THE VIRTUES OF RAMADHAN

THE VIRTUES OF RAMADHAN
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“The month of Ramadhan (is that) in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and 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.” [Qur’an: 2:185]

Sahl (ra) narrates that The Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said:

“There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who used to observe fasts?’ They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it.” [Bukhari]

Abu Huraira (ra) narrates that Allah’s Apostle (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said:

“Allah said, ‘All the deeds of Adam’s sons (people) are for them, except fasting which is for Me, and I will give the reward for it.’ Fasting is a shield or protection from the fire and from committing sins. If one of you is fasting, he should avoid sexual relation with his wife and quarreling, and if somebody should fight or quarrel with him, he should say, ‘I am fasting.’ By Him in Whose Hands my soul is’ The unpleasant smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. There are two pleasures for the fasting person, one at the time of breaking his fast, and the other at the time when he will meet his Lord; then he will be pleased because of his fasting.” [Bukhari]

Abu Huraira (ra) reported Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) as saying:

“When there comes the month of Ramadan, the gates of mercy are opened, and the gates of Hell are locked and the devils are chained.” [Muslim]

Abu Sa’id al Khudri (ra) reported Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) as saying:

“Every servant of Allah who observes fast for a day in the way of Allah, Allah would remove, because of this day, his face farther fromthe Fire (of Hell) to the extent of seventy years’ distance.” [Muslim]

Abu Huraira (ra) Narrated that The Prophet (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said:

“Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink (i.e. Allah will not accept his fasting.” [Bukhari]

Abu Huraira (ra) reported Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) as saying:

“If anyone forgets that he is fasting and eats or drinks he should complete his fast, for it is only Allah Who has fed him and given him drink.” [Muslim]

Ibn ‘Abbas (ra) Narrated that:

"The Prophet Sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam was the most generous amongst the people, and he used to be more so in the month of Ramadan when Gabriel visited him, and Gabriel used to meet him on every night of Ramadan till the end of the month. The Prophet used to recite the Holy Qur’an to Gabriel, and when Gabriel met him, he used to be more generous than a fast wind (which causes rain and welfare)." [Bukhari]

Zaid ibn Thabit (ra) said:

"We took meal shortly before dawn along with the Messenger of Allah (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) We then stood up for prayer. I said: How much span of time was there between the two (acts, i.e. taking of Sahri and observing of prayer)? He said (a span of reciting) fifty verses." [Muslim]

Abu Huraira (ra) reported Allah’s Messenger (Sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).as saying:

"Allah, the Majestic and the Exalted, said: Every act of the son of Adam is for him except fasting. It is done for My sake, and I will give a reward for it. By Allah in Whose Hand is the life of Muhammad, the breath of the observer of fast is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk." [Muslim]