer to every problem and is our source of relief. The Holy Qur’an is the Word of Allah, therefore, encompasses greatness. Making it part of our lives is essential to increasing the blessings in our lives. Not only is it the foundation of faith but it is also the ultimate source of guidance. The Qur’an is esteemed for its eloquence, depth, and timeless relevance.

Ramadan and the Qur’an: A Perfect Synergy

Outside of Ramadan there are 10 rewards for reciting each letter of the Qur’an: Rasulullah ﷺ says:

”Whoever reads a letter from the Book of Allah . will receive a hasanah (good deed) from it (i.e., his recitation), and the hasanah is multiplied by ten. I do not say that Alif-Laam-Meem is (considered as) a letter, rather Alif is a letter, Laam is a letter, and Meem is a letter.” [Jami’ Tirmidhi 2910]

But in Ramadan all good deeds are multiplied by 70 or more: The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Whoever draws near to Allah during it (Ramadan) with a single characteristic from the characteristics of (voluntary) goodness, he is like whoever performs an obligatory act in other times. And whoever performs an obligatory act during it, he is like whoever performed seventy obligatory acts in other times.” [Sahih Ibn Khuzaymah 1887]

So, for each letter of the Qur’an, we recite we will gain a minimum of 700 good deeds or more! Through reciting the Qur’an, it creates an atmosphere of spirituality fostering a deep connection between us and Allah .The Ramadan experience strengthens the bond with the Qur’an, emphasising its importance in guiding individuals towards righteousness and moral integrity.

The Virtues of the Qur’an.

Divine Guidance

The Qur’an is regarded as a comprehensive guide for every aspect of life, providing ethical principles, moral guidance, and legal injunctions. It addresses humanity as a whole and is not confined to any specific time or place, making it applicable across different cultures and eras. This is further proven as the Qur’an will be an intercessor for anyone who recites it making the rewards easily accessible for all.Abu Umāmah (RA) reported: I heard The messenger of Allah ﷺ say:

"Read the Qur’an, as it will come as an intercessor for its companions on the Day of Resurrection." [Riyad as-Salihin 991)

On a day when we anxiously await the scrutiny of our actions, a day when Allah’s interrogation holds us in suspense, a time when no support or aid could intervene, however, if we recited the Qur’an and made it a companion in the world, it will step forward and fight for our admission into paradise!

Healing and Mercy

The Qur’an is considered a healing and mercy for believers. It offers solace and peace to troubled hearts and is believed to have a profound effect on the well-being of those who engage in its recitation with sincerity. There is a reward for the one who recites but there is DOUBLE the reward for the one who recites with difficulty. Āisha (RA) reported: The messenger of Allah ﷺ said:

"One who is skilled in the Qur’ān is associated with the noble, upright recording angels; and he who falters when reciting the Qur’ān and finds it difficult for him will have a double reward.” [Mishkat al-Masabih 211]

Wisdom and Knowledge

The Qur’an is a treasure trove of wisdom and knowledge. It invites reflection and contemplation on the creation of the universe, the purpose of life, and the intricacies of human nature. Allah has also made the Qur’an easy for all to read and understand so it is our duty to try and deepen our connection with the Qur’an. Allah says:

“And We have indeed made the Qur’an easy to understand and remember; then is there anyone who will remember” [Surah Qamar: 54:17]

Mankind can never produce a single verse comparable to its beauty and eloquence of the Qur’an. This challenge stands unanswered, reinforcing the Qur’an's claim of being a divine

revelation.

Ramadan is a month of immense blessings, offering Muslims an opportunity to recharge their spiritual batteries, seek forgiveness, and draw closer to Allah . The Qur’an plays an integral role in this sacred journey. It provides believers with divine guidance, wisdom, and solace, shaping their character and inspiring them to lead virtuous lives.

Aisha Begum

University graduate and Alimiyyah student of Shaykh Faizulhaq Abdulaziz حفظه الله