Making the most of Ramadan
By Khurram Jah Murad (R.A)
OnIslam, 23 July 2013
It is essential to know the secret of greatness of the month of Ramadan because it is impossible to get enriched by it without first knowing the riches it holds. Nor can we be able, without knowing, to achieve single-mindedness, determination and poise to achieve the objective.
The secret of the greatness of this month lies in one thing: the revelation of the Qur’an – the revelation started in this month, after its handing over to angel Gabriel from the well-guarded Tablet (Al-Lauh Al-Mahfuz).
In other words, the Merciful and most Benevolent Lord arranged for our guidance in this month. His unsurpassable wisdom illuminated for us the paths for thought and action, and gave us the Standard by which to distinguish between right and wrong. This Standard, the Qur’an, is above all flaws and errors, distortions and manipulations.
This all happened when, in the month of Ramadan, the first ray of God’s revelation illumined the heart of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). So, it is not that Ramadan is blessed because fasting is observed and Qur’an is recited during this month.
Instead, this month was selected for fasting and recitation of Qur’an because it was this month during which the Holy Book was revealed – a feast that had already made this month great and blessed.
This great event required that the days of the month in which it took place be selected for fasting, and its nights for prayers and supplications. This point God has elaborated thus:
{It was during the month of Ramadan that Qur’an was sent down as guidance to the people with Clear Signs of the true guidance and as the Criterion (between right and wrong). So those of you who live to see that month should fast it.} (Al-Baqarah 2:185)
The Gift of Qur’an
Qur’an is a unique and matchless gift of God, and the greatest among the signs of His mercy. Its revelation is the greatest event in human history, and a manifestation of God’s mercy with all its exuberance. {He is the Merciful One, who has taught the Qur’an} (Ar-Rahman 55:1-2) and{This is a revelation from the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate.} (Fussilat 41:2)
For man, Qur’an is the standard for justice and virtue; it is the light and the road to salvation.
Though we are enjoying God’s innumerable blessings and gifts all the time, the world and everything in it lasts for us just as long as we are able to breathe. The moment we take the last breath, life loses its meaning to us, along with all that goes with it.
The thing that can transform these short moments of life into eternal life, and perishable gifts into lasting blessings is Qur’an.
That is why it is the most valuable treasure of all the treasures in the world. And that is why the night in which it was revealed has been called the Night of Power and the Blessed Night.
Then, whenever God makes a mention of its revelation, He connects it with His mercy, wisdom and power. And He ordained Eid celebrations at the end of Ramadan – as a mark of the anniversary of revelation of the Qur’an:
{O Mankind! Now there has come to you an exhortation from your Lord, a healing for the ailments of the hearts, and a guidance and mercy for those who believe.
Tell them (O Prophet): ‘Let them rejoice in God’s Grace and Mercy [through which this Book has come to you.] It is better than all the [riches] that they accumulate.} (Yunus 10: 57-58)
Days and months are all alike. They all are created by God. Yet, there come some moments on which depends the destiny of the whole mankind and the universe. Such was a moment when the ray of God’s guidance entered the Cave Hera, and Muhammad became its forbearer, trustee and custodian. This great moment came in the month of Ramadan, and this is the secret of the greatness of this month!
References
This article is taken, with some modifications, from the author’s “Making the Most of Ramadan”.