Ramadan 2021: The month of the Qur’an and God-consciousness

By Sadequl Amin:

Muslims around the world will be welcoming the month of Ramadan 2021 in the midst of a pandemic for the second year in a row. In the Islamic calendar it is the year 1442 Hijri. Muslims worldwide will be fasting as ordained by God from dawn to sunset for a period of 29-30 days (depending on sighting of the moon) to increase self-discipline and attain God-consciousness. This year, Ramadan in the UK is expected to begin from Tuesday, 13th April 2021.

The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar calendar year. The word Ramadan is derived from the Arabic root word ramad, which means scorching heat. A lunar year 12 months is about 11 days shorter than a solar year. Therefore, the month of Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier every year. The impact of this rotation of the moon is great as Muslims experience fasting under all kinds of conditions in all seasons.

The word fasting in Arabic – Siyam, is one of the five pillars of Islam and it means to abstain. In the month of Ramadan during the hours of fasting, Muslims abstain from food, drinks and sensual contact as outlined in the Qur’an: “… You may eat and drink until the white thread becomes distinguishable to you from the dark thread at dawn. Then you shall maintain the fast until the night …” [Qur’an 2:187]

However, fasting is not something new and is found in other religions too. In ordaining fasting in the month of Ramadan to the Muslims, it was mentioned in the Qur’an: “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you might remain conscious of God!” [Qur’an 2:183]

Fasting was made obligatory for Muslims in the second year of Hijri, which started a year after the migration of the prophet and his companions from Makkah to Madinah.

The main goal of fasting is to develop God consciousness – Taqwa, which is derived from the Arabic root word waqa, signifies: the fear of God, restraint or guarding one’s tongue, hand and heart from evil, hence righteousness, piety and good conduct. It also means to preserve, to protect and to keep one safe. Taqwa is connected to the heart. It is reported in a hadith by Muslim, Al-Tirmidi and Ahmed that the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) used to point to his chest and say: “Here lies Taqwa.”

The month of Ramadan is honoured and fasting is given great importance in the Qur’an by saying “Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to Mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgement (between right and wrong).” [Qur’an 2:185]

The Qur’an expresses unambiguously about the significance of timing of its revelation, “We have indeed revealed this (Qur’an) in the Night of Power. …” [Qur’an 97:1]. The Night of Power is in the last 10 days of the month of Ramadan.

In another verse regarding fasting, the Qur’an states that: “… If you fast it is better for you, if you only knew.” [Qur’an 2:184]

The essence and the nature of the Qur’an address humanity and further it specifically directs to individuals, families, communities and nations. Furthermore, it speaks to a person and the soul, individually and collectively. It is clearly mentioned that “This (The Qur’an) is the Book, in it is guidance sure, without doubt to those who fear God.” And along with it, it further provides a vivid description of the characteristics or qualities of God-fearing people or people of Taqwa by saying that these people are those: “who believe in the unseen, are steadfast in prayer and spend out of what We have provided for them. Those who believe in what has been revealed to you (referring to Muhammad Pbuh) and what was revealed before you, and are certain of the hereafter.” [Qur’an 2:2-4]

Following the qualities of the people of Taqwa, the Qur’an aptly mentions about the reward of the God fearing people by saying: “They are on (true) guidance from their Lord and it is these who will prosper.” [Qur’an 2:5]

Indeed, the month of Ramadan is a blessed and honoured month because in this month the Qur’an was revealed. Undoubtedly, Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an and in it is the Night of Power which is better than a thousand months.

Let this Ramadan of 1442 AH, be a starting point for us individually and collectively; to improve and increase devotion to God and in worship; engage in spiritual reflection; time for soul-searching; restrain one’s heart, tongue and hand from evil; steadfast in righteousness, piety and good conduct. Together, we reinvigorate God-consciousness and become followers of the Guidance of God to receive prosperity. Ameen.

12 April 2021, London, UK