In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Understanding the Greatness of the Blessed Month of Ramadan: A Prerequisite for Attaining Its Blessings

Seyed Hashem Moosavi

Introduction

The coming week, God willing, marks the beginning of the blessed month of Ramadan -a time for practicing servitude and disciplining the rebellious soul by embracing the spiritual and sacred atmosphere that Allah, by His grace, has bestowed upon His servants in this noble month. In this regard, the articles presented throughout this holy month will focus on studying its greatness, the effects and blessings of fasting, and the responsibilities of believers during this sacred time.

The Necessity of Knowledge and Awareness Regarding the Blessed Month of Ramadan

Before delving into the discussion of the blessed month of Ramadan-its greatness, blessings, and the importance of fasting-it is essential to emphasize that performing any task correctly, including fasting in Ramadan, which is the most significant and well-known obligation of a believer during this month, depends on complete knowledge and awareness. Achieving the expected benefits of fasting requires a profound understanding of its significance.

In this regard, Imam Ali (peace be upon him) imparted a crucial lesson to one of his most devoted students in the field of ethics and mysticism, Kumayl ibn Ziyad. He stated:

 « یا کمیل ما من حرکة الا و انت محتاج فیها الی معرفة»

“O Kumayl, there is no movement or action except that you need knowledge and awareness in performing it.”

The Infallible Imams (peace be upon them) also emphasize that greater knowledge and understanding are the key criteria for distinguishing believers from one another. They explicitly state:

 «بَعضُكُم أَكثَرُ صَلاةً مِن بَعضٍ، و بَعضُكُم أَكثَرُ حَجّاً مِن بَعضٍ، و بَعضُكُم أَكثَرُ صَدَقَةً مِن بَعضٍ، و بَعضُكُم أَكثَرُ صِياماً مِن بَعضٍ، و أَفضَلُكُم أَفضَلُكُم مَعرِفَةً»

“Some of you pray more than others, some perform more Hajj, some give more charity, and some fast more frequently. However, the best among you is the one with the highest level of knowledge and awareness.”

Therefore, understanding the greatness of Ramadan and the divine commands associated with it is a Precedent obligation. This awareness is particularly crucial for those who fast, as it enhances their experience, making fasting more enjoyable, effective, and meaningful.

A narration from an Infallible Imam (peace be upon him) states:“If people truly understood the significance of Ramadan, they would wish for it to last forever.”

Furthermore, Imam Sajjad (peace be upon him), in his supplication for the arrival of Ramadan, makes one of his most important requests from Allah:“Grant me the knowledge of Ramadan’s virtue and the ability to uphold its greatness and sanctity.”

Sources for Understanding the Value and Greatness of Ramadan

After recognizing the necessity of acquiring knowledge about the blessed month of Ramadan, the first question that arises is: What are the primary sources for understanding the value, greatness, and secrets of this month? Is there a reliable and secure path to gaining insight into its significance?

To answer this question, we can say that since Ramadan has been designated as the “Month of God” and fasting has been made obligatory in this month through the divine legislation of the Holy Qur’an, and further clarified by the Infallible Imams (peace be upon them), these two sources serve as the most secure and reliable guides for uncovering the secrets and virtues of Ramadan.

Additionally, the study of the works of scholars and Islamic thinkers who have explored the mysteries and profound wisdom of this sacred month reveals that all of them have derived their knowledge from the blessed teachings of the Qur’an and the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them). Thus, to truly comprehend the depth of Ramadan’s blessings, one must turn to these authentic sources of divine knowledge.

Types of Knowledge Regarding the Blessed Month of Ramadan

Awareness and understanding of this sacred month can be categorized into two types: external (ẓāhirī) and internal (bāṭinī) knowledge.

• External knowledge refers to awareness of the legal rulings (fiqh) concerning fasting and recommended acts of worship during Ramadan.
• Internal knowledge involves understanding the deeper secrets and hidden realities of this month, which in Islamic teachings are often referred to as the “secrets of fasting”.

For a fasting individual, attaining internal knowledge is of paramount importance. Those who possess only external knowledge see no significant difference between Ramadan and other months. However, those who have also attained internal knowledge-who comprehend not only the outward laws but also the profound spiritual dimensions of Ramadan-realize that the essence of this month is entirely unique. With this realization, they prepare themselves from the very beginning to fully embrace and reap the immense spiritual benefits of this sacred time.

