We are living in a time when worldly desires are flying high. People strive for fame, power, and money. Allah (SWT) questions those who are consumed by such desires: “O believers! What is the matter with you that when you are asked to march forth in the cause of Allah, you cling firmly to ˹your˺ land? Do you prefer the life of this world over the Hereafter? The enjoyment of this worldly life is insignificant compared to that of the Hereafter”. (Surah At-Tawbah – 38)
Many Muslims lack clarity about their priorities and struggle to discern what they should prioritize over worldly desires. During this critical time, Ramadan has arrived with great compassion and mercy. Ramadan reminds us not to lose sight of our spiritual goals and to stay on the straight path.
Ramadan is the month in which Allah’s mercy, grace, and forgiveness are showered upon us. It is the month when the gates of heaven open, the gates of hell close, and the devils of hell are restrained. It is the month with one night better than a thousand months. It is the month in which the Holy Quran, a guidance for humanity, was revealed.
The Holy Qur’an and Sunnah emphasize the importance of Ramadan among the countless blessings bestowed upon humanity. This holy month has witnessed numerous notable achievements in various aspects of human existence, such as spiritual and worldly matters in the history. Ramadan has seen many significant victories and exceptional achievements in Islamic history. Let’s take a look at some of Ramadan’s golden traces on the historical road!
The Battle of Badr, known by historians as the Heavenly War, which revolutionized Islamic history, took place in this month (HIjri-2). The conquest of Makkah, also known as Fath Makkah, also took place in this month (Hijri – 8).
It was in this month that delegations from Yemen and Taif accepted Islam from the Prophet (Hijri – 9). The Muslims were victorious in the Battle of Buwaib against the Persians. That too took place in this month (Hijri 13).
The Muslim army which was led by Tariq bin Ziyad defeated the Spanish King Roderic in this month (Hijri – 91). It was in this month that the Islamic Empire was expanded in Spain (Hijri 92).
It was in this month that Caliph al-Musta’sim defeated Theophilus, and destroyed the fortresses of Ancyra (Ankara) and Amorium and brought it under his rule (Hijri – 223).
This month has also witnessed significant historical events, such as the conquering of Constantinople, fulfilling the prophecy, “Verily, you shall conquer Constantinople”. It was during this month that Syria was liberated from the Crusaders’ rule (Hijri – 584).
In the same month, Salahuddin Ayyubi led the Muslims in fighting the Crusaders and reclaiming Bayt al-Muqaddas (Hijri – 648). The Muslims also won a victory over the crusaders who sought to uproot Islam in this month (Hijri -1393).
It is unfortunate that some people do not take this holy month of Ramadan seriously and treat it as a time for entertainment. Did Allah give us this month to have fun and then leave us? Ramadan is a month of many accomplishments that is meant to bring us closer to Allah and His blessings.
When the month of Ramadan came, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The month of Ramadan has come, a blessed month in which Allah Almighty has obligated you to fast. In it the gates of the heavens are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, the devils are chained, and in it is a night that is better than a thousand months. Thus, whoever is deprived of its good is truly deprived.” (Musnad Aḥmad)
Ramadan is a month for gathering Allah’s blessings, a time when worship should be done with zeal, and a time to purify our souls from sins. It should be utilized wisely and should stand out among the next eleven months of intense preparation. Therefore, we should plan our activities for this month with great care and intentionality. May Allah bless us all and grant us all tawfeek to maximize the benefits of this blessed month!
By Hashim Mogahed
