Quranic Perspectives on the Objectives of Ramadan
Ramadan, a sacred month in the Islamic calendar, transcends merely being a period of fasting – it embodies the deep spiritual significance rooted in the teachings of the Quran. Exploring the Quranic perspective unveils the profound objectives of Ramadan, guiding Muslims on a journey of spiritual enlightenment and self-awareness.
The fasts of Ramadan are mentioned in the Quran in the following verses:
O believers, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may attain taqwa (consciousness of God). Fast for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, then fast the same number of days later. For those who can only fast with difficulty, there is a way to compensate – feeding a needy person. But if anyone voluntarily does good, it is better for him, and fasting is better for you, if only you knew. God wants ease for you, not hardship.”
Muslims understand the purpose and benefits of fasting in many ways. It teaches self-discipline, strengthens one’s faith and taqwa, aids in being more mindful of God and His blessings, serves as a means for seeking forgiveness for sins, and reminds one of the plight of those who lack proper food, water, and shelter.
The Deep Purpose of Fasting
The deep purpose of fasting, as mentioned in the above Quranic verse, is to strive for the consciousness of God or taqwa. Taqwa means being constantly aware of God’s presence and, consequently, striving to live by the moral and ethical standards of faith at all times. Fasting can serve as a reminder of the importance of maintaining this deep commitment throughout the year.
In the following two hadiths, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) emphasized the broader commitment to self-restraint beyond just abstaining from eating and drinking: “He who does not leave false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need for his leaving his food and drink.” “Fasting is a shield, so when any of you is fasting, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor raise his voice in anger. If someone attacks him or insults him, let him say: ‘I am fasting.’”
Submission to the Will of God
يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ
O you who believe, the fasts have been enjoined upon you as they were enjoined upon those before you, so that you may be God-fearing, (2:183)
The core of Quranic teaching is the concept of submitting to the will of God. Ramadan serves as a period for believers to deepen their obedience to the commands of Allah, as fasting has been legislated as an act of worship By refraining from eating, drinking, and other physical needs during the daylight hours, Muslims express their determination to submit their will to the divine command.
Contemplation and Guidance
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًۭى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَـٰتٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍۢ فَعِدَّةٌۭ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ بِكُمُ ٱلْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ ٱلْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا۟ ٱلْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ
The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur’ān was revealed as guidance for mankind, and as clear signs that show the right way and distinguish between right and wrong. So those of you who witness the month must fast in it. But the one who is sick, or is on a journey (should fast) as much from other days (as he missed). Allah intends (to provide) ease for you and does not intend (to create) hardship for you. All this is so that you may complete the number (of fasts as prescribed) and proclaim the Takbīr of Allah for having guided you, and (so) that you may be grateful. (2:185)
The Quran emphasizes the importance of reflection and contemplation throughout Ramadan. reminds believers that Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed as guidance for mankind. Thus, Ramadan becomes a time for Muslims to immerse themselves in the Quran, seeking guidance, wisdom, and spiritual nourishment through its verses. Reflecting on the teachings of the Quran allows believers to gain insight into their purpose in life and align their actions with divine will.
Mercy and Forgiveness
Ramadan is also a month of mercy and forgiveness, as emphasized in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:185). Muslims believe that the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed during this blessed month while the devils are chained up. This creates a conducive environment for seeking forgiveness for past sins and purifying one’s soul. Through repentance, prayer, and acts of charity, believers strive for God’s mercy and forgiveness, paving the way for spiritual renewal and purification.
Compassion and Social Justice
۞ لَّيْسَ ٱلْبِرَّ أَن تُوَلُّوا۟ وُجُوهَكُمْ قِبَلَ ٱلْمَشْرِقِ وَٱلْمَغْرِبِ وَلَـٰكِنَّ ٱلْبِرَّ مَنْ ءَامَنَ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلْيَوْمِ ٱلْـَٔاخِرِ وَٱلْمَلَـٰٓئِكَةِ وَٱلْكِتَـٰبِ وَٱلنَّبِيِّـۧنَ وَءَاتَى ٱلْمَالَ عَلَىٰ حُبِّهِۦ ذَوِى ٱلْقُرْبَىٰ وَٱلْيَتَـٰمَىٰ وَٱلْمَسَـٰكِينَ وَٱبْنَ ٱلسَّبِيلِ وَٱلسَّآئِلِينَ وَفِى ٱلرِّقَابِ وَأَقَامَ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ وَءَاتَى ٱلزَّكَوٰةَ وَٱلْمُوفُونَ بِعَهْدِهِمْ إِذَا عَـٰهَدُوا۟ ۖ وَٱلصَّـٰبِرِينَ فِى ٱلْبَأْسَآءِ وَٱلضَّرَّآءِ وَحِينَ ٱلْبَأْسِ ۗ أُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ ٱلَّذِينَ صَدَقُوا۟ ۖ وَأُو۟لَـٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلْمُتَّقُونَ
Righteousness is not (merely) that you turn your faces to the East and the West; but righteousness is that one believes in Allah and the Last Day and the angels and the Book and the Prophets, and gives wealth, despite (his) love for it, to relatives, and to orphans, the helpless,the wayfarer, and to those who ask, and (spends) in (freeing) slaves and observes the Salāh (prayers) and pays Zakah-and (the act of) those who fulfill their covenant when they enter into a covenant, and, of course, those who are patient in hardship and suffering and when in battle! Those are the ones who are truthful, and those are the God – fearing. (2:177)
Quranic teachings emphasize compassion, mercy, and social justice, exemplified during Ramadan. Surah Al-Baqarah (2:177) highlights the importance of good deeds, including feeding the hungry, assisting the needy, and standing for justice. Ramadan provides Muslims with an opportunity to embody these values through charity, kindness, and service to the community, thereby fulfilling their social responsibilities and contributing to the welfare of society.
Strengthening Faith and Character
Ultimately, the purpose of Ramadan, as outlined in the Quran, is to strengthen the faith and character of believers. Through fasting, prayer, and adherence to Quranic teachings, Muslims develop virtues such as patience, gratitude, humility, and self-control. These virtues serve as the foundation for a righteous and fulfilled life, enabling believers to overcome challenges, resist temptations, and strive for excellence in all aspects of their existence.
Conclusion
In light of Quranic teachings, Ramadan emerges as a profound opportunity for spiritual growth, self-discipline, and devotion to Allah. Embracing principles of submission, reflection, mercy, compassion, and righteousness, Muslims embark on a transformative journey during this blessed month. Ramadan serves as a reminder of the timeless truths recorded in the Quran, offering eternal guidance for humanity. As believers engage in fasting and worship, they not only strive to fulfill their religious obligations but also seek closeness to Allah and endeavor to fulfill their life’s purpose in accordance with His will.
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