In order to gain the most benefit from the blessed month of Ramadan and earn more rewards, we must follow the advice of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) regarding fasting. He says in a narration: «مَنْ صَامَ رَمَضَانَ إِيمَانًا وَاحْتِسَابًا غُفِرَ لَهُ مَا تَقَدَّمَ مِنْ ذَنْبِهِ» Translation: “Whoever fasts during the month of Ramadan with faith and hope for the reward from Allah, their past sins will be forgiven.”
In this narration, “Imanan” means fasting with a sincere belief in its obligation and necessity, and “Ihtisaban” refers to fasting with the hope of receiving Allah’s reward, without any form of showing off or seeking recognition.
A Muslim must fast during Ramadan with faith, certainty, and the hope of receiving reward and blessings from the Lord of the Worlds, not out of habit or simply because family and those around them are fasting. A fast taken without sincere intention and a spiritual goal will not have the desired effect on the soul and heart.
From the beginning to the end of Ramadan, a Muslim must keep a specific and divine intention in their heart, making a vow: “O Allah! I am fasting this fast only for Your pleasure and to obey Your command, and I hope for Your reward and blessings.” Only in this way can one fully benefit from the blessings and divine favors of the blessed month of Ramadan.
The fasting person should always keep this sacred narration alive in their mind and heart to strengthen their hope for reward and to make the most of the unparalleled opportunity that Ramadan offers. Allah, the Almighty, says in a sacred narration: «الصَّوْمُ لِی وَ أَنَا أَجْزِیبِهِ.» Translation: “Fasting is for Me, and I Myself will reward it.”
This statement reflects the greatness and value of fasting in the sight of Allah, as He has taken upon Himself the reward for the fasting person, without any specific limit or boundary.
It should be remembered that a fast taken out of habit and without faith and hope for reward will not only fail to bring about any transformation or movement in the person’s soul but will also not lead to the forgiveness of their sins. As mentioned in the narration, only a fast performed with faith and hope for Allah’s reward will wash away past sins.
Therefore, to fully benefit from the month of Ramadan, it is essential that we fast with a sincere intention, strong faith, and hope for the pleasure and reward of Allah, not merely out of habit or following others. Only in this way can Ramadan become the spring of the soul and an opportunity for drawing closer to Allah, the Almighty.
