RAMADAN: A MONTH OF MERCY & FORGIVENESS

The Holy Month of Ramadan is upon us once again, this year with many Muslim nations under coronavirus lockdown. We seek, at Anjum Hotel Makkah, protection in the perfect words of Allah The Almighty from every evil that has been created and from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Ramadan is the ninth and most precious month in Muslims lunar calendar. There are around 1.6 billion Muslims around the world who observe fast during this Holy month. As we know fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam among five. Other acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Quran and charity are also encouraged during the month of Ramadan. In Holy Quran Allah Almighty says about the importance of Ramadan in these words: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness” (Quran, 2:183)

Ramadan is the month in which Muslims reconnect and rekindle their relationship with God by fasting, praying, and reciting the words He revealed to mankind. These words bring softness, comfort, and light to the heart no matter how dark it may have been throughout the year.

The Holy is a much revered and blessed month for Muslims all over the world and marks the month that the Holy Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

When the month of Ramadan starts the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed as our beloved Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said in one of his hadiths in these words: “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained” (Bukhari). 

There are other significances of this Holy month: It is the very rewarding act in Ramadan to offer Iftar to those who are fasting.  It is also recommended to give Zakat in the month of Ramadan. Muslims also observe I’tikaaf that is residing in the mosque for worship especially in the last 10 days of this Holy month Ramadan. 

Ashra of Ramadan

The Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said: “It (Ramadan) is the month, whose beginning is mercy, its middle, forgiveness and its end, emancipation from the fire (of hell).”

First Ashra – Days of Mercy

This is called “Rehmat”, meaning Mercy of Allah. The Dua for this part of the month will be: “O! Our Lord forgives and have Mercy and You are the Best of Merciful.”

In line with these prayers and the meaning of this Ashra, all Muslims should display mercy through acts of charity, by treating others well and helping people whenever they can.

Second Ashra - Days of Forgiveness

This is called “Maghfirah”, meaning forgiveness. It is the time when every Muslim must ask for forgiveness and peace from Allah. They should apologise for all their mistakes, change their ways and forgive those who have done them wrong.

The dua for this Ashra is: “I ask forgiveness of our sins from Allah who is my Lord and II turn towards Him.”

Third Ashra - Days of Seeking Refuge

This is called “Nijaat”, meaning salvation. These are also known as the Days of Seeking Refuge. This final stage of the month is about seeking sanctuary from the fires of Hell.

Fasting itself is said to be a shield from Hellfire that's as effective as any physical shield used in battle. And the dua for this part of the month is “O Almighty Allah, save me from the fire of Hell.”

The last ten days of Ramadan are very significant as they are when Laylat al-Qadr takes place. Variously translated as Night of Power, Night of Destiny and other names, it commemorates the night when the Qur'an was first revealed to Muhammad.

No doubt, the month of Ramadan is full of blessings, mercy and forgiveness. It’s the best opportunity for all the Muslims to collect more blessings of Allah and pray for their forgiveness and to be saved from the Hell fire.

At Anjum Hotel Makkah we ask Allah The Almighty to allow us to reach this blessed month and to benefit from its virtues in this life and in the Hereafter, and to bless us with peace and grace.