What does the Qur’an say about Ramadan?

The Revelation of the Qur’an

Ramadan marks the blessed month when the Qur’an was first revealed. It is one of the significant events of Ramadan. Ramadan’s purpose is to enlighten humanity through guidance and clarity. In this article, we find out what does the Qur’an say about Ramadan.

“شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًۭى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَـٰتٍۢ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ ۚ”

“The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.”

Qur’an

Ramadan, The month of Fasting

The third pillar of Islam, Fasting is a distinguishing act of worship as Muslims abstain from food and drink from dawn to dusk daily. Fasting allows us to develop humility and become spiritually attuned through different acts of worship during the holy month. By shifting focus from physical needs, one can strive to improve their spiritual selves. Through prayer, Qur’an recitation and acts of charity, believers seek spiritual purification and enlightenment. The Qur’an emphasises the significance of Ramadan, encouraging believers to observe fasting as a means of attaining piety and righteousness.

“يَـٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ”

“O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you¹—so perhaps you will become mindful ˹of Allah˺.”

Qur’an

This verse not only establishes Ramadan’s origins but also highlights its primary purpose – attaining Taqwa, or God-consciousness.

Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr)

Within Ramadan’s last ten nights is Laylat al-Qadr, the blessed Night of Power. On this night angels descend, and the Qur’an’s first revelation occurs. Muslims strive to do extra worship to make the most of the immense blessings. It is a night that’s described as better than a thousand months. Muslims pursue more worship such as attending late-night prayers and giving more charity to achieve the most rewards.

“إِنَّآ أَنزَلْنَـٰهُ فِى لَيْلَةِ ٱلْقَدْرِ”

“Indeed, ˹it is˺ We ˹Who˺ sent this ˹Qur’an˺ down on the Night of Glory.”

Qur’an

The Qur’an underscores the timeless significance of fasting in Ramadan, guiding believers towards Taqwa. Through fasting and devotion, Muslims seek closeness to Allah and embody the essence of Ramadan’s profound spiritual journey.