By: Ismael Mukhtar.

Ramadan, a month unlike any other month, awaited by Muslims across the globe with great anticipation and excitement, is approaching us fast. Ramadan is a month that unleashes the best among humans and provides ample opportunities for self attainment and spiritual emancipation. In Ramadan, enmities subside, fraternity reigns, tears of hope and remorse flow, kindness prevails and generosity becomes the norm. A noble call is made in Ramadan, “O seeker of goodness and virtue, come forward; O seeker of wickedness and evil, turn backward” (Reported by Tirmizi and Ibn-i-Maja).

Ramadan’s name, as noted by the renowned linguist Al-Khaleel, comes from the root word of “Ramdaa'” which refers to the light rain that precedes the fall season, washing off accumulated dust. Imam Alrazi, the renowned commentator of the Quran, notes that this linguistic root meaning of Ramadan fits the essence of Ramadan, a month of cleansing and purification from sins. Ramadan is blessed at every instant of its duration -- in its beginning, in the middle and in its end. In a hadith, it is narrated that the prophet, peace be upon him, said, “It is the month, whose beginning is mercy, its middle, forgiveness and its end, emancipation from the hell fire”.

The month of Ramadan is primarily known as the month of fasting, but it is also a month of the greatest event in human history, the beginning of Quranic revelation. Allah SWT says, “Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong)….” 2:185. Fasting is an act of devotion with higher aims and purposes. It is neither a ritual nor a mere physical restraint. The Quran explains the purpose of fasting by stating, "Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain "taqwa" (piety)." [2:183]. Attainment of “taqwa” is a lifelong endeavor that takes people to the ranks of the most honoured and blessed. Allah SWT says, "The most honoured by Allah amongst you are those best in taqwa." [49:13]

Jurists categorize fasting into three categories: optional (tataw) fasting, obligatory (wajib) fasting, and vowed (nazr) fasting. The fasting in Ramadan is obligatory upon all believing men and women. Fasting has a physical dimension and non physical dimension. The physical dimension is limited to the abstention from food and drink; the non physical includes abstention of evil thoughts and actions that follow it. The prophet peace be upon him says, “Perhaps a person fasting will receive nothing from his fasting except hunger and thirst", (Reported by Ibn Majah). Imam Al-Ghazali ranks fasting into three levels: Fasting of the (awam) lay person, fasting of the (kawas) elite, fasting of (kawas al-kawas) the elite of the elites. The main difference between the first level and the latter two levels is the degree of inner engagement in fasting. The focus of fasting of awam is on physical abstention, while the latter two, with varying degree of intensity, include mental and perceptual abstention.

Among the many acts of virtues recommended in Ramadan, three in particular are worth highlighting. The first and second are generosity and recitation of the Quran at greater frequency. In a hadith reported by Al-Bukhari, Ibn Abbass says, "The Prophet was the most generous of people, but he would be his most generous during Ramadan when he would meet with Gabriel. He would meet with him every night and recite the Qur'an. When Gabriel met him, he used to be more generous than a fast wind". The third virtue is nightly prayers (Qiyam), particularly in the last ten days of Ramadan. It is narrated that the prophet peace be upon him said, “Whoever prays during the nights of Ramadan with a firm belief and hoping for reward, all of his previous sins will be forgiven”.

Ramadan’s closing act of virtue is as beautiful as its beginning. Ramadan is concluded with an act of kindness and generosity that emanates from every household. Zakat Al-fitr has been prescribed before Eid prayer at the latest as a form of sharing and reaching out to the needy. Indeed Ramadan is a unique opportunity, but not for everyone. The blessed ones are those who come out of Ramadan cleaner, leaner, tender and renewed.

Shaykh Ismael Mukhtar was taught Arabic, Quran and Islam by his late father who held the position of the Mufti of Eritrea as well as many other scholarly positions. He is known to be well-read in all Islamic subjects, with a special interest in Islamic history and Islamic thought. He carries a degree in management from the University of Manitoba as well as a professional accounting designation (CGA) and works at a major Canadian investing firm. He sits on a number of committees and has held a number of positions including: Chairman of Muslim Association of Canada (MAC). Shaykh Ismael resides in Winnipeg.


References:
Al-Ghazali, Ihya Ulumuddin (Arabic)
Al-Razi, Mafateeh Ulghaib (Arabic)
Syed Sabiq, Fiqh Usunnah (Arabic)