Ramaḍān is the month of forgiveness and repentance. The word ‘Ramaḍān’ is derived from ramaḍ which refers to the intense burning heat of the sun. Thus, ‘Ramaḍān’ is the month in which the sins of the believer are burned by their righteous deeds. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “The five daily prayers, Jumuʿah to Jumuʿah, and Ramaḍān to Ramaḍān expiate for (the sins perpetrated) in between them, so long as one stays away from the major sins” (Muslim).
Ramadan: Endless Opportunities to Be Forgiven
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “…May his nose be soiled in dust (i.e. may he be humiliated) — the man upon whom Ramaḍān enters, and then ends before he is forgiven!” (Tirmidhī). This duʿā’ – made by the most merciful of men ﷺ – may appear harsh, but we will understand it when we reflect on how many opportunities Allah provides us in this month to be forgiven. He ﷺ told us that fasting Ramadān with firm belief and hoping for reward leads to one’s previous sins being forgiven. Likewise, standing in prayer at night throughout the month leads to one’s previous sins being forgiven. Similarly, standing in prayer at night in Laylat al-Qadr also leads to one’s previous sins being forgiven (Bukhārī). If we are not going to be forgiven this month, then when are we going to be forgiven?
