What are the spiritual benefits of Ramadan?

The Importance of Ramadan

Ramadan is a month of great virtue. It is the month of mercy and blessings in abundance. A believer can reap the spiritual benefits of fasting from dawn to dusk. One benefit is that fasting increases a believer’s Taqwa, their consciousness of Allah (SWT). In the words of the Qur’an:

“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those who came before you, so that you may attain Taqwa.” [2:183]

Taqwa also refers to the fear of Allah (SWT), which implies that you take full responsibility for your actions, reflecting on whether they please Allah (SWT). Fasting in Ramadan gives believers more control over how they act.

Redemption from Hell and Entry into Jannah

Another spiritual benefit is that fasting in Ramadan is a means of redemption from hellfire. In a hadith, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said,

‘A worshipper does not fast a day for the sake of Allah except that that day (of fasting) distances the Fire from his face by seventy autumns’. [Timithy]

Besides, there is a glad tiding for those who fast with sincerity that they will be entered into paradise through a special door. The Prophet (PBUH) said in a hadith:

“In Paradise there is a gate called al-Rayyan, through which those who used to fast will enter on the Day of Resurrection, and no one but they will enter it.” [Bukhari, 1763]

Better Control Over Oneself

 Fasting during Ramadan gives better control over the self. It helps weaken the Nafs (ego) and inner desires. This means a believer is able to focus on worshipping Allah (SWT) with fewer distractions and temptations. The devils are locked up during Ramadan, which makes it easier to perform good deeds. It is reported that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said:

"When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

Fasting in Ramadan, with the correct intention, ultimately brings an individual closer to Allah (SWT). Fasting is an act of worship which is observed solely for the sake of Him and ensures abundant reward from Allah SWT Himself. The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) mentioned:

“Allah said: ‘Every deed of the son of Adam is for him except fasting; it is for Me, and I shall reward for it…” [Bukhari (1761) and Muslim (1946)]

Mental Well-Being Improves

 Ramadan helps improve the mental well-being of individuals and communities by bringing people together. Believers gather at the mosque for tarawih, other prayers and Iftar, sharing food and smiles. It provides many opportunities to perform acts of kindness, which in turn increases inner happiness and gives the believers a better focus on engaging in the worship of Allah (SWT).

Gratitude to Allah (SWT)

There are many benefits of fasting during Ramadan. Fasting makes believers more grateful for their blessings. It is a way of thanking Allah (SWT) for His bounties. It makes a fasting person reflect on how to help the less fortunate ones struck by poverty and sickness. The fasting people look forward to a nice meal at the end of the day, while those living in poverty do not know when they can have the next meal. Fasting allows an individual to feel the pain of those going through hunger, be more grateful to Allah (SWT) and be generous towards others. According to a hadith:

“A charity is due for every joint in each person on every day the sun comes up: to act justly between two people is a charity; to help a man with his mount, lifting him onto it or hoisting up his belongings onto it, is a charity; a good word is a charity; and removing a harmful thing from the road is a charity.” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)

Imagine the reward of charitable deeds in Ramadan when deeds are multiplied.

Give Charity This Ramadan

 Donate to Orphans in Need this Ramadan to reap immense rewards in this blessed month and invest in the hereafter by earning the pleasure of Allah (SWT). The Prophet (PBUH) said:

“The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity” (Al-Tirmidhi).

The above hadith highlights the importance of charity. It urges a believer to increase in generosity and ensure the shade for himself on the day when there will be no other shade available.