The Blessings of Ramadan: Gifts from God

Every year, specific days are designated for fasting as indicated in the Quran. This is the month of Ramadan, the month when out of God’s infinite mercy, He revealed the Quran, His final scripture to Humanity. Sura 2:185 states:

Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation.

Observing Ramadan brings many blessings from God and opportunities to be appreciative. God tells us that to fast is best for us “if we only knew”. He designed us and knows what is best for our bodies and for our souls’ growth. [2:183] O you who believe, fasting is decreed for you, as it was decreed for those before you, that you may attain salvation. Fasting during Ramadan remits sins and demonstrates appreciativeness of God. By God’s design, fasting is one of the rites of the religion of Submission that pays big dividends towards our place in the hereafter. 

Fasting is not easy for everyone and God is aware of individual circumstances. Thankfully, God does not put any of our efforts of worship to waste.  For those who can fast with great difficulty, God in His mercy provides other options. In 2:184, … Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may substitute feeding one poor person for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more righteous works), it is better. But fasting is the best for you, if you only knew.

Ramadan can be a quiet, peaceful time of meditation, reflection, and reading Quran, privately or as a group, and a time of identifying personal weaknesses, and repentance. For those who do fast, as outlined in the Quran, it is an amazing experience. Every tummy rumble is a chance to remember God. Mild dehydration and hunger pains dull out worldly distractions and God truly makes it easy.

When the fast is broken at the end of each day, the aromas and appearance of food and liquid seem tastier and brighter. This is a profound reminder of God’s support, that He is the Provider, and in control of all things. This remembrance in turn brings a sense of peace

and well being that many people celebrate by glorifying God.

The most important blessing of Ramadan, as God designed it, is that Ramadan is a feast for the soul. What an amazing feast it is.

Emily