The most beautiful memory that we have of Ramadan is that our Glorious Qur’an was revealed in this month. Allah, all praises and glory be to Him, tells us:
“It was the month of Ramadan in which the Qur’an was [first] bestowed from on high as guidance unto man and a self-evident proof of that guidance, and as the standard by which to discern the true from the false” (Surah al-Baqarah:185)
The Qur’an was sent down to unlettered nation, to lift them out of darkness and into the light, by Allah’s permission. Every time Ramadan comes around it reminds us of this magnificent favour of revelation to our noble Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Allah tells us:
“Falsehood cannot come to it from before it or behind it, (it is) sent down by the All-Wise, worthy of praise” (Surah Fussilat:43)
Ramadan also brings memories of the victory of the Battle of Badr. It was a great victory for the Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, and his companions ofMuhajiroon and Ansars.
“And Allah has already made you victorious at Badr, when you were a weak little force. So fear Allah much that you may be grateful.” (Surah Al-Imran:123)
Islam prevailed over disbelief in Ramadan. The banner of ‘There is no God save Allah and Muhammad is His Prophet’ was raised sublimely in Ramadan, ‘On the day when they two forces met in battle’ (Surah Al-Imran:155). The Battle of Badr was on the seventeenth of Ramadan; hence every time this day comes around it reminds us of the glorious battle.
The Battle of the Conquest of Makkah also took place in Ramadan. The Qur’an relates the event thus:
“Verily, [O Muhammad], We have given you a manifest victory.” (Surah Al-Fath:1)
Our Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, conquered hearts in Ramadan, and conquered Makkah with monotheism. The Qur’an became supreme and the party of the Most Compassionate prevailed.
Other cherished memories of Ramadan include the coming of the Angel Jibreel, peace be upon him, with revelation to the Prophet Muhammad, may Allah’s blessings and peace be on him. During this month he would also revise the Qur’an with the Prophet and teach him its Divine wisdom. The Prophet, peace and blessing of Allah be upon him, used to repeat the book to Jibreel and together they harmonized its recitation.
This was also the month in which the first group of companions met for the Taraweehprayer. They used to listen to the imam recite the divine book to them. They often cried, contemplating its meanings, in fear of their Lord.
We also remember that in this blessed month, the gates of Paradise are opened while those to the fire are closed and the shaitans are chained. We feel blessed when we remember this mercy shown to us on this blessed month.
For everyone who fasts in this month, there are two happy moments. We are happy when we break our fast and we are happy when we meet our Lord. Every time this month returns we are reminded of these blessed moments.
Every Ramadan atones for the sins of the previous year. It is therefore a month that bears the splendid memory of knowing that we are cleansed from sin and wrong doing.
Ramadan is the month for the poor and indigent. They find in it succour and gifts from the rich. They find sustenance and help from the wealthy. Many of them therefore, become happy during this month because of what they receive from the generous.
Lastly, the most beautiful memory of all. The Prophet, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, told us:
“There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Rayyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said, ‘Where are those who used to observe fasts?’ They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it.” (Recorded in Al-Bukhari)