How Ramadan Started with Divine Guidance
In Ramadan, we remember Allah with deep thanks for sending the Messenger Muhammad (PBUH) to guide us. His family, companions, and past prophets all played a part in spreading peace and blessings that we still feel today.
What Makes Ramadan So Unique
Ramadan is the month when the Quran was first revealed, offering guidance and clear proofs for the people. An important Ayah mentions the moon as a sign to fast, and those who are ill or on a journey can make up the fasts in equal days. This ease from Allah shows He does not want hardship, but for us to complete the period and glorify Him. The Messenger PMBUH received the revelation during the Hijri calendar year, and before that, he saw true dreams, or Ru’ya, which came true when he woke—as mentioned in a hadith from Bukhari and confirmed in sahih ayat. These revelations, even earlier, carry the deep wisdom of Allah, filling hearts with a grateful spirit and a strong sense of being guided. All of this connects beautifully with learning basic practices like How To Perform Wudu, as both acts remind us of spiritual cleanliness and closeness to Allah.
The First Ayah Revealed
The very first Ayah ever revealed—Ayah 1 of Surat Al-Alaq—begins with the word “Read” or iqra in Arabic, calling the Messenger PMBUH to reflect in the name of his Lord who created. This moment marked not just a beginning for the Qur’an, but a way to contemplate how to conduct one’s life, from eating, drinking, leaving or entering the house, to riding a mount, always starting with the saying of Allah’s name. Through these instructions, SW began to teach the Messenger, introducing Himself with the attribute of The Creator, who made the Heavens, Earth, moon, stars, sun, and all between. Even prophet Ibrahim once searched through history, wondering who created the planets, and his stories echo how man has always longed to know the Creator. This deep beginning also links to learning How to Become a Muslim, where the first step is to know your Lord and follow His message with purpose and grace.
When Was Fasting Prescribed?
Fasting in Ramadan was prescribed by Allah SW in the second year of Hijra, quite late in the life of the Prophet PBUH. He fasted nine Ramadans before he passed away in the 11th year. Many Muslims don’t know that people like Jews and Christians also had a form of fasting, similar to what we now have in Islam.
Who Are Exempted from Fasting?
According to the Ayat of the Qur’an, Allah SW gave clear leeway for certain types of people to be exempted from fasting due to Islamic reasons. Children, the sick person, a traveler on a long, tiresome journey, and women who are menstruating or postpartum can postpone and make up their fasts when they are able, based on their prescribed durations. In dire situations, this is not just kindness but a part of divine obligations, proving how the Creator understands our limits. InshAllah, our next article will explore the spiritual rewards that believers gain, and why we give thanks to our Lord for such mercy. May peace and blessing be upon the Messenger PMBUH, who lived these teachings.