Ramadan A Great Month, A Blessing for Faithful

TEHRAN (IQNA) – Fasting is generally speaking about not eating and drinking anything in the day but the greatness of the holy month of Ramadan is higher than that.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) in the Shaabaniya khutbah (sermon) has mentioned some of the reasons for the greatness of this month.

In this Khutba, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) describes it as the month of God, one which is the best month and whose days are the best days and whose nights are the best nights and whose hours are the best hours before God. It is a month in which every good deed is accepted by God and prayers are answered.

According to this description, Ramadan is a blessing and a great opportunity for Muslims every year. That is why those who fast need a clear path to make the best of this opportunity. This path has been defined by the holy Prophet (PBUH) in the Shaabaniya khutbah.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) recommends doing five things to those who fast and endure hunger and thirst in Ramadan: Helping and serving those in need, respecting the elderly, being kind to children, visiting the relatives, and being kind to orphans.

While these good deeds are recommended for the entire year, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) has mentioned them in the Khutbah as deed with special value in the holy month of Ramadan.

But what has been given special emphasis in the Khutbah is paying attention to one’s self. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) has emphasized using the holy month to enhance one’s spirituality and elevate one’s character.    

In the Holy Prophet’s view, keeping one’s tongue, eyes, and ears in the face of sins and Haram things and making efforts to gain good morals are among the most important issues in this month.

It has also been mentioned in this Khutbah that what elevates the fasting person to a special status is repentance, long prostration, serving Iftar to the faithful, avoiding harming others, saying prayers, reciting Salawat and reciting the Quran.

After defining the path to salvation and a lofty status for those who fast, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) gives them the good news, “Oh people! The gates of Paradise and Heaven remain open during this month. Ask your Lord not to close them for you; while the gates of Hell-fires are closed, ask your Lord to keep them closed for you.”