Ramadan is finally here. It is a great time and a beautiful time as well. We deeply and wholeheartedly thank Allah that He is giving us another chance to witness this blessed time.

Highlighting the objectives of fasting, Allah Almighty says,

{O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become God-conscious.} (Al-Baqarah 2: 183)

The main objective of fasting, as it is stated clearly in the above Qur’anic verse, is to attain God-consciousness, taqwa.

The term taqwa signifies all goodness and good morals. It does imply, among others, to be aware of Allah, to uplift up one’s heart, and to observe religious values and ethics.

Moreover, Ramadan fasting connects the Muslim community with other faith communities. Fasting, obviously, has been commanded by Allah on other faith communities. Muslims, therefore, are encouraged by this Qur’anic verse to focus on common factors and to cooperate with other for the betterment of all.   

Ramadan is a golden chance for those who want to bring themselves nearer and closer to Allah, for those who wish to have their sins to be forgiven, and for those who wish to be freed from Hell-fire.

In many of his hadiths, the Prophet (peace be upon him) elaborated the merits and blessings of Ramadan. For example, he (peace be on him) said,

“Ramadan has arrived, a blessed month, which Allah has enjoined you to fast. In it the gates of heavens are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and mischievous devils are chained up. In it Allah has a night which is better than a thousand months; whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived.” (authenticated by Al-Albani)

So, let’s renew our intentions to fast according the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be on him); let’s take care of the poor and the needy; let’s work hard to uplift our hearts; and let’s care more about our families.

Moreover, let’s build bridges with other faith and non-faith communities and work together for the well-being of all.

Ramadan Mubarak!