So the long-awaited month of Ramadan is drawing near, and all your family and friends are in preparation for this blessed month. Everything is planned and scheduled around it, and you often hear the phrase “we will plan it after Ramadan”, or “let’s go before Ramadan”.

During this month, Muslims around the world tend to hibernate in a dedicated world of fasting, giving to charity, unanimity and prayers.

One question may have crossed your mind though; what is the actual motive behind all this?

Well, let’s start from the beginning.

The significance of this auspicious month is that it is when the Holy Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as guidance for all mankind. The very night, which falls within the final ten days of Ramadan, is known as Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power).

“Indeed we have revealed the Qur’an in the Night of Power, and what can make you know what the Night of Power is? The Night of Power is better than a thousand months. The Angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Creator, Allah SWT for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.”
- The Holy Qur’an 97:1-5

It is believed that any good deeds carried out on this single night are equivalent to the reward of a thousand months. Laylatul Qadr is one of the holiest nights of the Islamic year and any ibaadah (worship) performed on this night is greatly rewarded.

It is a month where fasting is observed. Fasting in Ramadan is obligatory in Islam, not optional; it is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The rewards in this month are phenomenally increased. It is said that the gates of Heaven are opened, and Shaytan (the devil) is locked away. It is a prime month to repent for sins and seek forgiveness from Allah SWT.

The actual motive of fasting is to increase one’s purity and discipline. During this month, Muslims recite the Qur’an more and devote further time towards worshipping Allah SWT. Fasting isn’t necessarily just about abstaining from food and drink; it also involves refraining from backbiting, lying, cheating and so forth. In essence, this purifies the soul and humbles a person in the process.

One of the most significant of the many acts of increased reward during Ramadan is the giving of charity. Generosity is most loved by Allah SWT and is greatly rewarded, especially during this special month of giving.

So submit your Ramadan donations through www.islamichelp.org.uk in a bid to help those who are less fortunate than us, and together we can aspire to enhance our sawaab (reward) this Ramadan.