Ramadan is the most precious month in the Islamic calendar (Hijri) and it is obligatory for the Muslims to fast in the month of Ramadan. Here are some facts that shows the importance of Ramadan in Islam.

Holy Quran was first revealed in the month of Ramadan. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is the fourth Pillar of Islam among the five. Fasting helps to attain Taqwa (performing of actions which please Allah and abstaining from those actions that displease Him). Ramadan is known to be the month of Quran. It is highly recommended in the Ramadan to read and study the Holy Quran and to share with others. The Night of Decree or The Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr ) is in this month, which is better than a thousand months. In this Holy month, the gates of Paradise are opened, gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained up. Umra’h (shorter/minor pilgrimage) in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj (major pilgrimage). Muslims observe I’tikaaf (residing in the mosque for worship) in the Ramadan especially in the last 10 days of this Holy month. It is very rewarding act in Ramadan to offer Iftaar (sunset meal to break fast) to those who are fasting. It is also highly recommended to give Zakat (obligatory tax/donation – 2.5% of wealth/savings/assets) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity) in the Ramadaan. It is said in an authentic Hadith of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him that fasting in the Ramadan sincerely out of faith and in the hope of reward, we will be forgiven all our previous sins, provided the major sins are not committed.

It was narrated that Abu Hurairah radiallahu anhu said: “The Messenger of Allah said: ‘Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, he will be forgiven his previous sins.' ”

Narrated Aisha radiallahu anho: Allah’s Messenger peace be upon him used to practice I`tikaf 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.”