The month of Ramaḍān is filled with abundant opportunities for spiritual growth and transformation.
There's so much you can do to take advantage of this month, it can at times appear overwhelming. Along with seeking the spiritual purification that comes with fasting, you should be dedicating as much time as possible to the Qur'ān.
Considering everything that is happening in our lives today, when reading Allāh's book this year, I want you to focus on three things, guidance, healing, and community.
Let’s take a closer look.
1. Guidance
Allāh says, "There has come to you from Allāh a light and a clear Book. By which Allāh guides those who pursue His pleasure to the ways of peace and brings them out from darknesses into the light, by His permission, and guides them to a straight path." [al-Ma’idah 5:15-16]
In these two verses, Allāh is telling us, specifically addressing the people of the scripture, that He has sent a light and a book which will guide us to Him and the path to His pleasure i.e. His paradise.
What is that light and what is that book?
The light is Muḥammad (peace be upon him). He is described as being nūrāni/made of light. In fact, some of the scholars have related reports that he (peace be upon him) had no shadow because he was made of light. Without a doubt, he was enlightened with the truth of Allāh and those that follow his way will follow the path of light.
It was he (peace be upon him) who was charged to deliver the book which was revealed in this very month.
Allāh says, “The month of Ramaḍān [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'ān, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” [al-Baqarah 2:185]
The goal of its revelation is to provide you with guidance. It will help you define right from wrong; it will essential assist you in recalibrating your moral compass. In my experience, that is something that we need to do on a regular basis.
The guidance of the Qur’ān will help you lead a better much easier life and provide you with a clear road map to Allāh and the home of the Hereafter.
When reading the Qur'ān this year, try to pick up a few lessons that you can apply in your daily life this month and in the months to come.
I promise you, it will soothe the soul and heal the heart.
That brings me to point number two.
2. Healing
Allāh says, “And We send down from the Qur'ān that which is a healing and a mercy to those who believe (in Islâmic Monotheism and act on it), and it increases the Zâlimûn (polytheists and wrong-doers) nothing but loss. [Al-Isra 17:82]
He also says,
“O mankind! There has come to you a piece of good advice from your Lord, and a healing for that in your breasts, - a guidance and a mercy for the believers.” [Yunus 10:57]
The Qur’ān, according to the great Ibn al-Qayyim, is holistically medicinal in nature. It cures both spiritual and physical illness. If you approach it with sincerity and pure faith, there is no disease that can stand up to its healing power. After all, what could stand up to the speech of the All-Mighty which if revealed upon the mountains would render them asunder?!
Allāh says, “Had We sent down this Qur'ān on a mountain, you would surely have seen it humbling itself and rendering asunder by the fear of Allāh. Such are the parables which We put forward to mankind that they may reflect.” [Al-Hashr 59:21]
So whether it is the healing of the hearts or the knowledge needed to heal the bodies, the Qur’ān should be your source of healing this month.
While we have relied on the medical professionals and their support staff to take care of us over the past few months, let’s now turn, all together as one community, to the Qur'ān for a total cure of both body and spirit.
That brings me to point number three.
3. Community
Allāh says, “And hold firmly to the rope of Allāh all together and do not become divided. And remember the favor of Allāh upon you - when you were enemies and He brought your hearts together and you became, by His favor, brothers. And you were on the edge of a pit of the Fire, and He saved you from it. Thus does Allāh make clear to you His verses that you may be guided.” [Ali Imran 3:103]
Many have said that the rope of Allāh is the Qur'ān. It is the primary source of our legislation, a Book in which there is no doubt.
The book is like no other in our tradition, not only is it a source of guidance and healing, it is also a source of utter unification.
While we may not be able to share the same physical space at times, it’s important for you to remember that every time you sit down to recite Allāh’s book this month, there are millions of your brothers and sisters doing the exact same thing at that very moment. They may even be reciting the very verse you are at the same time.
Because of Allāh’s book, you are not alone!
Rather, you’re an integral part of a world community of believing men and women who are struggling and striving to gain His love and acceptance just like you.
May Allāh bless you, grant you all the success in the world and the Hereafter, and keep you safe this month.