Virtues of the Month of Ramadan

Fasting and righteousness: Allah The Almighty told us that fasting strengthens piety and the fear of Allah The Exalted, and helps a person protect himself against evil desires. Allah The Almighty Says (what means): “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” [Quran, Surah al-Baqarah, 2:183]

The gate of those who observe fast (Ar-Rayyaan): Sahl bin Sa’d, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "In Paradise, there is a gate which is called Ar-Rayyaan through which only those who observe fast (fasting) will enter on the Day of Resurrection. No one else will enter through it. It will be called out, "Where are those who used to observe fasting?'' So they will stand up and proceed towards it. When the last of them will have entered, the gate will be closed and then no one will enter through that gate.'' [Reported by Muslim]

Opening the gates of Paradise, closing the gates of Hell and chaining the devils: The Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are put in chains.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari]

Forgiveness of previous sins: Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and with the hope of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari]

“Whoever performs voluntary prayers at night during the month of Ramadan out of faith and with the hope of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari]

“Whoever performs the night optional prayer during the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) out of faith and with the hope of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven.” [Reported by Al-Bukhari]

Fast is exclusively for Allah The Almighty and He will reward it: Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: "Allah the Exalted Said: `Every deed the son of Aadam does is for him, except the fast, which is (exclusively) for Me, and I will reward him for it.' Fasting is a shield. When anyone of you is observing fast, he should neither indulge in obscene language nor should he raise his voice; and if anyone reviles him or tries to quarrel with him, he should say: `I am fasting.' By Him in Whose Hand the soul of Muhammad is, the foul breath of one observing fast is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk. The one who fasts, experiences two joys: he feels joy when he breaks the fast and he is joyful by virtue of his fast when he meets his Lord.'' [Reported by Al-Bukhari]

From Ramadan to the next Ramadan: Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, reported that the Prophet, sallAllahu ‘alayhi wa sallam, said: “The five (daily) prayers and the Friday (prayer) to the Friday (prayer) and Ramadan to Ramadan expiate whatever (minor sins) may be committed in the interval between them, so long as grave major sins are avoided.” [Reported by Muslim]