Introduction

The Days of Mercy

The holy month of Ramadan is a time of profound spiritual growth, reflection, and renewal for Muslims worldwide. It is traditionally divided into three distinct phases, each lasting for ten days.  Ramadan‘s first ten days, the days of mercy, a period that emphasizes the infinite mercy and compassion of Allah. Also during this initial phase, Muslims are encouraged to seek Allah’s mercy. This is  through sincere prayers, acts of worship, and acts of kindness. It is a time to reflect on the countless blessings in life and express gratitude by helping those in need. This special period reminds believers that Allah’s mercy encompasses all things. It offers hope and encourages them to strive to better themselves spiritually.

In the sacred hadith below,

Allah addresses believers saying that as long as they call upon Allah and put their hope in Him, Allah will forgive them for what they have done and Allah does not mind. O son of Adam, if your sins were to reach the clouds of the sky and then you would seek My forgiveness, I would forgive you. O you believer, if you were to come to Me with sins that are close to filling the earth and then you would meet Me without ascribing any partners with Me, I would certainly grant you forgiveness close to filling it.” (Authenticated by Al Albani)

The Virtue and Rules of Fasting in Islam

Fasting is a significant and remarkable act of worship in Islam, holding a great status with Allah. The Quran highlights the rules of fasting and the ease provided for Muslims in the verse:

فَمَن كَانَ مِنكُم مَّرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۚ وَعَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ يُطِيقُونَهُۥ فِدْيَةٌۭ طَعَامُ مِسْكِينٍۢ ۖ فَمَن تَطَوَّعَ خَيْرًۭا فَهُوَ خَيْرٌۭ لَّهُۥ ۚ وَأَن تَصُومُوا۟ خَيْرٌۭ لَّكُمْ إِن كُنتُمْ تَعْلَمُونَ
                                              (Surah Al-Baqarah: 184).

This verse reflects the mercy and flexibility of Islam in the prescription of fasting. It grants exemptions to those who are ill or traveling, allowing them to make up for the missed days later. It also permits Muslims in extreme difficulty  in fasting to offer a substitute. They can do so  by feeding a poor person for each missed day. However, it emphasizes that fasting is better for believers for its immense reward. This highlights the compassion of Islamic teachings. It also serves as a motivation for Muslims to honor this act of worship. This happens according to their abilities and circumstances.

The violators of fasting:

Fasting has its rules which a muslim must not violate in Islam. For a Muslim’s fasting to be valid and accepted, a Muslim mustn’t do certain things. A married Muslim must never have sexual intercourse during daytime in Ramadan. This applies from just after dawn till just before sunset. This applies to masturbation also. As soon as the dawn adan has been said, a Muslim must never eat or drink anything. This goes on  till the call for al-maghrib prayer. In addition, bleeding, either by hijama or else, violates a muslim’s fasting. Intentional vomiting violates a muslim’s fasting too. Menstruation violates a woman’s fasting also. Postpartum violates a woman’s fasting as well.

Mercy in ramadan:

Doing good deeds for others is closely tied to seeking Allah’s mercy. As Allah says in the Quran:

“إِنَّ رَحْمَتَ اللَّهِ قَرِيبٌ مِّنَ الْمُحْسِنِينَ” (الأعراف: 56)

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also reinforced this message to his companions, saying:

“لن يُنجي أحدًا منكم عملُه.”
قالوا: ولا أنت يا رسول الله؟
قال: “ولا أنا، إلا أن يتغمدني الله برحمةٍ، سددوا وقاربوا، واغدوا وروحوا وشيءٌ من الدُّلجة، والقصدَ القصدَ تبلغوا.” (رواه البخاري ومسلم)

This hadith emphasizes the importance of good deeds. It also highlights the role of moderation in attaining Allah’s mercy. Muslims should do good deeds sincerely and consistently. They should maintain balance in their lives. Thisway, they align themselves with the principles of Islam. In addition, they draw nearer to Allah’s boundless mercy.

Mercy During Ramadan

Ramadan is a month of spiritual renewal. It is also an opportunity to seek Allah’s forgiveness for past mistakes. It is a time when Muslims are encouraged to turn to Allah with sincere repentance. Muslims ask for His mercy and pardon. The act of seeking forgiveness is a means of cleansing the soul. It is also a way to strengthen one’s relationship with the Creator.

{ قُلْ يَا عِبَادِيَ الَّذِينَ أَسْرَفُوا عَلَى أَنْفُسِهِمْ لَا تَقْنَطُوا مِنْ رَحْمَةِ اللَّهِ إِنَّ اللَّهَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ جَمِيعًا إِنَّهُ هُوَ الْغَفُورُ الرَّحِيمُ }[الزمر:53] 

Conclusion

During this sacred month, believers are reminded of Allah’s infinite mercy They also remember His readiness to forgive those who turn to Him with a humble heart. They ask for forgiveness through prayers. They can also do so by reading the Quran, and performing good deeds,  Muslims can experience spiritual growth and renewal. Ramadan teaches us the value of letting go of grudges and extending forgiveness to others. They can also foster a spirit of compassion and unity within the community.