Ramadhan is a month that is special for many reasons. It is a month in which we return to Allah, exert ourselves in our spiritual efforts, and appreciate the countless blessings Allah has showered upon us.
It is also a month which is associated with many remarkable historical events. A month of hardship and endurance, it was in Ramadhan that many notable events transpired and it was these events that paved the way for Islam to reach us today.
Let us take this time to remember and reflect upon some of these events that took place in the blessed month of Ramadhan.
Battle of Badr
On the 17th of Ramadhan, the Prophet PBUH and his beloved companions fought their first-ever battle. After enduring the endless mockery and physical abuse by Quraysh in Makkah, Allah instructed the Muslims to charge forward and fight. Yet it seemed difficult for them as they numbered only 313. Despite this, Allah sent forth Angels who assisted the Muslims in this remarkable battle and allowed the Muslims to defeat the Quraysh who numbered over 1000. This is a reminder to all of us too that there may be a time when we feel outnumbered and weak yet Allah will be there by our sides, as he mentions in the Quran, “Allah helped you at Badr when you were very weak. Be mindful of Allah, so that you may be grateful.” [Quran 3:123]
Revelation of Quran
This is undoubtedly one of the greatest blessings and miracles in the history of Islam. The Quran is a guideline and a blueprint for a successful life in this world and the hereafter. Referring to the Quran and the month of Ramadhan, Allah mentions in the Quran, “The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” [Quran 2:185] It is for this reason that Muslims are urged to bond with the Quran in this month, whether that’s through reciting, understanding the Quran or simply by listening to its recitation throughout Taraweeh.
Passing of Khadija RA and Abu Talib
Ten years after the Prophet PBUH received revelation, the two most beloved people in his life left his side as they passed into the next world. The first was Khadijah RA who was the first wife of the Prophet PBUH and was the most beloved to him of all his wives. Not only was she there for him throughout the difficulties he endured throughout the former years of prophethood, but she was also one of the first to accept Islam. Abu Talib, who was the uncle of the Prophet PBUH also passed away at the same time and it was for this reason that the year in which they passed away came to be known as The Year of Sorrow.
Conquest of Makkah
The Battle of Badr was only the start. Little did anyone know that a few years later, the Muslims of Madinah would return to Makkah with the Prophet PBUH to conquer the city. A treaty that was already signed between the Quraysh and the Muslims had been violated by the Quraysh. This became the reason why the Prophet PBUH formed an army of 10,000 soldiers and made his way to the city of Makkah. It was a difficult journey as the Muslims were fasting and the journey throughout the heat of the day was no easy endeavour. Many great transformations occurred in this conquest including the removal and complete abolishment of idol worshipping in Makkah.
Laylatul Qadr
While Ramadhan in its entirety is encompassed with significance and blessings, the last ten days are at the essence of the month, as it is these days in which the Prophet PBUH levelled up his acts of worship. However, despite the significance of the last ten nights of Ramadhan, the night known as Laylatul Qadr is without a doubt the best of all these nights.
Indeed, We revealed [the Qur’an] during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn. [Quran 97:1-5]
Juber Ahmed is our Digital Editor and travel enthusiast with a keen interest in Islamic history and heritage. He travels with his wife to various places around the world and writes about his experiences.
Juber's favourite Quote...
"The World Is a Book and Those Who Do Not Travel Read Only One Page" [Saint Augustine]
