Every Muslim know that Month of the Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the holiest month of the year for the Muslims. Other name of the Ramadan is month of fasting. All Muslims honours to this month by fasting in the daylight time. In this blog we will learn some better Ways To Celebrate Ramadan Spiritually 2023 in Islam. Also will learn routine life of our prophet Muhammad ﷺ in Ramadan.
Table of Contents
Ways To Celebrate Ramadan Spiritually in Islam
One of the most important occasions for Muslims is Ramadan, which falls during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims keep a severe daily fast from sunrise to sunset during this month. During these hours of daylight, they are not permitted to eat any food or beverages, not even water. In addition to being a sort of spiritual discipline and a way to develop empathy for others who are less fortunate, fasting is a personal act of worship that brings one closer to God. At sunset, the fast is broken with an iftar meal, which is frequently shared by family and friends. Many people will congregate in the mosque after dusk for the unique community prayers known as tarawih.
Allah, The Magnificent, desires that all of His creatures pray and make a respectful bow before Him. He has mandated that every adult Muslim man and woman do Salah (prayer). Similar to this, fasting is now required and is one of Islam’s fundamental tenets. Muslims throughout the world eagerly anticipate this month and observe fasts from morning to dark. Ramadan is regarded as the most spiritually potent and productive month, during which time Muslims might receive enormous blessings from Almighty Allah.
What does the Quran say about the month of Ramadan?
The Holy Qur’an says: « The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an – a guide for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; whoever is ill or on a journey — then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you, and perhaps you will be grateful. » (2:185)
If we try to understand the logic behind fasting and it is an obligation for Muslims, we would learn that fasting during Ramadan comes with numerous health and spiritual benefits. As Muslims fast all day long from Suhoor to Iftar, the meal after sunset. And they keep themselves busy in night prayers; they freshen up their faith and fill their spirits with piety and truthfulness. It is the month for self-reflection, sacrifice, dedication, and generosity when Muslims sit back and self-assess where they are standing spiritually and religiously.
Read: Important Dates in Islamic Calendar 2023 and Ramadan falls on which date.
Despite the advantages and importance of the holy month of Ramadan, we must uphold its integrity and preserve its essence. We should be aware that this isn’t a festive or commercial month; rather, it’s the most revered season of the year, when Allah bestows His inexhaustible blessings and graces onto mankind.
Quranic Verses on Fasting
- The month of Ramadan (is the month) in which the Qur’an has been sent down as guidance for mankind containing clear signs which lead (to the straight road) and distinguishing (the truth from falsehood).. » (2:185)
- The most honored by Allah amongst you are those best in taqwaa. » (49:13)
- We sent it (this Qur’an) down on a blessed Night. Verily, We are ever warning (humanity of Our Torment). Therein (that Night) is decreed every matter of ordainment—Amran (i.e., a command or this Qur’an or His Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messenger). (As) a Mercy from your Lord. Verily! He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower. » (Al-Dukhaan 44:3-6)
- « Allah has made Laylat al-Qadr in this month, which is better than a thousand months, as Allaah says… The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh [Jibreel (Gabriel)] by Allaah’s Permission with all Decrees, there is peace until the appearance of dawn. » — Al-Qadar 97:1-5
- Oh, you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness » (Quran, 2:183)
What Does the Holy Prophet (PBUH) Advise About Ramdan?
Hazrat Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), Allah’s loving Messenger, has admonished Muslims on several occasions to observe the spirit of fasting and utilize Ramadan for activities other than prayer and Quran reading. The Prophet of God (PBUH) said:
(Allah says about the fasting person), ‘He has left his food, drink, and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it, multiplied by the reward of good deeds. » [Al-Bukhari, Volume 3, Book 31]
The teachings of our Last Prophet (PBUH) are applicable to all Muslims worldwide, regardless of nation, caste, or faith. He cautioned his disciples not to make the day on which they fast and the day on which they break their fast identical at one point. According to this Hadith, Muslims should use the month of Ramadan to purify their souls, alter their routines, and bring about beneficial changes in their religion.
Read: 99 Names of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with Meaning
The Holy Qur’an says: « O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it has been prescribed upon those before you, so that you may attain Taqwa or piety. » [2:183]
And take recourse in patience and prayer, and it is indeed hard except for the humble. Who are certain that they will encounter their Lord, and that they will return to Him. » (2:45-46)
Attaining Laylat-ul-Qadr
The Night of Power, also known as Laylat-al-Qadr, is among the finest gifts of the Holy Month of Ramadan. One of the strongest and most important evenings in the Islamic calendar, it is. During the final 10 Ramadan nights, the Glorious Qur’an was revealed to Allah’s Beloved Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Another importance of the Night of Qadr is that it is the night when the Almighty Allah shows His servents great kindness and decides their future. Thus, Laylat-al-Qadr is also known as “The Night of Decree” in popular culture.
Allah Subhanahu Wa tala says, « The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. » (Qur’an, 97:3)
According to this passage, a Muslim’s good actions on Laylat-al-Qadr count as the highest-performing act for up to 1,000 months. The 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th are some of the odd nights in the last 10 days of Ramadan that are referred to as “The Night of Power.” The Holy Prophet (PBUH), according to a Hadith recounted by Bukhari and Muslim, advised seeking it during the last 10 days on odd nights.
Taking out Sadaqah During the Last 10 Nights
Even outside of Ramadan, in all the months, sadaqah offers enormous advantages. Giving to Allah in order to get His blessings and feel His pleasure is known as this deed. Allah has commanded Muslims to perform as much Sadaqah (charity) as they can throughout the holy month of Ramadan.
There are many people in our society who are unable to afford their basic needs, including their daily meals. It is our moral obligation as Muslims to track down such individuals and provide them with Sadaqah. Making a sadaqah throughout Ramadan has tremendous benefits that keep growing.
The Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) said,
“Sadaqah extinguishes sin as water extinguishes fire” [Tirmidhi]
He also narrated that Allah blesses those who give Sadaqah with relief on the Final Day of Judgment.
“The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be their charity.” [Tirmidhi]
I’tikaf During Ramadan
Itikaf is the practice of avoiding worldly concerns for the final ten days of Ramadan. During I’tikaf, Muslims prefer to keep to themselves and steer clear of outside conversation in order to concentrate on doing their prayers. Muslims take time to ponder during this unique act of I’tikaf, during which they make an effort to become closer to Allah, carry out their tasks, and strengthen their prayers.
According to Sunnah, Muslims can do I’tikaf for a minimum of 10 days or for just one day or night. Allah has given Muslims another another wonderful chance to deepen our relationship with Him by providing I’tikaf. When Allah and His servant are the only two present, we are able to pray most effectively.
Final Words
In order to answer the issue of how to observe Ramadan spiritually, we must first perform a brief self-evaluation and review the core values of this holy month. It teaches Muslims to be more disciplined, focused, and committed to following the Sunnah and Islamic principles.
One cannot skip the required fasts without a valid excuse, and we are also not allowed to have breakfast before sundown. All of these guidelines instruct us on how to become better Muslims and useful contributors to the Islamic community.