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Ramadan is one of the greatest blessings bestowed by Allah. Many people had longed to witness this sacred month but sadly passed away shortly before its arrival—some just days or even hours prior. Others are alive yet confined to hospital beds, unable to observe the fast. For those who are able to fast, it is a divine gift; Allah has granted them the blessing of life, good health, and security. The ability to fast in a state of peace and stability is among the most precious blessings one can receive.
Every blessing requires gratitude; otherwise, its loss becomes inevitable due to neglect and ingratitude. Consider the many Ramadans you have observed—has each one brought about any change within you? As the years pass, every Ramadan should be an opportunity for deep self-reflection and spiritual growth.
Long before the arrival of Ramadan, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would prepare the hearts and minds of his companions, reminding them of the immense significance of the month. He would say, "The month of Ramadan has come to you, a blessed month in which Allah has made fasting obligatory upon you." His words were not merely an announcement but a call to spiritual readiness, urging believers to embrace this sacred time with open hearts, eagerness, and sincere devotion.
Ramadan is like a revered guest that stays for a brief period. Just as one would joyfully receive a visitor and treat them with great honour, so too must we welcome the arrival of Ramadan with enthusiasm and gratitude. The month carries abundant blessings that should be cherished and embraced with reverence.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) spoke of the countless blessings that Ramadan brings. He reminded his followers that "the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained during this month." These divine signs serve as a powerful reminder of Ramadan’s importance and the necessity of preparing for it with sincerity, devotion, and a heart inclined towards goodness.
Let us embrace this sacred month with gratitude, a sincere commitment to righteousness, and a renewed determination to take full advantage of its spiritual opportunities.
A crucial point comes to mind—one we are in great need of as Ramadan approaches. When this sacred month arrives, people turn to the Book of Allah with diligence, eager to read the Qur’an. Indeed, within its verses lies peace, tranquillity, and healing for many of the struggles we face. We live in a world filled with emotional and physical ailments, yet if we truly reflect on the words of Allah, we would find in them remedies for many of our afflictions.
One of the greatest virtues instilled by Ramadan is the purification of the heart from resentment, envy, and malice—those deep-seated spiritual diseases that dwell within. This is why the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would prepare his companions for this purification even before Ramadan. He would encourage them to embrace the significance of Laylat al-Nisf min Sha’ban (the night of mid-Sha’ban). On this night, the Prophet (peace be upon him) taught that Allah gazes upon His servants and forgives them all—except for two kinds of people: one who associates partners with Allah and one who harbours hatred and enmity towards others.
If we enter Ramadan with hearts already cleansed from these burdens, we will experience the true essence of the month.
As you read the Qur’an during Ramadan, do you truly pause to reflect on its meanings? When you open the Book of Allah, the first chapter you will encounter is Surah Al-Baqarah. Do you read its verses merely as words, or do you ponder their depth? The Qur’an was not revealed simply to be recited—it was sent down to be understood, contemplated, and acted upon. Allah says: "This is a blessed Book We have revealed to you so that they may reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding may take heed." (Surah Sad 38:29)
Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an. Allah Himself has designated it as such: "The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185) Thus, the highest purpose of this month is to read, understand, and reflect upon the divine words of guidance.
As you read the Qur’an, you will encounter its powerful stories—among them, the story of Prophet Adam (peace be upon him). It is a story of creation, of divine wisdom, and of the first conversation between Allah and the angels. Allah announced to the angels: "Indeed, I will create upon the earth a khalifah (successor)." (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:30) The angels, not out of objection but out of curiosity, asked: "Will You place therein one who will spread corruption and shed blood, while we glorify Your praises and declare Your holiness?"
In response, Allah said: "Indeed, I know that which you do not know." This passage serves as a profound lesson in submission to divine wisdom. The angels, despite their knowledge, could not comprehend the deeper purpose behind Adam’s creation. Likewise, a believer must cultivate the virtue of trust in Allah’s wisdom, especially in matters beyond human understanding.
True faith is not only about following commands but about internalising the divine wisdom behind them. Just as the angels had limited knowledge of Adam’s purpose, so too must we acknowledge the limits of our understanding and submit wholeheartedly to the wisdom of Allah.
Human beings are inherently flawed—they make mistakes, commit sins, and face challenges. However, their ability to return to Allah in sincere repentance is what makes them beloved to Him. Life is filled with trials, yet patience in adversity and persistence in seeking Allah’s mercy are key. Ramadan serves as a reminder that true success lies in responding to Allah’s call, seeking forgiveness, and embracing self-purification.
One of the central lessons of Ramadan is submission to Allah’s commands. Just as He instructed the angels to prostrate before Adam—not as an act of worship, but as a sign of honour and obedience—believers, too, are called to submit wholeheartedly. Fasting, abstaining from worldly temptations, and devoting oneself to acts of worship symbolise this submission. The goal is not just refraining from food and drink but demonstrating complete surrender to the will of Allah.
