☪️🌙 Ramadan: A Month of Mercy, Unity, Time and Concern for the Ummah 🕌✨

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🌙 ✨ ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Ramadan: A Month of Mercy, Unity, Time and Concern for the Ummah

━━━━━━━━━━━━━━ 🤲 🕌 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━

Ramadan is not merely a month in which the Muslim abstains from food and drink. It is a month of purification, repentance, mercy, discipline, remembrance and renewed commitment to Allah.

It is a month in which the believer is reminded of his purpose in life, his responsibility toward his brothers and sisters in Islam, the value of his time and the importance of softening his heart toward the creation of Allah.

Allah سبحانه وتعالى says:

إِنَّ هَٰذِهِۦٓ أُمَّتُكُمْ أُمَّةًۭ وَٰحِدَةًۭ وَأَنَا۠ رَبُّكُمْ فَٱعْبُدُونِ

“Indeed, this religion of yours is one religion, and I am your Lord, so worship Me.”

[Qur’an 21:92] 

And Allah says:

إِنَّمَا ٱلْمُؤْمِنُونَ إِخْوَةٌۭ فَأَصْلِحُوا۟ بَيْنَ أَخَوَيْكُمْ ۚ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ لَعَلَّكُمْ تُرْحَمُونَ

“The believers are but brothers, so make peace between your brothers and be mindful of Allah so that you may be shown mercy.”

[Qur’an 49:10]

These verses establish a profound principle: the Muslim does not live only for himself. He is part of a greater Ummah, connected to other believers through faith, brotherhood, compassion and responsibility.

The Muslim Should Care About the Condition of the Ummah

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ described the believers with a beautiful example:

مَثَلُ الْمُؤْمِنِينَ فِي تَوَادِّهِمْ وَتَرَاحُمِهِمْ وَتَعَاطُفِهِمْ مَثَلُ الْجَسَدِ، إِذَا اشْتَكَىٰ مِنْهُ عُضْوٌ تَدَاعَىٰ لَهُ سَائِرُ الْجَسَدِ بِالسَّهَرِ وَالْحُمَّى

“The believers, in their mutual love, mercy and compassion, are like one body. When one part of the body suffers, the whole body responds with sleeplessness and fever.”

[Sahih Muslim 2586c] 

This is the attitude Ramadan should develop within us.

There are Muslims throughout the world who experience poverty, persecution, displacement, war, hunger, oppression and hardship. The believer should not become so occupied with his own comforts that he forgets those who are suffering.

Concern for the Ummah does not mean despair, hatred or reckless behavior. Rather, it means du‘a, charity, beneficial knowledge, sincere advice, helping those in need, supporting legitimate charitable efforts and working for reconciliation and righteousness.

A Muslim should ask himself:

What can I do to benefit another Muslim?

Perhaps it is through charity.

Perhaps it is by feeding a fasting person.

Perhaps it is by helping an orphan.

Perhaps it is by teaching someone Qur’an.

Perhaps it is by making sincere du‘a for those experiencing hardship.

Perhaps it is simply by removing hatred and division from his own heart.

Every person has something with which he can contribute.

Ramadan and the Preservation of Time

One of the greatest lessons of Ramadan is the value of time.

Allah سبحانه وتعالى draws our attention to the shortness of worldly life:

قَالَ كَمْ لَبِثْتُمْ فِي ٱلْأَرْضِ عَدَدَ سِنِينَ ۝ قَالُوا۟ لَبِثْنَا يَوْمًا أَوْ بَعْضَ يَوْمٍۢ فَسْـَٔلِ ٱلْعَادِّينَ ۝ قَالَ إِن لَّبِثْتُمْ إِلَّا قَلِيلًۭا لَّوْ أَنَّكُمْ كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ ۝ أَفَحَسِبْتُمْ أَنَّمَا خَلَقْنَٰكُمْ عَبَثًۭا وَأَنَّكُمْ إِلَيْنَا لَا تُرْجَعُونَ

“He will ask, ‘How many years did you remain on earth?’ They will say, ‘We remained for a day or part of a day, so ask those who kept count.’ He will say, ‘You remained only for a little while, if only you had known! Did you then think that We had created you without purpose and that you would not be returned to Us?’”

[Qur’an 23:112–115] 

Life appears long when we look forward, but it appears extremely short when we look backward.

How many Ramadans have already passed?

How many nights of Ramadan have disappeared?

How many opportunities for charity have gone?

How many times have we said, “I will do it tomorrow”?

Then tomorrow becomes another day, and another Ramadan comes and goes.

The Prophet ﷺ warned us about two blessings that many people fail to appreciate:

نِعْمَتَانِ مَغْبُونٌ فِيهِمَا كَثِيرٌ مِنَ النَّاسِ: الصِّحَّةُ وَالْفَرَاغُ

“There are two blessings that many people are deceived into losing: health and free time.”

