Ramadan: The Revelation Month

The month of Ramadan holds a uniquely sacred position within the Islamic calendar, intrinsically linked to the very foundation of the faith: the revelation of the Holy Quran. Allah (SWT) states in the Quran, "O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous" (Quran 2:183). This foundational verse not only establishes fasting as a pillar of Islam but also highlights its historical continuity, having been prescribed for previous nations as well. The ultimate purpose, as indicated by "that you may become righteous," is the attainment of piety, a concept deeply interwoven with the Quranic emphasis on the reverential fear of Allah, as He says, "And piety is in whoever fears Allah" (Quran 2:189).

Further elaborating on the practice, Allah (SWT) states, "Fasting is for a numbered day. So whoever of you is ill or on a journey - then an equal number [of days] from other times. And upon those who can afford it is a ransom, the feeding of a poor person. But whoever volunteers for good - it is better for him; and that you fast is better for you, if you only knew" (Quran 2:184). This verse underscores the practical and compassionate nature of fasting, acknowledging human limitations. The "numbered day" signifies that the obligation is time-bound, preserving the devotee's well-being. Provisions for illness or travel ensure that the spiritual discipline does not become a source of undue hardship, allowing for the completion of the obligation at a later, more suitable time. The allowance for those who can only endure it with great difficulty to feed a poor person reflects the inherent mercy and flexibility embedded within Islamic practices, demonstrating that devotion is meant to be accessible and sustainable.

The profound significance of Ramadan is further illuminated by the verse, "The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, as guidance to mankind and clear proofs of guidance and criterion" (Quran 2:185). This verse directly links the month of Ramadan to the commencement of the Quran's revelation. It is an invitation to experience this divine guidance firsthand through the act of fasting. The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) himself reinforced this connection, associating his own birth and the day the Quran was revealed to him with his voluntary fast on Mondays. As narrated by 'Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him), when asked why he fasted on Mondays, the Prophet (peace be upon him) replied, "It is the day I was born and the day the Quran was revealed to me." (Muslim).

This spiritual synergy is further exemplified by the Prophet's (peace be upon him) unparalleled generosity during Ramadan. Ibn 'Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was the most generous of people, and he would be even more so during Ramadan when Jibril (Gabriel) would meet him. Jibril would meet him every night of Ramadan, and they would review the Quran together. In these encounters, the Prophet (peace be upon him) was more generous than a fleeting wind. This tradition highlights the intense spiritual engagement and mutual recitation of the Quran that characterised the Prophet's Ramadan, underscoring the month's role as a period of deep connection with the divine word.

The comprehensive nature of the Quran's revelation during Ramadan is further emphasised by the Prophet's (peace be upon him) interactions with Fatima (may Allah be pleased with her). He mentioned that Jibril used to review the entire Quran with him once a year, but in the year of his passing, Jibril reviewed it with him twice. He interpreted this as a sign that his end was near (Bukhari and Muslim). This demonstrates the heightened spiritual significance of that particular Ramadan and the profound role of the Quran in the Prophet's life as he prepared to meet his Lord.

The verse continues to describe the Quran as "guidance to mankind and clear proofs of guidance and criterion" (Quran 2:185). The Quran is presented as a universal guide, offering the essence of the right path for every individual. The "clear proofs of guidance" are the discernible signs and teachings within the Quran that illuminate the way. The "criterion" refers to the innate human capacity to distinguish between truth and falsehood, between right and wrong, a faculty honed and clarified by the Quran's wisdom. Ibn Kathir, in his renowned tafsir, explains that the Quran was revealed as a guide for the hearts of believers, providing clear evidence of its truthfulness and enabling individuals to discern the straight path, thereby distinguishing between truth and error, and lawful and unlawful.

Therefore, the Quran itself serves as a guide, and within its verses lie clear proofs and the means for discernment for those who reflect upon it. This interaction with the Quran's inherent guidance is what is meant by "clear proofs of guidance and criterion." The Quran's message is not merely abstract; it is meant to be actively engaged with, leading to clarity and discernment in all aspects of life.

The divine wisdom behind the prescribed fasting is further articulated: "Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the number and to glorify Allah for that by which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful" (Quran 2:185). This verse beautifully encapsulates the essence of the fasting ritual, aligning it with the core principle of ease that is inherent in piety. Anything that contradicts the accessible nature of fasting's rulings is contrary to piety. The Prophet (peace be upon him) himself stated, "Fasting while travelling is not an act of piety" (Bukhari and Muslim), reinforcing the idea that religious observances are designed to be manageable and not a source of undue burden.

The verses concerning fasting are also situated within a broader context that addresses factors contributing to a virtuous community, recognising that virtue is the guarantor of its continuity and preservation from deviation. Thus, these verses begin by mentioning piety, which ensures longevity, followed by supplication, which acts as a shield against misguidance: "And when My servants ask you concerning Me - indeed I am near. I respond to the invocation of the supplicant when he calls on Me. So let them respond to Me and believe in Me that they may be rightly guided" (Quran 2:186). This connection between piety and supplication is also found in the hadith: "Nothing can change divine decree except supplication, and nothing can increase lifespan except piety, and a man may be deprived of sustenance because of a sin he commits" [Ahmed (al-Albani: hasan)].

The phrase "that they may be rightly guided" in Allah's statement carries a semantic link to the overall context. Being rightly guided signifies continuous, purposeful orientation, leading to the achievement of a goal. The guarantee of reaching this goal implies the assurance of the community's uprightness until the end of time.

The subsequent verses address marital relations during Ramadan, acknowledging that such relationships are crucial for the lawful continuation of the community, much like sustenance and drink. The verse addresses the legality of these relations within the framework of devotional requirements during this sacred month. This highlights the holistic approach of Islam, which integrates all aspects of life, including personal relationships, within the broader context of faith and spiritual observance.