The word Ramadan is an Arabic word that derives from the word ‘Al-Ramad,’ which describes heat and arid conditions. In this sense, it refers to the hardship Muslims experience when fasting.

Muslims all over the world fast during Ramadan to obtain spiritual closeness to Allah. It is also the month in which the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) received the revelation of the Quran. During this month, more blessings and rewards are given to Muslims. For example, performing salah has 70 times more reward than normal.

Within this article, I present the significance of Ramadan in light of the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

5 Hadiths Explaining the Importance of Ramadan

This holy month has been described in the hadith as a month of justice and prosperity.
Whilst this article only includes 5 hadiths that signify the importance of Ramadan, there are dozens more. You will be able to realise what a blessing Ramadan is simply by reading these five hadiths.

Sins Can Be Cleansed by Fasting

Abu Hurairah (RA) narrated that the Holy Prophet (pbuh) stated:

“The Messenger of Allah said: ‘Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, he will be forgiven his previous sins.”

[Sunan An-Nasa’i, Book 22 Hadith 116]

The hadith tells us that if we practice fasting as it was intended to be done, we can be forgiven of our sins.

The Night of Qadr

Based on narrations by Aisha (RA):

“Allah’s Messenger (ﷺ) used to practice Itikaf in the last ten nights of Ramadan and used to say, “Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan.”

[Sahih al-Bukhari Book 32, Hadith 7]

As of yet, no one is certain when the promised night of Qadr will occur; however, as the hadith indicates, it will occur among the last ten nights. In order to benefit from this blessed night, Muslims spend additional time in prayer during the last ten nights of Ramadan.
In the course of one night, all Muslims’ fates could change forever. The night of Qadr is indeed one of the most significant blessings of Ramadan that we can receive during this holy month.
Read more about the blessings and rewards of the night of Qadr here.

The Number of Fasts You Do Will Multiply

Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhani narrates that Holy Prophet (pbuh) said:

“Whoever feeds a person breaking his fast will earn the same reward as him, without anything being lessened from the reward of the fasting person.”

[Tirmidhi]

The generosity and mercy of Allah are so evident in this hadith. If you give iftar to another person, they will also be able to enjoy Ramadan’s blessings. Giving iftar also doubles the rewards of your own fast.
Additionally, this is also a great way to involve young children who don’t have the ability to fast. It is important that you explain to your children that even by putting food and water on the table or helping you prepare iftar, they can earn the reward of fasting.

Ramadan Rewards Are For Everyone

“(O people!) Save yourselves from the Fire even if it is with half a date, and if you cannot find that, then (save yourselves by saying) a good word”.

[Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 6540, Book 24, Hadith 21]

Many people do not have the financial means to host a large iftar dinner. To help these people, you can organize an iftar for them at the local masjid or provide a meal per month to a poor family. This does not mean that we have to forego the benefits associated with providing iftar to our Muslim friends.

It is still appropriate to give even if all we are able to give to charity is half a date. The Prophet (pbuh) urged his followers to participate in iftar the best way they could, no matter how small it was.

Participating in Dhikr & Tasbeeh

Allah’s Messenger (pbuh) said:

“Should I not inform you of the best of your deed, and the purest of them with your Master, and the highest of them in your ranks, and what is better for you than spending gold and silver, and better for you than meeting your enemy and striking their necks, and they strike your necks?” They said: “Of course.” He said, “The remembrance of Allah [Most High].” [Then] Mu’adh bin Jabal [may Allah be pleased with him] said: “There is nothing that brings more salvation from the punishment of Allah than the remembrance of Allah.”

[At-Tirmidhi]

Engaging in the remembrance of Allah is one of the most highly rewarding acts. Although effortless, it demonstrates sincerity, mindfulness, and a desire for a continuing relationship with Allah.

On normal days, it is rewarding to perform dhikr when you are working or commuting, but in Ramadan, it is even greater. If you are having trouble creating a prayer schedule, you can take the help of mobile applications to read hadith and Adhkar, track prayer times, and recite the Quran.

Last Thoughts on Hadiths Describing The Significance of Ramadan

If you are a Muslim, Ramadan has much to offer and we should all maximise the rewards of this month. All you need is pure intentions, as everything we do is determined by such. Make sure all your prayers and endeavours are directed towards achieving the mercy and blessings of Allah (SWT).