All praise is due to Allah, who has allowed us to reach the month of Ramadan and has made it a season of devotion, a time for spiritual purification, and an opportunity to attain His mercy. May peace and blessings be upon our master Muhammad, who was at his most generous and devoted during Ramadan, and upon his family, his companions, and all who follow his path until the Day of Judgment.
Ramadan in History – The Month of the Qur’an and Triumph
Ramadan is not merely one month among others in the Islamic calendar. It holds a unique and honored place in the history of the Muslim community. It is the month in which the greatest revelation known to humanity was sent down. Allah says:
“The month of Ramadan is that in which the Qur’an was revealed.” (2:185)
During this blessed month, the light of revelation first illuminated the world. The gates of guidance were opened, and from it the message of Islam began its journey to all corners of the earth.
Fasting in Ramadan was prescribed in the second year after the Hijrah. It was among the earliest commandments that shaped the Muslim community, cultivating obedience, discipline, and spiritual elevation. Significant historical events occurred in this month, such as the Battle of Badr and the Conquest of Mecca. Ramadan thus stands as proof that fasting does not weaken resolve; rather, it strengthens character, awakens determination, and instills the spirit of victory within hearts.
The Spiritual Dimension – A School of God-Consciousness
Ramadan is far more than abstaining from food and drink. It is a journey of the heart toward Allah and a school of spiritual refinement. Allah says:
“So that you may attain taqwa (God-consciousness).”
Taqwa is the ultimate aim of fasting — living with awareness of Allah, fulfilling His commands, and avoiding His prohibitions. When a believer refrains even from lawful desires out of obedience to Allah, he learns to resist what is unlawful with even greater resolve.
Among the spiritual fruits of Ramadan are:
- Purification of the heart and strengthening of one’s relationship with Allah
- Deepened sincerity, as fasting is a hidden act of worship known fully only to the servant and his Lord
- Refinement of the soul and control over desires
- Increased devotion to the Qur’an, night prayer, supplication, and charity
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward will have his previous sins forgiven.”
That is, fasting with sincere faith and hope in Allah’s reward — not out of habit or social custom.
The Rulings of Fasting – Obedience with Understanding
Fasting means abstaining from all that nullifies it from the break of true dawn until sunset, with the intention of worshipping Allah.
It is obligatory for every Muslim who is adult, mentally sound, physically able, and not traveling.
The fast is invalidated by intentional eating or drinking, sexual relations, deliberate vomiting, ejaculation caused by desire, menstruation, and postnatal bleeding.
Out of His mercy, Allah does not intend hardship for His servants. Therefore, the sick, the traveler, and pregnant or breastfeeding women (when harm is feared) are permitted to break their fast. Once the excuse ends, the missed days must be made up, or in certain cases, fidyah is given.
Fidyah – A Manifestation of Compassion and Justice
Fidyah consists of feeding one poor person for each day of fasting that cannot be observed due to a permanent excuse, such as old age or chronic illness. Allah says:
“And upon those who can fast only with difficulty is a ransom: feeding a poor person.” (2:184)
It is required for the elderly who cannot fast, for the chronically ill with no hope of recovery, and for those permanently unable to make up the missed fast. If the excuse is temporary, only making up the fast is required.
The basic form of fidyah is providing food equivalent to approximately half a sā‘ (about 1.5 kg) of staple food per day, or offering a sufficient meal for each day missed.
It is also permissible to give the monetary equivalent if that better serves the needs of the poor. The amount is based on the cost of a moderate meal in the country of residence. In the Czech Republic, for example, it may be estimated at around 100 CZK per day, depending on local prices.
Fidyah may be given daily, paid collectively at the end of the month, or entrusted to a reliable charitable organization for distribution. Its purpose is to fulfill one’s responsibility before Allah while assisting those in need.
The Benefits of Fasting – A Comprehensive Purification
Spiritually, fasting purifies the heart, multiplies rewards, and nurtures empathy toward the poor.
Morally, it strengthens patience, self-control, and guards the tongue from harmful speech.
Physically, it allows the digestive system to rest, regulates eating habits, and fosters discipline in daily life.
Above all, fasting draws the servant closer to his Lord, reorders his priorities, and revives the heart after heedlessness.
Conclusion
Ramadan is a divine gift and a sacred opportunity to return to Allah. It is a month in which repentance is renewed, hearts are cleansed, and sins are forgiven. Allah prescribed fasting out of mercy and opened the door of ease for those unable to fulfill it, making fidyah a path of compassion and justice.
Blessed is the one who recognizes the value of this month, welcomes it with gratitude, and fills it with sincere devotion.
We ask Allah to grant us accepted fasting, rewarded night prayers, forgiven sins, and to make us among those who attain taqwa and His pleasure in this blessed month.
