Ramadan — A Deeper Look
Suggest editBeyond Fasting
Ramadan (رمضان), the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is far more than abstaining from food and drink. The Prophet said: 'Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, all their previous sins will be forgiven' (Bukhari and Muslim). The month is a comprehensive training program for the soul, combining physical discipline (fasting), spiritual intensification (extra prayers, Quran recitation), social responsibility (charity, feeding others), and moral refinement (avoiding anger, gossip, and idle speech).
Laylat al-Qadr
The Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) is the single most valuable night of the year. Allah says: 'The Night of Power is better than a thousand months' (97:3), meaning worship on this one night earns more reward than approximately 83 years of worship. The Prophet indicated it falls in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan (the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th). Muslims intensify their worship during these nights, with many spending the entire night in prayer, Quran recitation, and supplication.
I'tikaf
I'tikaf is the practice of secluding oneself in the mosque during the last ten days of Ramadan, devoting oneself entirely to worship. The Prophet observed i'tikaf every Ramadan. The person in i'tikaf eats, sleeps, and prays in the mosque, leaving only for necessary reasons. It is a powerful retreat from worldly distractions, allowing deep focus on the relationship with Allah. While the full ten days is ideal, scholars permit shorter periods.
Social Dimensions
Ramadan has a profound social component. The Prophet was 'more generous than the blowing wind' during Ramadan (Bukhari). Muslims are encouraged to feed fasting people (the reward equals the faster's reward without diminishing it), increase charitable giving (many give their annual zakat during Ramadan), strengthen family ties through shared iftars, and extend kindness to neighbors and strangers. Zakat al-Fitr, a mandatory charity given before the Eid prayer, ensures that even the poorest can celebrate Eid.