As the blessed month of Ramadan approached, Sheikh Abdul Kareem Zade from the TV show “Let’s Talk About It” joined The Deen Show to explain the significance, rules, and immense rewards of fasting. For new Muslims, returning Muslims, and anyone curious about why over a billion people voluntarily abstain from food and drink for an entire month, this episode provides a comprehensive and inspiring guide to making the most of Ramadan.
Ramadan: An Annual Training Camp for the Soul
Sheikh Abdul Kareem described Ramadan as an annual training camp for the soul where Allah sets the stage for spiritual transformation. The devils are chained, the mosques overflow with worshippers, and the spirit of obedience fills the air. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) outlined three golden opportunities during this month: fasting with sincere belief in Allah, praying the night prayers (Taraweeh), and standing in worship during Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power. Each of these, performed with faith and seeking Allah’s reward, results in the forgiveness of all previous sins.
“Whoever observes the fasting of Ramadan, believing in their Creator and seeking the reward strictly from Him, Allah will forgive all their previous sins.”
The Two Conditions for Accepted Fasting
The Sheikh emphasized that fasting must be done with two essential conditions: iman (sincere belief that you are Allah’s servant submitting to His command) and ihtisab (seeking the reward exclusively from Allah). Fasting should not be motivated by health benefits, dieting, or proving one’s willpower. When these conditions are met, the rewards are beyond imagination, and the Prophet (peace be upon him) warned that anyone who lets Ramadan pass without earning forgiveness is truly at a loss.
“The Prophet said three times: may he lose, may he lose, may he lose, the one whom Allah grants the opportunity to live through Ramadan and comes out of it unforgiven.”
- Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam, alongside the declaration of faith, five daily prayers, charitable giving (zakat), and pilgrimage (Hajj)
- Muslims should use Ramadan to improve not only their fasting but also their prayer, modesty, character, and language
- The month of Ramadan is specifically connected to the Quran, making it the ideal time to increase one’s recitation and study of God’s final revelation
- The good habits established during Ramadan, such as abandoning smoking, drinking, and other harmful behaviors, should be maintained throughout the entire year
