The month of Ramadan has many virtues and privileges that are not owned by other months. The month of Ramadan was chosen by Allah to be ordered to carry out fasting as was ordered to the ummah of the previous Prophets, so that the Muslim has the virtues of the earlier ummah who believed and devoted to Allah.
There are ten meanings of the month of Ramadan, namely first, Syahr al-Qur’an (the month of Qur’an), because it was in this month that the Koran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad SAW. In addition, other holy books: the Psalms, the Torah and the Bible were also sent down in the same month.
“The month of Ramadan, the month in which the (beginning) of the Qur’an was sent down as a guide for mankind and explanations regarding that guidance and the difference (between the right and the wrong)…” (Q.s. Al-Baqarah [2]: 185 ).
Second, Syahr al-Shiyam (the month of obligatory fasting), since only Ramadan is a month in which Muslims are required to fast for the whole month. And only Ramadan, the only one, the name of the month mentioned in Qur’an. (Surah al-Baqarah [2]: 185).
Third, Syahr al-Tilawah (the month of reading Qur’an), because in this month Jibril AS met the Prophet SAW to recite the Qur’an with the Prophet from beginning to end. In the hadith it is stated:
“Jibril came to see him every night during Ramadan until he lay down. At that time the Prophet sallallaahu ‘alaihi wa sallam showed Jibril his recitation of the Qur’an by heart.” (Narrated by Bukhari in his Sahih (II/228)
The Salafush Shalih Radhiyallahu anhum multiply their reading of the Qur’an in prayer and on other occasions. [24] Majaalis Syahri Ramadhaan, by Shaykh Ibn ‘Ustaimin (p. 24).
Fourth, Syahrul maghfirah, which is the month full of forgiveness. From Abu Hurairah Radhiyallahu anhu, from the Prophet he said:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and expects a reward (from Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala), his past sins will surely be forgiven.” (Narrated by Bukhari (II/228). And in Shahiih Muslim from Abu Hurairah Radhiyallahu anhu that Rasulullah Shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam said,
“The five daily obligatory prayers, the Friday to Friday prayers, and the next Ramadan to the next Ramadan erase the sins committed between these periods if major sins are kept away.” (Narrated by Muslim (I/209)
Fifth: Syahr al-Rahmah (a month full of abundant mercy from Allah SWT), because Allah sends down various graces that are not found outside of Ramadan. The doors of goodness that lead to heaven are wide opened.
Sixth, Syahr al-Najat (month of liberation from the torment of hell). Allah promises forgiveness of sins and liberation from the torment of hell fire for those who fast because of faith and only hope for His pleasure.
Seventh, Syahr al-‘Id (the month that ends with a feast). Ramadan is greeted with joy and ends with Eid al-Fitr celebrations which are full of happiness too, including the poor
Eighth, Syahr al-Judd (the month of generosity), because this month Muslims are encouraged to give a lot of charity, especially to ease the burden on the needy and poor. The Prophet SAW set the best example as the most generous person in the holy month.
Imam al-Bukhari and Muslim issued a hadith from Ibn ‘Abbas Radhiyallahu anhuma, he said:
“The Messenger of Allah was the most generous person in kindness. And he was even more generous when in the month of Ramadan when Jibril met him. So when Jibril met him, that’s when he Shallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam was more generous in kindness than the wind that blows.”
Ninth, Syahr al-Shabr (month of patience), because fasting trains a person to behave patiently, have a big heart, and withstand trials.
In a hadith narrated by Ibn Khuzaimah from Salman Al-Farisi, that Rasulullah said: that the month of Ramadan is a month of patience, and patience is the only reward from heaven. So every obedience decorated with patience is glory.
Tenth, Syahr Allah (month of Allah), because in it Allah multiplies the reward for fasting people. From Abu Hurairah Radhiyallahu anhhu, Rasulullah said: “Allah Subhanahu wa Ta’ala said, ‘Every deed that the son of Adam does is for him, except fasting. Verily fasting is for Me. I will be the one to reward him…’”
In the narration of Imam Muslim, it is stated: “Every charity that the son of Adam does will be multiplied. One kindness is multiplied ten to seven hundred times. Then Allah Azza wa Jalla said, “Except fasting. Verily fasting is for Me and I am the One who rewards it. The fasting person leaves lust and food for My sake alone.” (Narrated by Muslim (II/807).
Imam an-Nawawi Rahimahullah said, “The Word of Allah Ta’ala states, ‘And I am the one who gives reward,’ is a clear explanation of the greatness of Allah’s grace and the abundance of His rewards because actually a noble and generous person if he reports that he himself will bear the reward, this shows how great the amount of reward he offers and how wide the gift He gives.” (Syarhun Nawawi li Shahiih Muslim (VIII/29).
So, Ramadan is a month full of meanings, all of which lead to victory, namely: the victory of Muslims who fast against lust, egotism, greed, and dishonesty. As the month of jihad, Ramadan must be interpreted by showing performance achievements and individual and social piety.
Wallahu A’lam Bissawab
Writer :
Husnul Fathoni
Head of UB Center for Religious Development (PPA).
[Humas UB/ Trans. Iir]
