The Spiritual Significance of Ramadan
Embracing the Unknown with Faith: Lessons from Ramadan and the Night of Qadr
We are in the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered a holy month for Muslims worldwide.
It is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and increased devotion and worship. During the month, Muslims observe daily fasting from sunrise to sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs to deepen their connection with God, strengthen their faith, and show compassion towards others.
It is a period to focus on spiritual growth, including performing additional prayers and acts of charity, as well as avoiding negative behaviours and actions. The month culminates in the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a festival marking the end of the fasting period.
In Ramadan, a special night known as Qadr holds great significance. It was during this night that the first words of the Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad, an illiterate common man chosen to learn and repeat the words, “Words of GOD”.
Learning these words led to actions that brought down the two superpowers of the time, Romans and Persians.
These words were descended upon Mohammed, simplifying complex ideas so that they could be understood by all. This process of simplification is reflected by the words used in the Quran, “Enna Anzalnaho” which means “we descended it.” This implies that the ideas were brought down to a level that could be comprehended by us human beings. Just as a parent must simplify complex concepts for their child.
The Quran teaches us about the making of us, our society, nature, and governing laws of universe. By simplifying complex ideas, the Quran allows us to understand our responsibilities as human beings to find our place in the world.
As we reflect on the power and mystery of our creation, during the month of Ramadan, let us strive to deepen our understanding of these teachings and embrace them with open hearts and minds.
As Ramadan began, my thoughts turned to the 97th chapter of the Quran, known as Al-Qadr, which highlights the significance of that mysterious night. It represents a significant event that sets me us on a path towards a new beginning and an unfamiliar world, but we are unable to fully grasp its magnitude, much like a baby in the womb who is oblivious to the world outside.
Yet, like that baby, I know that eventually, we must leave the safety and security of our limited world and venture into the unknown. This transition can be daunting, with blinding lights, unfamiliar sounds, and a sense of disorientation. However, we find solace in the fact that we are not alone.
In this chapter, God promises us the support of His angels and holy spirits, who come to comfort us with their warm embrace and pure love, calming our fears and uncertainties. It’s like a baby at birth, scared and crying in the delivery room while family members are joyful to receive the new-born, who cannot comprehend what’s happening. Only when embraced in their mother’s arms, feeling her heartbeat and warmth, does the baby calm down.
Furthermore, the next verse states that the goodness of this night is immeasurable, with its effects lasting more than a thousand nights, providing us with a sense of invincibility that we can carry into our daily lives. Despite facing countless challenges and hardships along our path, we can learn from these experiences by following the guidance of Ar-Rahman (God) in action, leading us towards His loving and warm embrace for eternity.
Therefore, as we prepare for Ramadan and reflect on the power and mystery of Surah Al-Qadr, let us embrace the unknown with open hearts and steadfast faith. We are never truly alone, and the goodness of this night will guide us always. As an Iranian in exile, my prayers are made for God to grant power and strength to help me and the millions in Iran to overcome obstacles and strive towards a #FreeIran.
#Ramadan #Al-Qadr #Islam
