The Spiritual Benefits of Ramadan: A Journey of the Soul
The evening breeze was warm as Aisha sat beside her grandmother on the veranda. The sky was painted in soft orange and pink, and the scent of fresh samosas and dates filled the air. The Adhan for Maghrib was moments away.
Aisha sighed. “Grandma, fasting is so hard. I feel hungry all day. Why do we have to do this?”
Her grandmother smiled, adjusting her prayer beads. “Ah, my dear, fasting is not just about hunger. Ramadan is a gift from Allah. It purifies your heart, strengthens your soul, and brings you closer to Him.”
Aisha leaned in. “How?”
Her grandmother chuckled. “Let me tell you the physical and spiritual benefits of fasting in Ramadan, my child.”
1. Ramadan Purifies the Soul
Her grandmother gently placed her hand on Aisha’s. “Did you know, my dear, that Ramadan is a month of mercy? It is a chance to wipe away your sins.”
“The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
When sins are forgiven, the heart feels lighter. The soul feels at peace. But, my child, you must ask for forgiveness. Ramadan is the best time to turn back to Allah. Make sincere tawbah (repentance). Seek His mercy, and He will cleanse your heart.”
2. Teaches You Discipline and Patience
“When you fast, you stay hungry no matter how hard it gets, don’t you?”
Aisha nodded quickly. “Yes! Even when I really want to eat, I don’t.”
Her grandmother chuckled. “That is discipline, my dear. Fasting trains you to control your desires. You stop yourself from eating, drinking, or getting angry. You learn patience. Even when no one is watching, you stay away from food because you know that Allah sees you.”
She continued, “Ramadan also teaches you patience, not only with yourself but also with others. You cannot fight, argue, or use harsh words.”
Aisha’s brows furrowed. “Even if someone is mean to me?”
Her grandmother nodded. “Especially then! The Prophet (PBUH) said: “When one of you is fasting, he should not use foul language or behave foolishly. If someone fights or insults him, let him say: ‘I am fasting.’” (Sahih Muslim)
“So, my dear, Ramadan is not just about avoiding food, it’s about avoiding bad behaviour. It teaches you to respond with kindness, to be patient, and to control your tongue. If you can do that for a whole month, imagine how strong your soul becomes!”
Aisha smiled. “So fasting makes me stronger inside, not just hungry outside.” Her grandmother beamed. “Yes, my child.”
3. Strengthens Your Connection with Allah
“Grandma, why do we pray more in Ramadan? Isn’t fasting enough?” Aisha asked.
Her grandmother smiled, her voice soft but firm. “Fasting is powerful, my dear, but Ramadan is a time for us to grow closer to Allah in every way.
The Prophet (PBUH) told us: “Whoever does not give up forged speech and evil actions, Allah is not in need of his leaving his food and drink.” (Sahin al-Bukhari)
This means fasting isn’t just about food and drink; it’s about purifying the heart and soul. It’s a time to focus on improving yourself, avoiding bad habits, and turning to Allah in sincere worship.
In Ramadan, we should also pray more, especially Taraweeh at night. Fasting and praying together draws us closer to Allah. But don’t forget about the Quran. Ramadan is the perfect time to read and reflect on it.
Aim to finish reading the Quran during this blessed month, and more importantly, understand its message and try to apply it in your life. You can also recite Ramadan duas.
This month is your chance to strengthen your relationship with Allah by fasting, praying, and reflecting on the Quran. Use it wisely, my dear, to purify your soul and grow spiritually.
4. The Rewards Are Multiplied
“In Ramadan, even the smallest good deeds carry great rewards.
The Prophet (PBUH) said: “Every (good) deed of the son of Adam would be multiplied, a good deed receiving a tenfold to seven hundredfold reward..” (Sahih Muslim)
Every prayer, every verse of the Quran you recite, every act of kindness, it all counts more than usual. A single good deed can weigh heavy on your scale on the Day of Judgment.”
5. The Power of Laylatul Qadr
“Grandma, why does everyone pray so much in the last ten nights?” Aisha asked.
Her grandmother’s face grew serious. “Because one of those nights is Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Power. Allah says in the Quran: “Laylatul Qadr is better than a thousand months.” (Quran 97:3)
On this night, every prayer, every dua, and every act of worship is worth more than 83 years of worship. That is why we spend these nights in prayer, asking Allah for His mercy.”
6. Ramadan Teaches Charity and Compassion
“Ramadan is also a time to help others as the rewards for your good deeds would be multiplied,” her grandmother continued. “The Prophet (PBUH) was the most generous in this month.
He said: “The best charity is that given in Ramadan.” (Tirmidhi).
Giving sadaqah, feeding the poor, and helping those in need cleanse your soul. It reminds you that true wealth is not in what you keep, but in what you give.”
How to Make the Most of the Spiritual Benefits of Ramadan?
Aisha’s eyes sparkled. “Now I know the spiritual benefits of fasting in Ramadan, what should I do to use Ramadan properly?”
Her grandmother held up her fingers and counted:
- Purify Your Intentions – Begin Ramadan with sincerity. Fast and worship only for Allah.
- Pray Regularly – Perform your five daily prayers on time, and add extra prayers like Taraweeh.
- Read and Reflect on the Quran – Even one verse a day can bring you closer to Allah.
- Make Dua Constantly – Ask Allah for guidance, forgiveness, and anything your heart desires.
- Control Your Tongue and Actions – Avoid gossip, anger, and distractions. Focus on good deeds.
- Give Charity and Help Others – Even a smile is charity. Feed the poor, donate, and be generous.
- Seek Laylatul Qadr – Spend the last ten nights in worship and ask Allah for mercy.
- Continue After Ramadan – The real success is carrying these good habits beyond Ramadan.
Aisha took a deep breath. “I never realized how special Ramadan is.”
Her grandmother smiled. “Now you do, my dear. Ramadan is not a burden, it is a blessing. It changes you, and if you use it well, it can bring you closer to Jannah.”
So, dear reader, as you go through this Ramadan, take time to truly reflect on its blessings. Use this month to strengthen your connection with Allah through fasting, prayer, and reading the Quran.
Remember, acts of charity, like Sadaqah and Zakat, are an important part of this month.
You can give donations through Eternal Aid, an organization dedicated to supporting orphans, widows, and the most vulnerable in impoverished communities worldwide. Your donation can help provide essential care and uplift those in dire need during this blessed month.
May Allah bless all of us to spend this Ramadan in the best way possible and grant us the strength to reap the spiritual benefits of Ramadan.