For the numerous benefits associated with fasting...

For the numerous benefits associated with fasting, it is expected of every sane and mature believer to imbibe the habit of fasting, particularly those supererogatory ones on some prescribed days of the year. Meanwhile, it is pertinent to say at this juncture that those having ‘Qada’ (i.e., reparation) fast or any obligatory fast (such as Kaffarah) should -as a matter of necessity- use such an opportunity for the repayment of their missed Ramadan or another obligatory fast.

This is because it is not allowed to engage in a supererogatory fast while one is still having a reparation or any obligatory fast on him. Lesson Three: Ramadan; A Month of Qur’an The month of Ramadan is generally known as the month of the Qur’an [4] ; simply because the Holy Qur’an was revealed unto the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.a) on a very special night of Qadr (i.e., the night of Majesty) in the month of Ramadan [5] .

Because of this, recitation of the Qur’an is considered a highly rewarding act of worship in this great month. Meanwhile, the Qur’an is a divine message to humanity, whose contents at all times are guidance to humanity. Thus, its recitation and proper understanding is a life-long task of every believer and should not in any way be restricted only to the month of Ramadan.

Thus, we must cultivate the habit of reciting the Glorious Qur’an daily; working towards understanding its divine message and we should endeavour to act according to its divine teachings. Lesson Four: Ramadan; A Month of Immense Devotions The month of Ramadan is a very conducive and spiritually-rich period for the observance of several acts of worship.

Meanwhile, it is pertinent to note that worship of Allah should not be restricted only to the month of Ramadan; rather, it should be considered a life-long activity of an obedient servant of Allah. Lesson Five: Ramadan; A Month of Supplication and Invocation The month of Ramadan is indeed a highly conducive and spiritually-rich period for supplications, invocations, and the fulfilment of one’s legitimate needs.

Interestingly, supplication is a form of worship, which has a very great impact not only on the spiritual well-being of individuals but also on the fulfilment of their worldly needs. Lesson Six: Ramadan; A Month of Late-Night Prayers The month of Ramadan is a month popularly known for the regular observance of late-night prayers (Qiyam al-Layl). In fact, the honour and greatness of a believer -according to tradition- is in his praying at night.