O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint,-
2:183
Ramadan is fast approaching and when I reflect on the words Women and Ramadan, my mind conjures images of early morning meals prepared with careful hands sometimes made clumsy by sleepiness; images of fajr salaat prayed in congregation within the sheltered warmth of family and home.
The Qur’an says in Surah 2 ayah 185, “Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, 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, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.”
When we remember that Ramadan is the month during which the Qur’an was sent down as a guide to mankind we are better able to know what to seek and what to expect from fasting during this time. We know that we can expect guidance and clear signs. We can expect improved judgment between right and wrong and we know that we should seek to glorify Allah Ta’aala and be grateful to Him in that He has guided us.
In addition, as women we can rest in the knowledge that we are permitted to equally partake in the guidance and blessings of this blessed month. Throughout history women have been prohibited in many cases from being able to participate fully in religious traditions that have been primarily reserved for men, but in Islam we are invited to, and in some cases required to, practice the tenets of our religion completely.
We read in Surah 33 ayah 35, “For Muslim men and women,- for believing men and women, for devout men and women, for true men and women, for men and women who are patient and constant, for men and women who humble themselves, for men and women who give in Charity, for men and women who fast (and deny themselves), for men and women who guard their chastity, and for men and women who engage much in Allah's praise,- for them has Allah prepared forgiveness and great reward.”
And anyone familiar with the Women’s Rights Movement can appreciate the blessings of having the above-mentioned declarations laid out so clearly in a book of authority!
As I anticipate this blessed month of Ramadan my heartbeat quickens and I cannot help but celebrate in the mercy of God, Allah, subhanu’wa’ta’aala, for His having sent His Guidance and Light to mankind! May His peace and blessings be upon His holy Prophets and Messengers and may their reward be great!
May you and your families enjoy many special blessings during the Holy Month and may your fasts be accepted!
To learn more about Ramadan see the following links:
Wikipedia’s Explanation
Submission.Org’s Explanation
Ramadan Info at Jannah.Org
Ramadan and Islam.Org
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