[Sahih al-Bukhari 6412] 

Ramadan teaches us to organize our time around worship.

The believer has his prayers.

He has Qur’an.

He has dhikr.

He has fasting.

He has charity.

He has family responsibilities.

He has work and lawful means of earning.

He has rest.

He has time for reflection and repentance.

The problem is not that a person has no time. Often, the problem is that his time has no direction.

Do Not Waste the Nights of Ramadan

One of the unfortunate realities of Ramadan is that some people reverse their lives completely.

They sleep through much of the day, waste their nights in entertainment, remain awake without benefit and then struggle to perform the prayers and acts of worship that Ramadan calls them toward.

There is nothing wrong with resting when one needs rest. Islam does not command a person to destroy his health.

But the Muslim should ask himself whether his sleeping, eating, entertainment and social activities are helping him achieve the purpose of Ramadan—or preventing him from achieving it.

Allah says:

إِنَّ ٱلصَّلَوٰةَ كَانَتْ عَلَى ٱلْمُؤْمِنِينَ كِتَٰبًۭا مَّوْقُوتًۭا

“Indeed, prayer has been prescribed for the believers at appointed times.”

[Qur’an 4:103] 

The five daily prayers provide structure to the believer's day.

If we organize our lives around salah, Ramadan becomes easier to organize.

Instead of asking:

“How much time do I have?”

we should ask:

“How will I use the time Allah has given me?”

Ramadan Is a School of Mercy

Ramadan should soften the heart.

A person who experiences hunger should remember the hungry.

A person who experiences thirst should remember those who have no clean water.

A person who has clothing should remember those who have little.

A person who has a home should remember those who have been displaced.

A person who has food on his table should remember those who do not know where their next meal will come from.

Fasting should not merely make the stomach empty.

It should make the heart more compassionate.

Allah سبحانه وتعالى says:

وَلَوْ كُنتَ فَظًّا غَلِيظَ ٱلْقَلْبِ لَٱنفَضُّوا۟ مِنْ حَوْلِكَ

“Had you been harsh or hard-hearted, they would have certainly abandoned you.”

[Qur’an 3:159] 

This verse teaches us that gentleness is not weakness.

Mercy is strength.

Kindness is strength.

Forgiveness is strength.

Patience is strength.

The believer should therefore examine his heart during Ramadan.

Has fasting made me more patient?

Has it made me kinder to my spouse?

Has it made me gentler with my children?

Has it made me more respectful toward my parents?

Has it made me more forgiving toward my brothers and sisters?

Has it made me more generous toward the poor?

If the answer is yes, then the fasting is producing one of its greatest fruits.

Mercy in the Home

Mercy begins at home.

Sometimes a person is gentle with strangers but harsh with his own family.

He speaks politely to people outside but loses his temper with his wife, children or parents.

Ramadan should change this.

The Prophet ﷺ taught:

إِنَّ الرِّفْقَ لَا يَكُونُ فِي شَيْءٍ إِلَّا زَانَهُ، وَلَا يُنْزَعُ مِنْ شَيْءٍ إِلَّا شَانَهُ

“Gentleness is not found in anything except that it beautifies it, and it is not removed from anything except that it makes it defective.”

[Sahih Muslim]

The fasting person should therefore guard not only his stomach and his desires, but also his tongue and his character.

There is little benefit in remaining hungry while insulting others.

There is little benefit in staying away from food while allowing anger to control the heart.

There is little benefit in standing in prayer while continuing to oppress those around us.

Ramadan should produce better Muslims—not merely hungry Muslims.

Mercy Toward Those We Teach and Advise

The responsibility of the scholar, teacher, parent and caller to Islam is also a responsibility of mercy.

Advice should not be delivered with arrogance.

Correction should not become humiliation.

Teaching should not become an opportunity to demonstrate superiority.

Allah instructed Musa and Harun عليهما السلام when they were sent to Pharaoh:

فَقُولَا لَهُۥ قَوْلًۭا لَّيِّنًۭا لَّعَلَّهُۥ يَتَذَكَّرُ أَوْ يَخْشَىٰ

“Speak to him gently, perhaps he may be mindful or fearful.”

[Qur’an 20:44]

If gentleness was commanded when speaking to Pharaoh, then how much more should Muslims be gentle with one another?

Allah also says:

ٱدْعُ إِلَىٰ سَبِيلِ رَبِّكَ بِٱلْحِكْمَةِ وَٱلْمَوْعِظَةِ ٱلْحَسَنَةِ ۖ وَجَٰدِلْهُم بِٱلَّتِى هِىَ أَحْسَنُ

“Invite to the way of your Lord with wisdom and good instruction, and debate with them in the best manner.”

[Qur’an 16:125] 

A sincere Muslim should therefore learn how to correct others without destroying their dignity.

