Dear Islamic brothers! It is a great bounty of Allah that he has granted us a tremendous gift in the form of Ramadan. Whose every moment is full of mercy. The reward of good deeds is multiplied many times in this month. The reward of a Nafl act is equivalent to that of a Fard one, while the reward of a Fard act is multiplied 70 times.
In this month, even the sleep of a fasting person is considered an act of worship. The divine ‘Arsh-holding angels say ‘Amin’ for the Du’a of the fasting people. According to a Hadis, the fish in the seas ask for forgiveness until Iftar for the one who fasts in Ramadan. [1]Attarghib Wattarhib, pp. 55, vol. 2, Hadis 6
Door of worship
Fast in a hidden form of worship; no one can come to know about your fast until you tell it to others. Allah likes hidden worship more. A blessed Hadis says, ‘Fasting in the door of worship.’ [2]Al-Jami’-us-Saghir, pp. 146, Hadis 2415
Revelation of the Quran
Ramadan is a blessed and sacred month in which Allah revealed the Holy Quran. He mentions the revelation of the Holy Quran and Ramadan in these words:
The month of Ramadan in which was sent the Quran – the guidance for mankind, the direction, and the clear criteria (to judge between right and wrong). So whoever among you finds this month, must fast for the (whole) month; and whoever is sick or on a journey, may fast the same number on other days. Allah عَزَّوَجَلَّ desires ease for you and does not desire hardship for you so that you complete the count ( of fasts), and glorify Allah’s greatness for having guided you, and so that you may be grateful. [3]Kanz-ul-Iman (Translation of Quran) (Part 2, Surah Baqarah, verse 185
Definition of Ramadan
Regarding the first part of this verse (شَھرُرَمَضَانَ الَّذِی), a renowned exegetic of the Quran, Mufti Ahmad Yar Khan has stated in ‘Tafsir-e-Na’imi’, ‘Like ‘رَحّمٰن’ (Rahman), Ramadan is probably one of the names of Allah because He is worshiped the whole day and night in this month. Therefore, it is called Ramadan i.e., ‘The Month of Allah عزوجل.’ A Masjid or the Holy Ka’bah is referred to as the house of Allah because it is the place where Allah is worshiped, similarly, Ramadan is the month of Allah because everyone is occupied with fulfilling the commandments of Allah in this month.
The fast and the Tarawih Salah are forms of worship but when a Muslim fasts, his Halal job or business is also considered worship. The word رَمَضَان (Ramadan) is derived either from the word ‘رَمضَاء’ (Ramdaun) or from the word رَمض (Ramd). The word رَمضَاء implies the autumn rain which washes the earth and produces a good spring harvest. Since this month also washes the dirt and dust of sins from the heart, making the crops of virtuous deeds blossom, it is called Ramadan for this reason.
For a good harvest, rain is needed every day in the first month of the rainy season, four times in the second month, and once in the last month. The last rain prepares the crops for harvest. In the like manner, a Muslim does virtuous acts for eleven months and then the fasts of Ramadan prepare the crops of virtues. The word ‘رَمض’ (Ramd) implies heat or burning. As the Muslims endure the burning of thirst and hunger in Ramadan or as this month burns their sins, it is called Ramadan. (In Kanz-ul-‘Ummal, page 217, volume 8 there is a narration reported by Sayyiduna Anas رضي الله عنه that the Beloved and Blessed Prophet ﷺ has said, ‘This month is called Ramadan because it burns sins).’