Ramadan is an important month of the Islamic calendar which is observed by Muslims around the world with full zest. Fasting is an obligatory duty performed in Ramadan to gain rewards. There are also many Quranic verses and hadiths about Ramadan and fasting which Muslims must know.
When we talk about a certain thing, we make sure to find what Quran says about it and what is in hadith about that particular thing. Likewise, we also should know Quranic verses and hadiths about Ramadan and fasting in order to know the importance of this month and fasting.
Following are the verses of Holy Quran and ahadees about Ramadan and fasting;
In Quran, there has been mention of Ramadan and fasting which we can know by going through the translations of following Quranic verses;
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous-” (Quran, 2:183)
“[Fasting for] a limited number of days. So whoever among you is ill or on a journey [during them] – then an equal number of days [are to be made up]. And upon those who are able [to fast, but with hardship] – a ransom [as substitute] of feeding a poor person [each day]. And whoever volunteers excess – it is better for him. But to fast is best for you, if you only knew.” (Quran, 2:184)
“The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.” (Quran, 2:185)
In ahadees, there is a mention of Ramadan and fasting that tells us about the importance and rewards of fasting in Ramadan. Following are the ahadees about Ramadan and fasting;
The Holy Prophet (SAWW) said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.” (Imam Bukhari)
Narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA) that The Prophet (SAWW) said, “(Allah said), ‘Every good deed of Adam’s son is for him except fasting; it is for Me. and I shall reward (the fasting person) for it.’ Verily, the smell of the mouth of a fasting person is better to Allah than the smell of musk.” (Bukhari)
It was narrated by Abu Hurairah (RA) that Holy Prophet (SAWW) said, “Fasting is a shield (or a screen or a shelter). So, the person observing fasting should avoid sexual relation with his wife and should not behave foolishly and impudently, and if somebody fights with him or abuses him, he should tell him twice, ‘I am fasting.’”
The Prophet (SAWW) added, “By Him in Whose Hands my soul is, the smell coming out from the mouth of a fasting person is better in the sight of Allah than the smell of musk. (Allah says about the fasting person), ‘He has left his food, drink and desires for My sake. The fast is for Me. So I will reward (the fasting person) for it and the reward of good deeds is multiplied ten times.” (Bukhari)
Thus, the importance of Ramadan and the rewards of fasting in this holy month must be clear from the above mentioned Quranic verses and hadiths about Ramadan and fasting.
