The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins Thursday (July 19th) , the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, marking a time for Muslims to abstain from earthly pleasures and seek spiritual growth.

May our fasting and prayers and other worship this month be pleasing to Allah. May He make it easy for us and strengthen us by it.

“O’ you who believe! fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so thatyou may guard your selves (against evil.)” Surah 2, verse 183

“… And that fast is better for you, if you know.” Surah 2, verse 184

“Allah desires ease for you and He desires not hardship for you; and so that you may complete the (prescribed) number (of fasts), and that you may glorify Allah for His guiding you, and so that you may be thankful to Him.” Surah 2, verse 185

“… And fasting men and fasting women … Allah has prepared for them forgiveness and a mighty reward.” Surah 33, verse 35

Hadith: It is attributed to Imam Jafar as-Sadiq (A.S.) that he said: “Your day of fasting should not be like ordinary days. When you fast, all your senses, eyes, ears, tongue, hands, and feet must fast
with you.”

“O Allah, on this day make my fasts the fasts of those who fast (sincerely), and my standing up in prayer of those who stand up in prayer (obediently), awaken me in it from the sleep of the heedless, and forgive me my sins , O God of the worlds, and forgive me, O one who forgives the sinners.”