Welcoming Ramadan, the Month of Mercy (Final)

The Necessity, Wisdom, and Rewards of Fasting

FASTING is necessary in Islam because it purifies the soul, restrains base desires, and instills compassion for the less privileged. The Prophet (s.a.w.) said:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his past sins will be forgiven.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī; Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim)

In a Hadith Qudsi, Allah states:
“Every deed of the son of Adam is for him—except fasting; it is for Me, and I shall reward it.” (Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī)

This exclusive attribution of fasting to Allah highlights its unmatched spiritual status.

Who Is Obliged to Fast in Islam?

Fasting Ramadan is obligatory upon every Muslim who is:

• Bāligh (has attained puberty),
• ‘Āqil (mentally sound),
• Mukallaf (legally responsible),
• Physically capable,
• Not exempted by valid Sharī‘ah reasons.

Exemptions and Concessions in Fasting

Islam, being a religion of mercy, provides exemptions for:

• The sick, whose condition may worsen by fasting,
• Travellers undertaking permissible journeys,
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women if fasting poses harm,
• The elderly who are permanently unable to fast.

Allah says:
“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.” (Qur’an 2:185)

Acts That Nullify the Fast

The fast is invalidated by:

• Intentional eating or drinking,
• Sexual relations during fasting hours,
• Intentional vomiting,
• Menstruation and postnatal bleeding,
• Deliberate apostasy (renouncing Islam).

Laylat al-Qadr: The Pinnacle of Ramadan

Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree, occurs within the last ten nights of Ramadan and surpasses a thousand months in virtue. Allah says:
“The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (Qur’an 97:3)

Worship on this night yields immense reward, forgiveness, and divine mercy.

I‘tikāf: Retreat for Spiritual Renewal

I‘tikāf is a Sunnah practice observed in the last ten days of Ramadan, involving seclusion in the mosque for worship, reflection, and supplication. Its essence lies in detaching from worldly distractions and devoting oneself entirely to Allah.

Zakat al-Fitr: Completing the Fast

Zakat al-Fitr is a mandatory charity paid before the Eid prayer. Ibn ‘Abbas (r.a.) reported:
“The Messenger of Allah prescribed Zakat al-Fitr to purify the fasting person from idle talk and obscenity and to feed the poor.” (Abū Dāwūd)

Conclusion

Ramadan is truly the month of mercy, forgiveness, spiritual elevation, and social responsibility. Welcoming it with knowledge, preparation, sincerity, and discipline enables Muslims to transform not only their individual lives but also their families and communities. May Allah allow us to reach Ramadan, benefit from its blessings, and accept our fasting, prayers, and good deeds.

I wish every Muslim “RAMADAN KAREEM, RAMADAN MUBARAK.” Āmīn

By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai

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