WELCOME Ramadan, the month of mercy and repentance, the month of Qur'an. In the second year of Hijrah, Allah made it obligatory to fast during this month upon every mature, sane and healthy Muslim. Ramadan is the month of seeking forgiveness and protection from the Hell-fire. It is the month of repentance and acceptance of prayers. It is the month when the devils are chained, the gates of Hell are locked and the gates of Paradise are opened. Ramadan is a month of worship. We should worship Allah sincerely, keep away from sins, spend night and day in prayer, supplication and recitation from the Holy Qur'an. Fasting is a shield from many sins and with which Muslim protects himself from the Hell-fire. Fasting is more than just abstaining from food. It also means to abstain from any falsehood in speech and action, from any ignorant and indecent speech and from arguments and quarrel. Therefore, fasting also helps to develop good behavior. Fasting inculcates a sense of brotherhood and solidarity, as a Muslim experiences what his needy and hungry brothers feel. This gives a new sense of togetherness and association. Allah, the Almighty, said in the Qur'an, “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs for the guidance, and the criterion (between right and wrong)...” (Qur'an, 2:185) As Ramadan is the month of the Qur'an, every Muslim should prepare himself to welcome the blessed month of Ramadan by strengthening his relationship with the Qur'an. A Muslim is encouraged to complete a full recitation of the Holy Qur'an during Ramadan. Ramadan is also a month of charity and sympathy. Lets give generously to the poor and share meals to break the fast together. Most Muslims also pay Zakah in the month of Ramadan. Ramadan becomes a blessed month of physical, moral and spiritual renewal through fasting, charity and worship. __
