Ramadan is a special and blessed month in Islam. This month holds a lot of rewards in it, which is why Muslims strive to make the most of it. In Ramadan, the reward given for good deeds is multiplied, and there are many acts of worship that one can do during this month, including:

• Giving to charity – this helps those in need and invests in your afterlife.
• Praying sunnah prayers, including Taraweeh – the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “Whoever prays during the nights in Ramadan out of sincere faith and seeking its reward from Allah, will have all of his previous sins forgiven.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
• Seeking Allah’s forgiveness during the nights – Stay up during the night to worship Allah (SWT).
• Reading Qur’an – every letter read will hold a higher reward in Ramadan, InShaAllah.

The Reward of Ramadan

Fasting during the days and worshipping during the nights of Ramadan hold a lot of rewards. There are physical and spiritual benefits of fasting, and it makes us more grateful for the blessings given by Allah (SWT).

There are eight gates to Jannah, and those who fasted in Ramadan and did voluntary fasts will be called to Gate Ar Rayyan, to enter Jannah.

The gates are:

1. Baab As-Salaat: For those who are punctual and focused on prayer.
2. Baab Al-Jihad: For those who took part in Jihad (died in defence of Islam).
3. Baab As-Sadaqah: For those who frequently gave to charity.
4. Baab Ar-Rayyaan: For those who are fasting (sawm).
5. Baab Al-Hajj: For Muslims who participated in the Hajj (annual pilgrimage to Mecca)
6. Baab Al-Kaazimeen Al-Ghaiz Wal Aafina Anin Naas: For those who controlled or withheld anger and practised forgiving others.
7. Baab Al-Iman: For those who had sincere faith.
8. Baab Al-Dhikr: For those who regularly remembered Allah.

Ramadan Duas

During Ramadan, one should make dua throughout the entire month, especially in the last 10 nights due to Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Power. This was the night on which Allah (SWT) revealed the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

There are also specific duas to make at certain times in the month, such as in the first 10 days, the last 10 days when starting the fast or when ending the fast.

Dua for Fasting in Ramadan

This dua should be read at Suhoor time when starting the fast: ‘Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri Ramadan.’ This translates to ‘I intend to keep this fast for tomorrow in the holy month of Ramadan.’

Dua for Breaking the Fast in Ramadan

This dua is for breaking the fast at Iftar time: ‘Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa alayka tawakkaltu wa ala rizq-ika-aftartu.’ This means ‘O Allah! I fast for You, I trust You, I put my faith in You, and I break the fast with Your sustenance.’

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