What are theSpiritual Benefits ofRamadan?

During the month of Ramadan, there are spiritual benefits of fasting from dusk to dawn. One benefit is that it increases our Taqwa, our consciousness of Allah (SWT). This is referred to in the Quran: ’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’. [The Noble Qur’an, 2:183]

Having Taqwa also refers to having a fear of Allah (SWT) in that you are conscious of your deeds, both good and bad, and think about whether they please Allah (SWT) or not. Therefore, fasting means we have more control over ourselves and our actions.

Protection from Hellfire and Admittance to Jannah

Another spiritual benefit of Ramadan and fasting during it is that we are protected 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’. [Tirmidhi]

Another beautiful benefit of fasting in Ramadan is that those who fast will be able to enter Jannah through one of its gates, called Ar-Rayyan.

Weakening Nafs and Inner Desires

Fasting in Ramadan also weakens your Nafs and your inner desires. This means you are able to focus on worshipping Allah (SWT) and have fewer distractions and temptations. In addition, Shaytan is locked up during Ramadan, which means believers worship without his temptations. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (may Allah's peace and blessings be upon him) 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 you closer to Allah (SWT) because you are doing an act of worship for Him, and through your act and struggle, Allah (SWT) rewards you. We should be fasting for the sake of Allah (SWT) alone and fulfil Sawm, the Pillar of Islam, by doing so. Sawm means ‘to fast’.

Gratitude to Allah (SWT)

Fasting also makes us more grateful for what we have, and we thank Allah (SWT) for providing for us. It should also make us think about how we can help others who are less fortunate and who suffer from poverty and sickness all around the world. In Ramadan, but also at any time, giving charity is a way to show gratefulness for your blessings and to help others. A hadith states that: “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)

Give Charity This Ramadan

Donate to Orphans in Need this Ramadan to reap the rewards of this month and invest in your afterlife by pleasing Allah (SWT). The Prophet, upon him, be peace, said: “The believer’s shade on the Day of Resurrection will be his charity” (Al-Tirmidhi). This hadith shows the true importance of giving charity, which should encourage us to give as much as we can.