THE BLESSINGS AND VIRTUES OF THE MONTH OF RAMADHAN

We are no stranger to the word Ramadan, a month that holds a special distinction for Muslims  and whose arrival is always awaited. It is a holy, noble month full of blessings if we as Muslims make use of it by filling it with good deeds. In it people compete to seek reward.  In this month, Muslims are obliged to fast for the entire month because it is obligatory for every Muslim.

Good deeds done in the month of Ramadan will receive multiplied rewards, provided they are done sincerely. With the many special virtues of the month of Ramadan, Muslims can feel how sweet it is to carry out acts of worship. Muslims are encouraged to pray a lot and do good in this month, whether within the concept of Hablum Minallah (the relationship between humans and the Creator), Hablum Minannas (the relationship among humans) or Hablum Minal’Alam (the relationship between humans and nature). The three are interconnected in obtaining the pleasure of Allah SWT.

The month of Ramadan is so special that merely awaiting it already earns the reward of freedom from the fire of hell. There are very many virtues in this month. One virtue of the month of Ramadan is that in this month it is obligatory for every Muslim to fast, except for those with a valid shar’i excuse. Besides its virtues for health, those who fast hoping for the pleasure of Allah will obtain two joys, namely the joy when breaking the fast and the joy of meeting Allah on the Day of Judgement.

In the month of Ramadan the holy book Al-Qur’an was revealed as guidance for mankind and as clear explanations of that guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). Another special feature of Ramadan is that in this month the gates of heaven are opened, the gates of hell are closed, and the devils are chained. It is a month full of blessed reward, and not only reward but other blessings as well. One example can be seen from the economic aspect, where in this month of Ramadan brings blessings to traders and others.

A special feature of the month of Ramadan that is familiar to our ears and awaited by Muslims is the event of Lailatul Qadar. On this night, which falls within the last 10 nights of the month of Ramadan, the noble Qur'an was revealed. Lailatul Qadar is one of the last and odd-numbered nights of Ramadan. It is said that the night of Lailatul Qadar is better than a thousand months.

There are four things we need to prepare to welcome the arrival of the month of Ramadan. The first is to repent and purify oneself. We know that the month of Ramadan is a holy month. A holy month should be welcomed with purity of soul, namely by cleansing oneself of all sins and acts of disobedience. Second, to be grateful to Allah SWT that until now we have still been given the opportunity to meet the month of Ramadan again. We can see how many of our brothers and sisters, throughout 2020-2022 up to the approach of this month of Ramadan, have been called by Allah SWT. We should indeed be grateful.

Third, increasing our capacity of knowledge. Every Muslim is obliged to equip himself or herself with knowledge when about to worship and do good deeds, in the hope that the acts of worship performed are accepted and gain the pleasure of Allah SWT. The same applies to performing worship in this month of Ramadan, namely fasting. We must know the pillars of fasting and what things can invalidate the act of worship of fasting.

Fourth, strengthening our intention to do good things. Striving to improve all the words and deeds we do. Being earnest in obedience, and bringing the month of Ramadan to life by doing righteous deeds.

It is only fitting that we rejoice at the arrival of the month of Ramadan. Because the month of Ramadan is a great month. A month full of glory and blessings. In this month, Allah will multiply the reward of the acts of worship we perform. Therefore, we must not waste the opportunity of this month of Ramadan.  Good deeds are so easy for us to do in this month. The moments of this month strongly support us to keep performing worship and useful activities that we can do.

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