12 Reasons I’m Excited About Ramadan

By Umm Ibrahim

         1- The Honourable Mention

Ramadan is the only month mentioned in the Quran by its name. Reading through this verse at any time of the year brings to me a rush of beautiful memories, as well as anticipation for the next Ramadan.

“Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Quran, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting..” (Surah al-Baqarah: 185)

And when Ramadan does come, it feels like an old friend is visiting, with its customary warmth, laden with gifts and goodies!

2- Enemy Locked Up

Enemy # 1, Shaytan, is locked up for one whole month. Of course, it feels good. So now I can free myself from one frontier and concentrate my energies on straightening up my own Nafs.

“When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained up.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

3- Sinners, Rejoice!

As stated in the above hadith, the gates of Paradise are opened up, and the gates of Hellfire are closed. Allah, Exalted is He, saves people from Hellfire every single day!

“At every breaking of the fast, Allah has people whom He redeems.” (Ahmad, Saheeh at-Targheeb)

For sinners like myself, this is a moment to heave a sigh of relief, a time to renew my hope, rekindle my Iman and redouble my efforts.

4- Spiritual Recharge

Whatever my level of connection with the Quran throughout the year is, it always jumps up a few notches in Ramadan. This is true for most people, whether they never open the Quran at days at end, or whether they teach and study it daily.

Even the angel Jibrael used to meet the Prophet (sallalahu alaihi wasallam) every night in Ramadan and study the Quran with him. (Bukhari, Muslim)

As the body is restrained from earthly foods, the soul is fed with its divine nourishment. One can feel it being satisfied and re-energized.

5-Taraweeh

As females, we don’t go to the Masjid regularly throughout the year, but in Ramadan, we turn up at the houses of Allah every night. For me, listening to and soaking in the slow and melodious recitation (not the bullet-train speed recitation) is the perfect end to a blissfully tiring day. Making new friends at the Masjid is a bonus.

6- Family Time

With smartphones invading every hour of our already busy lives, quality family time often takes a backseat. Often, everyone is taking their meals on-the-go. The family bonding and camaraderie that is re-sparked over Suhoor and Iftar is a great blessing.

7- Food

I get to eat my favourite snacks every single day: Fruit Chaat, Chana Chaat, Dahi Bhalay. Every Day. I eat them for iftar and I eat them for dinner too. 😀 Yep, I’m definitely excited.

8- The ‘Gratitude Rush’

The heavenly feeling of the first drops of ice-cold water on a parched tongue is indescribable. Ahhhh. The wave of gratitude that sweeps through your entire being teaches invaluable lessons about recognizing our Sustainer, and giving thanks to Him for all the blessings that we take for granted.

9- Duas

I have a very long list of Duas. Allah loves that His slaves ask from Him. I love to ask from him. With Ramadan comes the opportunity to focus more on my Duas, and to intensify and upgrade them. In Surah al-Baqarah, right in the middle of verses about fasting, Allah puts in this beautiful verse:

“When My servants ask you concerning Me, I am indeed close (to them): I listen to the prayer of every suppliant when he calls on Me: Let them also, with a will, Listen to My call, and believe in Me: That they may walk in the right way.” (Surah al-Baqarah: 186)

The Dua of the fasting person is very likely to be accepted, especially at the time of Iftar. Every day and night in Ramadan feels like an ‘all-you-can-ask’ offer.

10- Da’wah

In this month, the hearts of Muslims are generally more inclined towards goodness, and more receptive towards sincere advice. For people like me who are passionate about Dawa’h, this is the season to strike gold. Why wouldn’t a seller of umbrellas be excited about a rainy spell!?

11- The Most Amazing Night

In Ramadan comes the Night of The Year. The exciting search for Laylat ul Qadr in the last 10 nights is the highlight of the month year. May Allah enable us to strive in searching for this night, and to reap its benefits and rewards.

“In it (Ramadan) there is a night which is better than a thousand months, and whoever is deprived of its goodness is indeed deprived.” (an-Nasai, Ahmad, Sahih at-Targheeb)

“Whoever spends Laylat al-Qadr in prayer out of faith and in the hope of reward, will be forgiven his previous sins.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

12- Eid 🙂

If it wasn’t for Ramadan, how would you and I get to celebrate Eid ul Fitr!?

Going to the Eid prayer is something I’ve always looked forward to. Henna smells lovely, glittery bangles look beautiful, and Eidi is EXCITING! Yes, even if I’m working and earning myself, the Rs. 1,000 that Dad gives as Eidi is still cherished.

Anything you would like to add to this list? What makes you excited about Ramadan?