There is a difference between correcting a mistake and humiliating the person who made it.

There is a difference between defending the truth and becoming harsh-hearted.

There is a difference between firmness upon principles and bad character.

Ramadan Should Bring Unity, Not Division

The Ummah faces many difficulties, but one of the greatest internal dangers is division.

Arguments, suspicion, insults, backbiting and constant disputes can destroy brotherhood.

Allah says:

وَلَا تَنَٰزَعُوا۟ فَتَفْشَلُوا۟ وَتَذْهَبَ رِيحُكُمْ وَٱصْبِرُوا۟ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ مَعَ ٱلصَّٰبِرِينَ

“Do not dispute with one another, lest you become discouraged and your strength departs. Be patient. Surely Allah is with those who are patient.”

[Qur’an 8:46]

Unity does not mean that Muslims will agree on every secondary issue.

It does not mean that scholars will never differ.

It does not mean that every opinion must be identical.

Rather, unity means that disagreement should be handled with justice, knowledge, manners and sincerity.

Ramadan is an excellent opportunity to repair broken relationships.

If you have not spoken to a Muslim brother for months, reach out.

If there is resentment between family members, seek reconciliation.

If you have wronged someone, apologize.

If someone has wronged you, consider forgiveness.

Do not allow Shaytan to make you enter Ramadan with hatred in your heart and leave it with the same hatred.

Ramadan and the Suffering of Muslims

The believer cannot remain completely indifferent to the suffering of other people.

When Muslims are suffering anywhere in the world, we should remember them in our prayers and help them according to our ability through lawful and beneficial means.

We should make du‘a for those who are oppressed, displaced, hungry, imprisoned or suffering from war.

We should give charity where it can genuinely benefit those in need.

We should avoid spreading unverified information, hatred or rumors.

We should remember that Islam commands justice even when dealing with those whom we oppose.

The believer's response to suffering should be guided by faith, wisdom, patience, justice and mercy.

Allah says:

وَمَا لَكُمْ لَا تُقَٰتِلُونَ فِي سَبِيلِ ٱللَّهِ وَٱلْمُسْتَضْعَفِينَ مِنَ ٱلرِّجَالِ وَٱلنِّسَآءِ وَٱلْوِلْدَٰنِ

“And why should you not strive in the cause of Allah and for the oppressed among men, women and children...”

[Qur’an 4:75]

Our responsibility begins with what is within our ability.

Not everyone can change the circumstances of the world, but everyone can make du‘a.

Not everyone has wealth, but many can give something.

Not everyone can teach, but everyone can encourage good.

Not everyone has influence, but everyone can improve his own family and community.

Do Not Despair Because of Your Own Weakness

Some people become overwhelmed when they look at the condition of the Ummah.

They think:

“What can I possibly do?”

But Allah does not ask a person to accomplish what is beyond his ability.

The believer should not underestimate small acts of goodness.

A sincere donation may feed a family.

A kind word may save someone from despair.

A lesson may change a person's life.

A sincere du‘a may be answered in ways we never see.

A person who reconciles two Muslims may prevent years of hatred.

A person who teaches a child Qur’an may receive reward long after that child has grown.

Therefore, do not despise your own contribution.

Start with yourself.

Then your family.

Then your community.

And ask Allah to accept whatever you are able to do.

Our Difficulties Should Lead Us Back to Allah

When difficulties come, the believer examines his own condition.

Allah says:

أَوَلَمَّآ أَصَٰبَتْكُم مُّصِيبَةٌۭ قَدْ أَصَبْتُم مِّثْلَيْهَا قُلْتُمْ أَنَّىٰ هَٰذَا ۖ قُلْ هُوَ مِنْ عِندِ أَنفُسِكُمْ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ كُلِّ شَىْءٍۢ قَدِيرٌۭ

“When disaster struck you, although you had inflicted twice as much upon your enemy, you said, ‘Where did this come from?’ Say, ‘It is from your own selves.’ And Allah is certainly Most Capable of everything.”

[Qur’an 3:165] 

This should encourage self-examination.

When we see weakness, we should ask:

Have we neglected salah?

Have we neglected the Qur’an?

Have we allowed sins to become normal?

Have we abandoned repentance?

Have we allowed hatred and jealousy to enter our hearts?

Have we neglected the rights of our parents, spouses, children and neighbors?

Have we become divided over matters that should not destroy our brotherhood?

Ramadan is the perfect time to return to Allah.

What Should We Do During Ramadan?

Let this Ramadan be different.

1. Guard the five daily prayers

Do not allow fasting to become an excuse for missing salah.

2. Give the Qur’an a central place in your day

Even if you can only read a small amount, read it consistently and reflect upon its meaning.

3. Increase your charity

Feed someone.

Help a family.

Support an orphan.

Assist someone in debt.

