The Virtues of Ramadan and the Secrets of Fasting in Refining the Soul

Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam, and Allah made it obligatory upon His servants in His saying:
“O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous” [Al-Baqarah: 183].

Fasting aims to develop the soul, tame desires, and increase piety and God-consciousness. The fasting person refrains from food, drink, and desires from dawn until sunset, and learns patience, endurance, and discipline. Fasting also includes fasting of the heart, tongue, and actions, by abstaining from lying, backbiting, gossip, and all sins, so that the fast becomes complete and accepted by Allah.

Among the most important benefits of fasting:

God-consciousness and refinement of the soul: Fasting is a means of strengthening the relationship with Allah and embodying patience and piety.
Developing mercy and compassion: The fasting person feels the suffering of the poor and needy, and grows in empathy for them.
Organizing life and health: Fasting helps regulate eating, drinking, and daily habits, and gives the body an opportunity for renewal.
Strengthening willpower: Abstaining from temporary pleasures teaches patience and self-discipline.

The Recommended Sunnahs in Ramadan

In addition to fasting, there are great Sunnahs that a Muslim can follow during this blessed month, which increase his good deeds and draw him closer to Allah:

Breaking the fast with dates and water: It is an established Sunnah to begin breaking the fast with dates, and if dates are not available then with water, based on the hadith of the Prophet ï·؛: “The Messenger of Allah ï·؛ used to break his fast with fresh dates before praying; if there were no fresh dates then with dried dates; if there were no dried dates then with some mouthfuls of water” [Abu Dawud].
Bathing before Ramadan or on the Night of Power: It is a recommended Sunnah to perform ghusl in preparation for the blessed month.
Increasing prayer and night standing: Tarawih prayer is an established Sunnah; it is a great act of worship in Ramadan, and it is recommended to increase voluntary prayers and Tahajjud in the last ten nights.
Reading the Holy Quran: Ramadan is the month of the Quran, as it was revealed in it as a guidance for people and clear proofs of guidance and the criterion. It is recommended to complete the Quran at least once, with contemplation and understanding of meanings.
I'tikaf in the last ten nights: It is an established Sunnah that enables the Muslim to devote himself to Allah and leave worldly preoccupations, and to dedicate himself to worship and supplication.

The Remembered Adhkar in Ramadan

Adhkar (remembrances) in Ramadan increase reward, protect the soul from Satan, and instil tranquillity in the heart. Among the most important are:

Morning and evening adhkar: Including: “Asbahna wa asbahal mulku lillah…” and “Amsayna wa amsal mulku lillah…”.
Du'a for breaking the fast: “Dhahaba al-zama'u wabtallatil urooqu wa thabatal ajru in sha'a Allah” (The thirst has gone, the veins are moistened, and the reward is certain if Allah wills).
Takbir, Tahmid, and Istighfar: Frequently saying: “Allahu Akbar, Subhan Allah, Alhamdulillah, La ilaha illa Allah, Allahu Akbar, Allahu Akbar wa lillahil hamd”.
Du'a for the Night of Power: The Prophet ï·؛ said: “Allahumma innaka 'afuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'anni” (O Allah, You are Pardoning and love pardon, so pardon me), and it is the best supplication in the last ten nights.
Personal supplication: Ramadan is an opportunity to draw closer to Allah through sincere supplication, and to seek forgiveness, guidance, and success in this world and the Hereafter.

Good Deeds in Ramadan

Ramadan is not only about fasting from food and drink, but it is a month of striving in good deeds:

Charity and kindness to the poor and needy: Charity in Ramadan is multiplied in reward, and it is recommended to give Zakat and charity.
Maintaining family ties: Visiting relatives and doing good to others.
Sincere repentance and seeking forgiveness: Reviewing oneself, abandoning sins, and drawing closer to Allah through constant istighfar.
Contemplating Allah's creation and the Quran: Understanding the meanings of the Quran and reflecting on Allah's creations deepens faith and increases piety.

In Conclusion

Ramadan is an annual opportunity for positive change and self-improvement, as it combines physical and spiritual worship, and consolidates the values of patience, piety, and benevolence. Fasting, night prayer, Quran recitation, adhkar, and good deeds are the fuel for the human soul, and open for it the doors of mercy and forgiveness. Ramadan also represents a great school for teaching humanity, compassion, and social solidarity, making the heart purer and the soul more at peace.

Maintaining the Sunnahs and adhkar in Ramadan makes this month a season of spiritual success and psychological tranquillity, and afterwards souls become clearer, minds more focused, and hearts closer to Allah the Almighty. For everything new, follow Arabic websites and specialized blogs, alongside what is provided by Egypt stores and Kuwait stores and vitamin stores and foreign websites, with reliance on Mashhor for social services.