The Month of Ramadan (the ninth month).
Every year, may you all be well and happy! May Allah accept from us and from you the good deeds, and bless us and you in this noble month. I ask Allah to grant us all health, blessings, and forgiveness, and to assist us in fasting, night prayers, and the recitation of the Quran.
Among the Best Acts of Virtue
Although in most religions fasting is for the expiation of sins or redemption from sin, in Islam it is primarily for drawing closer to God, as stated in the verse where God says in the Quran:
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Quran 2:183)
Thus, the consciousness of God is the prerequisite for virtue, and great emphasis is placed on fasting in Islam. Therefore, it is not surprising that the Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of God be upon him, was asked:
“What is the best action?” He replied: “Fasting, for nothing equals it.”
Sincere fasting purifies and expiates sins, as the Prophet said:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan with sincere faith and hoping for reward from God, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
Muslims express gratitude and love for the One True God by obeying Him and worshiping Him. We worship according to His guidance revealed in the Quran and through the authentic traditions of the Prophet Muhammad.
Ramadan spreads across the world as Muslims begin and end their fast together, one body, one people, one nation. Ramadan arrives gently and its deeds ascend gently to God. Far from being a test of deprivation, the month of Ramadan is a joy and a gift beyond comparison. Even before the month ends, Muslims begin to lament the end of this blessed month and try to prolong the time by being with the Quran and worshiping God in the best possible manner.
True faith means having hope and relying on God’s promise. Almighty God says in the Quran:
“So worship Him and put your trust in Him, for your Lord is not unaware of what you do.” (Quran 11:123)
Our purpose is to worship God, and God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, has given us Ramadan.
