Once again, Ramadan Mubarak graces the hearts of Muslims across the globe after a year. Each believer-Muslim eagerly awaits this sacred month, brimming with blessings of mercy, forgiveness, compassion, and unity.  Among the many virtues and characteristics of this blessed month, the two main ones are – Taqwa (God-fearing) and the soul-nourishing guidance of Quran.

Ramadan is the month of the Quran. In this month, the Quran, the noble words of Allaah, which are the guidance and source of welfare for all mankind, was revealed. That's why the relationship between this month and the Quran is deeply connected. As soon as Ramadan arrives, Muslims around the world become busy with reciting the Quran and listening to its interpretation. The Taraweeh prayers are performed extensively worldwide, completing the recitation of the Holy Quran numerous times. Millions of Hafizs, with their melodious voices, recite the words of Allah, leaving believers mesmerized. Throughout the year, alongside the recitations, many devout servants of Allaah complete the recitation of the Holy Quran multiple times during this blessed month.

In this manner, Ramadan is portrayed as the month of God-fearing, where believers seek closeness to Allaah through devotion and fear. It has been made clear in the verse that emphasizes the obligation of fasting:

یٰۤاَیُّهَا الَّذِیْنَ اٰمَنُوْا كُتِبَ عَلَیْكُمُ الصِّیَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَی الَّذِیْنَ مِنْ قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُوْنَ

“O believers! The fasts have been enjoined upon you, as they were enjoined upon those before you, so that you may be God-fearing.”

[Surah Al-Baqarah – 2:183]

In essence, the core purpose of Ramadan is to cultivate Taqwa. And Taqwa essentially means prioritizing the will of the Creator over our own desires, following His guidance, obeying His commandments, and refraining from anything that He prohibits.

So, Ramadan is the month of the Quran, the month of Taqwa. To embrace these qualities, it's essential to learn how to read the Quran accurately and understand its true meaning. At the same time, to attain Taqwa, one must be aware of the commands and prohibitions prescribed by Shari’ah (Islamic law). This means being informed about the essential obligatory duties assigned to them, and understanding what actions are forbidden. Only then can one truly achieve Taqwa and lead their life accordingly.

Unfortunately, the challenges faced by the Muslim Ummah, surrounded by a multitude of global issues and oppressed by the 'agyar,' which refers to foreign and non-Muslim entities, are not confined to a single location. Rather, they find themselves submerged amidst the injustices and massacres of their corrupt rulers, who have turned away from their own faith.

The greatest problem in the Muslim world today is, without a doubt, the neglect of the Quran by the Muslim Ummah. Looking at the general society, it is evident that the number of Muslims who can read the Quran is decreasing day by day. Even fewer among them can recite it correctly.

Similarly, the obligations and prohibitions of a believer-Muslim in their daily life are increasingly overlooked. So, the awareness among Muslims regarding their obligatory duties is weakening day by day.

There is no doubt that even in this age, the only path for the protection of the Muslim Ummah, the return to prosperity, and attaining salvation in the Hereafter is to once again turn towards the Quran and return to the path of faith. For this reason, it is essential for everyone to learn the Quran accurately and acquire the fundamental teachings of religion.

Regardless of age or occupation, obtaining the fundamental teachings of religion is barrier-free. By dedicating some time, regardless of age or profession, any Muslim can take the initiative to grasp the foundational aspects of faith and master the authentic recitation of the Quran.

In addition to the branches of Talimuddin Academy (An initiative of Markzud Dawah Al-Islamia), there are now similar part-time educational setups in various regions across the country. In areas where such arrangements are lacking, Muslims can take the initiative to establish them independently.

Ulamae Keram, Huffaze Keram and Aimmaye Masajid have a vital role in uniting Muslims from all walks of life around the Quran, teaching it accurately, and spreading essential religious teachings. Wherever they reside within the community, individuals have the opportunity to learn the Quran and fundamental religious principles correctly, even while pursuing their regular occupations.

It is our hope that religious leaders will initiate efforts from their positions, and Muslims of all backgrounds will seize this opportunity to progress along the path of well-being and guidance.

‘They’ claim to have taught the world so many policies, including democracy, but none of it has brought peace to the world. Depression and suicide rates are rising in both rich and poor nations. Why? The reason is clear: as people distance themselves from religion and turn away from Allaah, their lives become more troubled. Society sees more tyranny, lawlessness, oppression, and discrimination. Therefore, Muslims should come back to the Quran and embrace Taqwa for a better life.

Ramadan is the blessed month for progressing on the path of Quran and Taqwa. May Allaah grant everyone success in this endeavor. Ameen.

Another distinctive aspect of Ramadan is Shahrul Khairat - the month of charity and generosity. Regarding the Prophet (ﷺ), Abdullah Ibn Abbas (RA) mentioned:

كَانَ رَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلّূى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلَّمَ أَجْوَدَ النّاسِ، وَكَانَ أَجْوَدَ مَا يَكُونُ فِيْ رَمَضَانَ حِيْنَ يَلْقَاهُ جِبْرِيْلُ، وَكَانَ يَلْقَاهُ فِي كُلِّ لَيْلَةٍ  مِّنْ رَمَضَانَ فَيُدَارِسُهُ القُرْآنَ، فَلَرَسُوْلُ اللهِ صَلَّى اللهُ عَلَيْهِ وَسَلّمَ أَجْوَدُ بِالخَيْرِ مِنَ الرِّيْحِ المُرْسَلَةِ

"The Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) was the most generous of people, and he was even more generous in Ramadan when Jibril (AS) would meet him. Jibril (AS) used to meet him every night of Ramadan, and they would recite the Qur’an to each other. Thus, the Messenger of Allaah (ﷺ) was more charitable than a beneficial wind."

[Sahih al-Bukhari: 6, Sahih Muslim: 2308, Musnad Ahmad: 2616]

Meaning, Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) used to give significantly more charity during the month of Ramadan compared to other months. Muslims around the world follow his example by extending their hands in charity during this month, and this practice should be further encouraged.

Beginning from our local communities, extending to our own nations, and even beyond - wherever oppressed Muslims endure injustice across the globe, we must not hesitate to extend our charity to them whenever possible. It's essential to keep them in our thoughts and continue offering assistance beyond Ramadan.

So, it is only then that Muslims will become more aware of the true significance of Ramadan as Shahrul Muwasat (the month of compassion), and Shahrul Khairat (the month of charity).

Translation: Fayez Ahmed