Dear brothers and sisters in Islam,

As-Salaamu Alaikum wa Rahmatullaahi wa Barakaatuh...

Allah's final Messenger Muhammed (sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam) said, "Islam is built upon five: Testifying that none has the right to be worshipped except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, establishing the Prayer, giving the Zakaah (charity), performing Hajj to the House, and fasting in Ramadan." [Al-Bukhari and Muslim]

He (sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam) said: "There has come to you Ramadan, a blessed month, in which Allah has made it obligatory to fast. During it the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the rebellious devils are chained. In it is a night (Laylatul-Qadr) which is better than a thousand months. He who is deprived of its good truly has been deprived." [Bukhari]

Reaping the benefits of Ramadhan

Gaining Taqwaa

"O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it has been prescribed upon those before you, so that you may attain taqwaa." (Qur'an 2:183)

Taqwaa is an obedience to Allah, hoping for His Mercy and fearing His Punishment.

Prophet Muhammed (sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam) said, "Fasting is a shield with which the servant protects himself from the Fire." [Ahmad, classed as saheeh]

Drawing Close to Allah

This is achieved by reciting and reflecting on the Qur’an during night and day, attending taraweeh prayers, remembering Allah, sitting in circles of knowledge and, for those who can, making `umrah. Also making I`tikaaf (seclusion) in the last ten nights of Ramadan, so as to leave all worldly pursuits and seclude oneself in a masjid just thinking of Allah, so as to bring oneself closer to Him.

Giving more charity

The Prophet (sallallahu 'alayhi wasallam) said, "He who gives food for a fasting person to break his fast, he will receive the same reward as him, without nothing being reduced from the fasting person’s reward." (at-Tirmidhee)