The holy month of Ramadan is a sacred time to all Muslims. It rejuvenates their faith and draws them closer to Allah (SWT). As might be expected, every Muslim tries to read the Quran more and reflect during this month. Then, what does the Quran say about Ramadan? Here we provide you with citations about this sacred month from both the Quran and Hadith.
Citations from the Quran:
As the Quran is what dictates the Islamic law, it logically mentioned Ramadan a few times. Here we grouped them for you in two sets:
Verses about the prescription of Sawm:
Allah (SWT) says:
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:183).
In this verse, God gives us the order of Sawm/fasting like the previous communities before us. Every Muslim is required to refrain from eating, drinking, and having sexual intercourse from sunrise to sunset. He (SWT) provides further details about fasting in the following verse.
Almighty says:
“[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] – then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess – it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.” (Surah Al Baqarah 2:184).
The next verse elaborates even more on the circumstances for fasting. God Almighty says:
“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.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185).
This verse in particular however delivers more precious information about Ramadan. As the first part of the verse indicates it, it is the month during which the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammed (pbuh). Thus, it only makes sense Muslims anticipate this sacred month for it is the anniversary of the first revelation of the Quran.
Another verse about Ramadan is as follows: Allah (SWT) says:
“It has been made permissible for you the night preceding fasting to go to your wives [for sexual relations]. They are clothing for you and you are clothing for them. Allah knows that you used to deceive yourselves, so He accepted your repentance and forgave you. So now, have relations with them and seek that which Allah has decreed for you. And eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset. And do not have relations with them as long as you are staying for worship in the mosques. These are the limits [set by] Allah , so do not approach them. Thus does Allah make clear His ordinances to the people that they may become righteous.” (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187).
In this verse, Allah (SWT) relieves Muslims from the custom of the previous communities. He provides them with less challenging conditions for He is the most merciful and caring.
Verses about Laylatul Qadr:
The other Quranic verses about Ramadan talk about Laylatul Qadr also known as The Night of Power. Before we get to the verses, let’s first briefly explain what is Laylatul Qadr. Laylatul Qadr is the night in Ramadan the holy Quran was first revealed. It takes place during the last 10 days of Ramadan. Allah (SWT) describes it in the following verses:
“Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.” (Surah Al Qadr 97:1-5).
From these verses, we can see how a whole Surah is dedicated to this unique magical night. Allah (SWT) tells us that we do not even know how special this night is. He Almighty described it as better than a thousand months. This could mean only one thing: this night is a blessing and we ought to make the best out of it.
Another verse about this magnificent night is from chapter 44. God says:
“Indeed, We sent it down during a blessed night. Indeed, We were to warn [mankind].”(Surah Ad-Dukhan 44:3).
This verse is a further confirmation of the fact that the Quran was first revealed during Ramadan on Laylatul Qadr more precisely.
Citation about Ramadan from Hadith:
Ahadith (plural of Hadith) vary from Hadith Qudsi to Hadith An-Nabawi. We selected few of the many about the sacred month of Ramadan in the following. First, the Hadith that proves fasting Ramadan is an important tenet of Islam. The prophet (pbuh) said:
“Islam has been built on five [pillars]: testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing the salah (prayer), paying the zakat (obligatory charity), making the hajj (pilgrimage) to the House, and fasting in Ramadan.” (Bukhari and Muslim).
Another hadith is as follows:
“When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened.” (Sahih al-Bukahri).
Another Hadith by the Prophet (pbuh):
“The five (daily) Salat (prayers), and from one Jumu’ah prayer to the (next) Jumu’ah prayer, and from Ramadan to Ramadan are expiations for the (sins) committed in between (their intervals); provided the major sins are not committed”. (Muslim).
Moreover, the prophet said:
“There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month, which Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, has enjoined you to fast. In it the gates of heavens are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and every devil is chained up. In it Allah has a night which is better than a thousand months; whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived.” Sunan an-Nasa’i)
From these previous Ahadith, it is clear how Ramadan is such a graceful month. From the gates of hell closing and the gates of Paradise being open to sins being forgiven and many more, there is no doubt that Ramadan is precious to Muslims. It is undeniable how Allah (SWT) cares for us. The following hadith is just another example of that:
“Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari).
Conclusion:
In conclusion, Ramadan is unquestionably a sacred magical month. Allah (SWT) keeps on gifting us with so many opportunities to lead a good decent life with a healthy heart and soul. Ramadan is the best example of that. With so many blessings and grace, Ramadan is a month that should be appreciated and anticipated by every Muslim.
May Allah accept our good deeds and forgive us.