The refusal of Iblis to bow before Adam stemmed from arrogance and envy—two of the most destructive traits. These same qualities led to the first sin on Earth when one of Adam’s sons acted out of jealousy. During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to reflect on these traits within themselves and work towards eradicating them. The Prophet ﷺ described the ideal believer as someone with a truthful tongue and a pure heart—one free from hatred, envy, and malice.
Fasting is not merely about physical restraint; it is a profound act of inner purification. It is a time to cleanse the heart from negative emotions and nurture sincerity, humility, and gratitude. The Prophet ﷺ emphasised that the best among people are those who have a clean heart—one that harbours no resentment or ill will. True fasting, therefore, is both an external and internal act of devotion.
The enmity between Satan and humankind dates back to the creation of Adam. Allah warns believers to be mindful of this enemy, as seen in His words: “Indeed, this (Satan) is an enemy to you and your spouse, so do not let him drive you out of Paradise, lest you suffer.” Though the most powerful devils are restrained during Ramadan, Satan’s influence remains present. His whispers and deception are constant, subtly leading people astray.
Satan’s deception of Adam and Eve was not immediate—it was gradual and persistent. He convinced them that eating from the forbidden tree would grant them immortality or elevate them to angelic status. The Qur’an describes how Adam forgot Allah’s warning, stating: “We had already taken a covenant from Adam before, but he forgot, and We found no determination in him.” This teaches us that human weakness lies in forgetfulness and susceptibility to temptation.
Ramadan provides a unique opportunity to fortify one’s faith, cleanse the heart, and resist Satan’s whispers. It is a time for deep reflection, heightened self-discipline, and renewed devotion to Allah. By strengthening one’s connection with the Qur’an, embracing humility, and striving for inner peace, believers can make Ramadan a transformative experience—one that purifies both the heart and soul.
Every person is aware of their own weaknesses and shortcomings. It is natural for humans to desire things that may not always align with what Allah loves and approves. Adam (peace be upon him), despite living in the bliss of Paradise, longed for eternal life in that perfect state. This desire is what Satan exploited—he tempted Adam with the promise of immortality and dominion, knowing his inclination toward these aspirations.
Satan whispered to Adam and Eve, convincing them that the forbidden tree was their gateway to eternal rule:
"Your Lord only forbade you from this tree so you may not become angels or live forever.”
Despite his resistance, Adam was eventually deceived, as Satan swore by Allah that he was a sincere advisor. Adam, having never encountered deception before, could not imagine someone swearing falsely by Allah. He disobeyed, but the defining moment was not his fall—it was his return to Allah in sincere repentance.
As you read these verses, it is crucial to reflect on the contrast between Adam and Satan. Satan was commanded to prostrate before Adam but refused out of arrogance. In contrast, Adam, though he disobeyed, immediately turned back to his Creator in repentance:
"Then his Lord chose him, accepted his repentance, and guided him.”
This is a lesson for all believers: the greatest blessing is not being sinless but having the ability to repent and return to Allah. Many people desire to repent, but their sins act as barriers. Ramadan provides a golden opportunity to break these chains and renew one’s commitment to Allah.
Adam’s story is filled with profound lessons. Satan’s rebellion was rooted in envy and arrogance. He refused to accept Allah’s decision, declaring:
"I am better than him; You created me from fire, and him from clay.”
This enmity between Adam and Satan did not end in Paradise—it continued into the worldly life, where Satan vowed:
"I will surely mislead them, fill them with false hopes, command them to alter Allah’s creation, and cause them to stray.”
Satan and his army are relentless in their mission to lead humanity astray. Will you stand unarmed against such an enemy? Or will you fortify yourself with the weapons of faith—seeking refuge in Allah, remaining steadfast in prayer, and clinging to the guidance of the Qur’an? These are the shields that protect against his deception.
As we experience the blessings of Ramadan, we must take inspiration from the Qur’an and allow it to shape our lives. This sacred month is an opportunity to renew our repentance, strengthen our resolve, and start afresh with sincerity. The Prophet ﷺ once ascended the pulpit and, upon each step, said "Ameen." When asked about it, he explained:
"Gabriel came to me and said, 'May the one who witnesses Ramadan and is not forgiven be cast away!' So I said, 'Ameen’.
How can we let this month pass without striving for Allah’s forgiveness? If we desire success in Ramadan, we must seize every opportunity for good deeds—each of us in our own capacity. The rewards are immense for those who seek them with sincerity.
May Allah bless us in this sacred month, grant us the strength to fast and stand in prayer, and make our best day the day we meet Him. May we be among those who rejoice in their fasting, knowing that Allah is pleased with them.
O Allah, bless us in Ramadan, aid us in fasting and worship, and let us taste the sweetness of Your mercy. Ameen.
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