Ramadan is a sacred month in the Islamic calendar. Muslims worldwide fast from dawn to dusk during the month, completely refraining from food, drink and other physical needs. While Ramadan is often associated with abstinence from eating and drinking, its true essence goes far beyond the physical act of fasting.
The real significance of Ramadan can be understood by reflecting on its very name. The word ‘Ramadan’ is derived from ‘ramada’, which means intense heat or burning.[1] ‘Ramadan’ is the dual form of ‘ramada’, signifying ‘two burnings’.
This etymology reveals that Ramadan involves the merging of two different heats—one physical and the other spiritual. It is only through the amalgamation of these two burnings that the true objective of Ramadan can be achieved.
The fire of physical endurance
When a person observes fasting and refrains from eating and drinking, the first heat manifests in the form of a physical struggle, experienced through the intensity of hunger and thirst. A believer endures this strain solely for God, as has been narrated in a Hadith:
“Allah says: ‘Every deed of the son of Adam is for him except fasting; it is for Me and I shall reward for it’”[2]
Similarly, the physical demands of engaging in increased acts of worship and sacrificing sleep to observe prayers during the night further contribute to this fire. It must be noted that these difficulties, which a Muslim undertakes of his own volition, ultimately work to his advantage.
The benefits of fasting on one’s health have been categorically proven by science. Likewise, periodically subjecting the body to challenges also strengthens one’s physical and mental resilience, acting as a blessing in disguise.
The fire of the soul
The second—and most significant—aspect of Ramadan pertains to its impact on man’s spiritual and moral state.
Ramadan serves as a powerful reminder of man’s ultimate purpose in life—to strengthen his bond with God and fulfil his responsibilities towards fellow beings.
When a person bears the hardship of hunger and thirst for the sake of God, their love for Him intensifies and ignites within them. The fire of faith burns stronger and draws them closer to their Creator. The increased engagement in worship and long hours of prayer further fuel this inner burning, strengthening their spiritual state.
Similarly, experiencing hunger and thirst first-hand kindles a flame of empathy within them for those who struggle with poverty and deprivation. The person fasting hence gets to understand the pain of the less fortunate, and as a result, their love for humanity deepens, inspiring them to be more compassionate towards others.
From body to spirit
Ramadan cannot be complete unless these two heats merge. If a person merely abstains from food and drink without igniting the spiritual fire within, they will miss the true essence of fasting. The Quran clearly states that the purpose of fasting is to attain righteousness. It says:
“O ye who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may become righteous.”[3]
Similarly, if a person does not bring about a moral transformation within themselves, then their fasting will not be of any benefit to them. The Holy Prophetsa states:
“Whoever does not give up false statements (i.e. telling lies), and evil deeds, and speaking bad words to others, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink.”[4]
In other words, the physical endeavours one undertakes during this month must lead to a positive change in them, enhancing their spiritual and moral faculties. This fact is corroborated by the following words of the Holy Prophetsa:
“When the month of Ramadan enters, the gates of Heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and Satans are chained.”[5]
It is evident that sins do not completely vanish during Ramadan. Here, the clause ‘when Ramadan enters’ demands special attention. It means the aforementioned blessings will manifest only when Ramadan, along with its true essence, enters a person’s heart.
Explaining the true essence of Ramadan, the Holy Founder of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, Hazrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmadas says:
“Since one abstains from food, drink, and all physical delights during Ramadan, then also establishes a zeal and fervour for [fulfilment of] the commandments of Allah; the spiritual and physical zeal and burning combine to make Ramadan.”[6]
This unique fusion of two fires associated with Ramadan clearly indicates that this month is not merely a time of hunger and thirst. Rather, it is a transformative process that refines both body and soul.
END NOTES
[1] Aqrab al-Mawarid, under the word ‘ramada’
[2] Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab as-Saum (The Book on Fasting)
[3] Holy Quran 2:184
[4] Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Adab (The Book on Good Manners)
[5] Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab as-Saum (The Book on Fasting)
[6] Al Hakam, July 24, 1901
1 Comment
NASEERUDEEN · March 4, 2025 at 4:48 pm
Islam Ahmadiya zindabad