by: Yasmine Kofahi, MAI Intern
Ramadan Mubarak to everyone. Its that time of year again, where Muslims from all over the world begin the long journey of fasting for thirty days, from sunrise till sunset. Did you know that are about 1.6-1.7 billion Muslims in the world! And all these Muslims are trying their best to be better people, the generous person becomes even more generous, the kind person becomes even kinder, the grumpy people start to show big smiles on their faces.
Ramadan is a month of finding oneself, a journey of learning how to connect the spiritual self with Allah(SWT). Ramadan isn’t just meant to feel like how the poor feel when they have no food, that is not the main point. It is the month where prayers are for sure to be accepted by Allah, where people come together and pray all night asking Allah for forgiveness, for strength, or making duaa for a future wish or for a loved one. This month is beautiful because it causes so much kindness, its an infection of kindness and love. Once it starts it spreads so fast. And even after Ramadan people try to carry on this infection of love to everyone, its a month to reflect on a whole year of actions and to learn how to correct any mistakes made.
There are so many interesting facts about Ramadan, for example:
1. Ramadan was the month where the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammed (Peace be upon him)
2. It is the time where Allah closes all the gates of hell and opens the doors of paradise. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained up.” – Bukhari and Muslim
3. During this Holy Month Of Ramadan, one who’s fast is accepted, is rewarded, by Allah (SWT), the forgiveness of all sins made throughout the previous year.
4. Your Ummrah becomes equivalent to Hajj. “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “When Ramadan comes, go for ‘Umrah, for ‘Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj.” (Bukhari) According to a report narrated by Muslim, “… is equivalent to doing Hajj with me.”
5. Who ever prays Taraweeh it is as if they have prayed for an entire night.” The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said, “Whoever prays qiyaam with the imam until he finishes, it will be recorded for him that he spent the whole night in prayer.” – Abu Dawood – Classed as Saheeh by Al-Albaani in Salaat Al-Taraaweeh, p. 15
