Celebrating Ramadan (1 of 5)
Ramadan arrives each year with a quiet but unmistakable joy, a joy rooted in the simple fact that Allah has allowed us to witness another season of worship. To feel happiness in this month is not a formality; it is an expression of gratitude that we are alive, capable, and blessed to engage once again in the acts of devotion that shape our faith. Fasting, the fourth pillar of Islam, carries a special place in this journey. Allah Taʿālā reminds us in Sūrat al‑Baqarah that fasting was prescribed “so that you may attain taqwā” (Qur’an 2:183), and that the month of Ramadan is the time in which the Qur’an was revealed as “guidance for humanity and clear proofs of guidance and criterion” (Qur’an 2:185). These verses capture the essence of the month: a time of heightened awareness, deeper reflection, and renewed clarity.
From the very first day, the blessings of fasting become tangible. The moment we break our fast each evening brings a sense of fulfillment that is both spiritual and emotional. It is the quiet satisfaction of completing an act of worship purely for the sake of Allah. The Prophet ﷺ described this beautifully when he said,
“The fasting person has two joys: one when he breaks his fast, and the other when he meets his Lord” (Ṣaḥīḥ al‑Bukhārī, Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim).
That daily joy at ifṭār is a reminder that our efforts are accepted, and the greater joy—reserved for the Day of Judgment—is a promise that gives meaning to every moment of restraint and patience.
As we move through this blessed month, it is important to pause and recognize how fortunate we are. Many who fasted with us in previous years are no longer here. Many who hoped to witness another Ramadan were not granted that opportunity. Remember them in your duʿā’, and ask Allah to grant them mercy, forgiveness, and light in their graves. At the same time, let our prayers extend beyond our immediate circles. Think of those living in refugee camps, those displaced from their homes, those struggling with the bare minimum, and those imprisoned around the world with little comfort or support. Ramadan is a month of compassion, and our duʿā’ is one of the most powerful ways we can honor that spirit.
May Allah allow us to complete this Ramadan with sincerity, strength, and gratitude. May He grant us many more Ramadans in good health and strong īmān, ease the suffering of the oppressed, and fill our hearts with humility and compassion. Ameen.