Ramadan: The Month of Divine Hospitality

To gain insight into the inner reality of this sacred month, we turn to a passage from the famous sermon delivered by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny) on the last Friday of Sha’ban. In this sermon, without any metaphor or allegory, the Prophet explicitly describes the essence of Ramadan:

 «شَهْرٌ دُعِيتُمْ فِيهِ إِلَى ضِيَافَةِ اللَّهِ وَ جُعِلْتُمْ فِيهِ مِنْ أَهْلِ كَرَامَةِ اللَّه»

“It is a month in which you have been invited to the banquet of Allah, and you have been honored as the guests of Allah.”[1]

This statement highlights that the Almighty-the Lord of all creation-has prepared a magnificent feast that extends from earth to the heavens, generously welcoming all His servants to partake in His divine blessings.

In another part of the same sermon, the Prophet (peace be upon him) states: “This is the month in which the doors of Paradise are opened for you, and the doors of Hell are closed.”

Through these words, he conveys that the inner essence of Ramadan is akin to a dwelling in Paradise. Those who seek to attain the heavenly abodes should use Ramadan as the key to enter them.

However, if someone fails to recognize the significance of this great month and neglects the golden opportunity it presents, they have no one to blame but themselves for missing out on this unparalleled divine hospitality.

Preparing for the Company of Allah’s Honored Guests

As understood from verse 183 of Surah Al-Baqarah[2] and the explicit words of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him and his progeny) in his Sha’ban sermon, all believers have received a universal invitation to a grand divine banquet. This gathering includes esteemed figures, and merely being in their presence, even for a moment, would be the greatest honour in one’s life.

Thus, the first duty of those invited is to prepare themselves for this great occasion-just as one prepares to enter the shrines of the Infallible Imams (peace be upon them) by reciting a special supplication for permission (du’a al-idhn al-dukhul). Similarly, for this exceptional divine invitation, one must also seek permission and ensure they are spiritually worthy of entering the month of Ramadan.

Blessed is those who have already begun their spiritual preparation in the months of Rajab and Sha’ban, securing their entry into this sacred month.

However, despair is never acceptable in the presence of the Almighty, and it is even more unbecoming in Ramadan, the month of divine mercy. For those who may feel unprepared or late in their spiritual journey, Imam Sajjad (peace be upon him) offers a beautiful supplication in Du’a Makārim al-Akhlāq, stating:

«الهی عِنْدَكَ مِمَّا فَاتَ خَلَفٌ، وَ لِمَا فَسَدَ صَلَاحٌ، وَ فِيمَا أَنْكَرْتَ تَغْيِير»

“O Allah, what has passed, and I have failed to accomplish, you alone can compensate. What I have corrupted, only You can rectify. And whatever of my deeds is unpleasing to You, you alone can transform.”[3]

This prayer serves as a ray of hope, reminding us that it is never too late to turn back to Allah and seek His mercy, even in the final moments before entering this sacred month.

Seizing the Opportunity: A Final Call for Preparation

Thus, as a prerequisite for entering this great divine banquet, we must study and reflect on the inner reality of this blessed month. By deepening our understanding of the unique opportunities granted to us, we can expand our spiritual capacity to receive the infinite mercy and blessings of Ramadan.

For those who may have missed the blessings of Rajab and Sha’ban, this is the final opportunity-do not let it slip away.

We must remember the wise words of Imam Ali (peace be upon him), who likened opportunities to fleeting clouds:

 « الْفُرْصَةُ تَمُرُّ مَرَّ السَّحَابِ، فَانْتَهِزُوا فُرَصَ الْخَيْرِ»

“Opportunities pass by like clouds; so, seize the chances for doing good.”

It is not the opportunities that wait for us to act whenever we please. Rather, we must recognize them, pursue them, and ensure they do not pass us by-especially in matters of virtue and righteousness.

The Holy Qur’an also emphasizes haste in good deeds, stating:

 «فَاستَبِقُوا الخَيراتِ»

“So, race with one another in performing good deeds.” (Qur’an 2:148)

Therefore, it is fitting for all of us-especially those who may not have fully utilized the months of Rajab and Sha’ban-to make a firm commitment. Through fasting, seeking forgiveness, and reciting the Qur’an, we can immerse ourselves in the profound spiritual essence of this great month, ensuring that we do not let its blessings pass us by.

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[1] . Al Amali, Shaikh Sadooq, p.93.

[2] . «يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ»

[3] . Al Sahifa Sajjadiya, page98.