Happy Ramadan to you all! Ramadan is the most sacred month in our Islamic calendar. It holds great importance for Muslims all over the world. This month provides us an opportunity for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and increased devotion to Allah. The holy Quran and the Sayings of the Prophet (PBUH) emphasize the significance of Ramadan, making it a special time for us to strengthen our faith, seek forgiveness, and practice gratitude. 

Ramadan in the Light of Quran and Hadith: Ramadan is the month during which the holy Quran was sent down. The Book of God was first revealed to the Last Prophet of God, Muhammad PBUH, during the sacred month of Ramadan. Allah says in the Quran: “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” (2:185) This Verse highlights the importance of Ramadan as the month when the Quran was sent down as a source of guidance for humanity. Muslims are asked to read, understand and reflect on the Quran, particularly during this month, so to deepen their understanding of faith, and strengthen their connection with Allah Almighty.
Quran says: “Fasting during the entire month of Ramadan is prescribed for Muslims as it was prescribed for those before them, with a profound purpose: to cultivate ‘Taqwa’, or God-consciousness.” (2:183) The Prophet (PBUH) while emphasizing the significance of Ramadan, said: “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened, and the gates of hell are closed, and the devils are chained.” (al-Bukhari) This means that Ramadan is a time when Muslims are given a unique opportunity to focus on good deeds, avoid sins, and seek Allah’s mercy. 
Fasting is the 4th Pillar of Islam: The edifice of Islam stands on the five pillars, which are the core beliefs and practices of our faith. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it an essential act of worship for every Muslim. The Five Pillars are: 1. Declaration of Faith (Shahadah) means the belief that “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad (PBUH) is the Messenger of Allah”; 2. Offering Prayers (Salah) five times a day; 3. Giving Alms (Zakat) every year; 4. Fasting (As-Saum) during the month of Ramadan; and 5. Pilgrimage (Hajj) once in a lifetime in the last month of Islamic calendar year. This is mandatory for only those who have the resources to travel to Makkah and Madina.
Spiritual Benefits of Fasting: Fasting during Ramadan is not just a spiritual practice; it also has numerous health benefits. Spiritually, fasting helps us to develop empathy for those who are less fortunate. When we experience hunger and thirst, we are reminded of the struggles of people who face these challenges every day. This encourages us to be more compassionate and charitable. The holy Prophet (PBUH) said: “Whoever gives food to a fasting person to break his fast, will have a reward like his own fast, without detracting from the reward of the fasting person.” (al-Tirmizi) This spirit of generosity and community is one of the key aspects of Ramadan. Moreover, fasting helps in leaving the habit of telling lies, doing good deeds, keeping ourselves clean, and observing punctuality in sleeping and getting up, eating and doing other things. 
Medical Benefits of Fasting: From a medical perspective, fasting allows the body to detoxify, improve digestion, and reset its metabolism. It teaches self-control and helps in developing a healthier relationship with food. By abstaining from food and drink from dawn to sunset, Muslims learn to appreciate the blessings they often take for granted. Fasting enhances memory and positive thinking. Studies discovered that intermittent fasting boosts working memory in animals and verbal memory in humans. It helps regulate the functioning of heart, boost physical performance, control diabetes and obesity, and strengthen body muscles.
Economic Benefits of Fasting: Ramadan also has a positive impact on economy and social fabric. During this month, we give Zakah (obligatory charity) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity) that helps redistribute wealth, and supports those in need. It helps in strengthening the economy, and reducing the poverty.
Social Benefits of Fasting: Socially, Ramadan brings unity, togetherness, collective thinking and tolerance. Families, friends and area people come close and gather at Iftar (the meal time to break the fast), and offer Taraweeh prayers (the special Quran recitation session hat is regularly held after the Isha prayers). These gatherings strengthen bonds and create a sense of belonging. In Pakistan, the streets come alive with the spirit of Ramadan, as people share food, exchange gifts, and help one another. 
Ramadan and Special Motivation for Children: Ramadan is specifically a time of learning and growth for children, students and youth in our beloved country, Pakistan. Fasting teaches us important values such as patience, self-discipline, and gratitude. Children get motivation from their elders and eagerly start off and on fasting, and gradually prepare themselves for regular fasting as they grow older. This helps them understand the significance of Ramadan and develop a sense of responsibility. They also use this month to improve their relationship with the Quran. Many participate in the Quran recitation competitions, or attend Taraweeh prayers at mosques. It is the blessing of Ramadan that provides an opportunity to come together, pray, read the Quran, and create a peaceful and spiritual environment at home. Moreover, Ramadan encourages children to be more charitable. They often participate in activities like packing food for Iftar or donating clothes to the poor. These acts of kindness help them develop a sense of empathy and social responsibility.
Lailatul Qadr – The Night of Power: One of the most special nights in Ramadan is “Lailatul Qadr”, also known as the Night of Power. It is believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet (PBUH). The Quran describes this night as better than a thousand months: "Indeed, We sent the Quran down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.” (97:1-3) This means that any good deed performed on this night is multiplied in reward. This is the reason that most of the people spend this night in offering nawafil, reciting the Quran, seeking forgiveness, and making dua (supplications) for themselves, for the country and for the Muslim Ummah. It is indeed a time of intense spiritual connection and reflection.
Why Ramadan Culminates into Eid-ul-Fitr?: After a month of fasting, prayer, and self-reflection, Ramadan culminates in the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr. This joyous occasion marks the end of Ramadan and is a time to express gratitude to Allah for giving us the strength to complete the fast. Eid-ul-Fitr is celebrated with special prayers, feasts, and the exchange of gifts. It is also a time to give Zakat-ul-Fitr, a form of charity given to the poor before the Eid prayer, ensuring that everyone can join in the celebrations. Eid-ul-Fitr is a national holiday filled with excitement and happiness. Children wear new clothes, receive Eidi (money or gifts), and enjoy delicious sweets like sheer khurma and savayyan. The day begins with the Eid prayer at mosques or open grounds, followed by family gatherings and visits to relatives and friends. It is a time of joy, unity, and gratitude.
The Word to Remember: Though Eid is a joyous moment, yet the faithful get gloomy too because the month of Ramadan has no match. According to a Saying of the Prophet (PBUH), it is the month of God, so it has immense blessings and opportunities for us all. Do not forget that it is a time to strengthen our faith, improve our character, and connect with others. It is a time to learn important values and develop good habits. Let us embrace Ramadan with full honor and let us remember its true purpose: to seek Allah’s pleasure, practice self-discipline, and help those in need.

Eid Mubarak
Shazia Sattar Nayab
The silver Eid moon’s shine
Gives a message divine
Eid has come to glow
Offer prayer in a row
Eid is really a lovely day
It is a reward, we can say
It is a day of delight
A celebration pure and bright
Feel the joy within heart
Don’t forget who are in hard
Say ‘Eid Mubarak’ to all
Give love and care to all