Give according to your ability.

4. Make abundant du‘a

Especially during the times when supplication is encouraged and in the last portion of the night.

5. Control your tongue

Avoid backbiting, insults, arguments, gossip and useless speech.

6. Repair relationships

Forgive where forgiveness is appropriate and apologize when you have wronged someone.

7. Protect your time

Reduce unnecessary entertainment and excessive social-media use.

8. Show mercy

Be patient with your family, neighbors, colleagues and fellow Muslims.

9. Remember suffering Muslims

Make sincere du‘a for them and assist them through trustworthy charitable means.

10. Repent sincerely

Do not leave Ramadan with the same sins and the same heart with which you entered it.

A Ramadan of Action

O fasting Muslim, your hunger should remind you of the hungry.

Your thirst should remind you of the thirsty.

Your prayer should remind you of your dependence upon Allah.

Your Qur’an should remind you of your purpose.

Your charity should remind you that wealth is a trust.

Your tiredness should remind you that life is temporary.

Your tears should remind you of the Hereafter.

And your Ramadan should remind you that you are part of a greater Ummah.

Do not waste this month.

The days will pass.

The nights will disappear.

The pages of the calendar will turn.

And one day, the Ramadan that you are experiencing now will exist only as a memory.

The wise person therefore takes advantage of the opportunity while it is still present.

A Final Reminder

The purpose of Ramadan is not simply to complete a number of fasting days.

It is to leave Ramadan closer to Allah than when you entered it.

Allah سبحانه وتعالى says:

يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ

“O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so that you may attain taqwa.”

[Qur’an 2:183]

This is the heart of Ramadan:

Taqwa.

A heart that fears Allah.

A heart that loves Allah.

A heart that remembers Allah.

A heart that feels compassion for His creation.

A heart that repents when it sins.

A heart that forgives.

A heart that gives.

A heart that does not waste its life.

A heart that longs to meet its Lord.

O Allah, Make Us Among the People of Ramadan

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ قُلُوبَنَا، وَاغْفِرْ ذُنُوبَنَا، وَارْحَمْ ضَعْفَنَا، وَبَارِكْ لَنَا فِي أَوْقَاتِنَا، وَأَعِنَّا عَلَى ذِكْرِكَ وَشُكْرِكَ وَحُسْنِ عِبَادَتِكَ.

اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْ رَمَضَانَ شَهْرَ تَوْبَةٍ لَنَا، وَشَهْرَ مَغْفِرَةٍ، وَرَحْمَةٍ، وَعِتْقٍ مِنَ النَّارِ.

اللَّهُمَّ أَصْلِحْ أَحْوَالَ الْمُسْلِمِينَ، وَاجْمَعْ قُلُوبَهُمْ عَلَى الْحَقِّ، وَأَلِّفْ بَيْنَهُمْ، وَارْحَمْ ضُعَفَاءَهُمْ، وَاشْفِ مَرْضَاهُمْ، وَارْحَمْ مَوْتَاهُمْ، وَأَطْعِمْ جَائِعَهُمْ، وَاكْسُ عَارِيَهُمْ، وَآمِنْ خَائِفَهُمْ، وَفَرِّجْ كُرُبَ الْمَكْرُوبِينَ.

اللَّهُمَّ اجْعَلْنَا مِفْتَاحًا لِلْخَيْرِ، مِغْلَاقًا لِلشَّرِّ، وَاجْعَلْنَا مِنَ الرُّحَمَاءِ الْمُتَرَاحِمِينَ.

اللَّهُمَّ تَقَبَّلْ صِيَامَنَا وَقِيَامَنَا وَصَالِحَ أَعْمَالِنَا، وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَلِوَالِدِينَا وَلِجَمِيعِ الْمُسْلِمِينَ.

آمِين يَا رَبَّ الْعَالَمِينَ.

Qur’anic References

Qur’an 2:183 — Fasting and attaining taqwa.

Qur’an 3:159 — Mercy, gentleness and consultation. 

Qur’an 3:165 — Examining ourselves during times of difficulty. 

Qur’an 4:75 — Concern for the oppressed.

Qur’an 4:103 — Prayer at appointed times. 

Qur’an 8:46 — Avoiding disputes and remaining patient.

Qur’an 16:125 — Calling with wisdom and good instruction. 

Qur’an 20:44 — Speaking gently.

Qur’an 21:92 — The unity of the Ummah. 

Qur’an 23:112–115 — The shortness and purpose of worldly life.

Qur’an 49:10 — Brotherhood among believers.

Hadith References

Sahih al-Bukhari 6412: “There are two blessings that many people are deceived into losing: health and free time.” 

Sahih Muslim 2586c: The believers are like one body in their mutual mercy and compassion. 

Sahih Muslim: Gentleness beautifies that which it enters and is absent from nothing except that it makes it defective.