Ramadhan: The Month of Revelation and Renewal

Ramadhan: The Month of Revelation and Renewal

Fasting cultivates taqwa. Ramadhan revives the Qur’an in the heart.

Allah introduces this blessed month not merely as a time of abstinence, but as the season of revelation:

“Ramadhan is the month in which the Qur’an was revealed, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of guidance, and the criterion between right and wrong.” (2:185)

Ramadhan is therefore not defined by hunger alone. It is defined by divine speech. It is the month in which heaven spoke to earth.

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ informed us that earlier scriptures too descended in this sacred month. The scrolls of Ibrahim were revealed on its first night. The Torah, the Gospel, and finally the Qur’an followed within its nights. Ramadhan carries a history of revelation. Yet the Qur’an remains its crowning gift.

The Qur’an is not a seasonal companion. It is Allah’s greatest trust to humanity. It heals confusion, clarifies purpose, and directs life toward servitude. It warns and it reassures. It legislates and it refines. It awakens the conscience and disciplines the ego.

On the Day of Judgement, the Qur’an will stand beside its companion. It will testify. It will honour. It will elevate. The one who struggled with it, recited it, lived by it, and sacrificed for it will ascend through the ranks of Paradise as long as he recites. This is not metaphorical poetry. It is prophetic promise.

The Nightly Reunion

Each night of Ramadhan witnessed a sacred meeting. The greatest of mankind ﷺ would sit with the greatest of angels, Jibril, reviewing the greatest of words.

Ibn Abbas reported that the Prophet ﷺ was the most generous of people, and even more generous in Ramadhan when Jibril met him nightly to study the Qur’an. The study of the Qur’an increased generosity, humility, and devotion.

Scholars understood from this that Ramadhan is a time to intensify one’s engagement with revelation. Night recitation carries a unique depth. Allah says that rising by night leaves a stronger imprint on the soul. In the stillness of the night, distractions fade and the heart aligns with the tongue.

The scholars of the past would pause other pursuits in Ramadhan. Some completed the Qur’an dozens of times. Allah placed barakah in their hours. Their lives revolved around revelation.

Yet the lesson is not competition in numbers alone. It is commitment with sincerity. For most of us, racing through completions without reflection does not achieve the purpose of the Qur’an. Recitation must be coupled with tadabbur and precision.

It is possible to balance both. One portion for careful reflection. Another for increased recitation seeking multiplied reward. The most complete approach combines tartil, understanding, and consistency.

Those reviewing memorisation may recite at a moderate pace, maintaining tajwid. Yet even they must dedicate moments for reflection, particularly during qiyam.

For those who do not understand Arabic, the door of benefit remains open. Recite with calmness. Observe tajwid. Pause at verses of mercy and ask Allah for it. Pause at warnings and seek protection. Read translation regularly. Gradually build understanding.

Ibn Taymiyyah said he had not seen anything that nourishes intellect and soul, protects the body, and guarantees success like constant engagement with the Book of Allah.

Recite With Deliberation

Tartil is measured recitation. It is clarity without haste. The tongue articulates carefully. The heart remains attentive. The body settles.

Rushing through pages to reach the end contradicts the Sunnah. Speed may complete a surah, but depth transforms a soul.

Abdullah ibn Masud warned that some recite and it does not pass beyond their collarbones. It benefits only when it penetrates the heart and becomes rooted within.

Repetition strengthens faith. But repetition requires slowing down. The Qur’an is not a race to the final page.

Let It Move You

Beautiful recitation is not performance. It is humility expressed through sound. The best voice is the one that reflects fear of Allah.

The righteous wept upon hearing the verses of the Most Merciful. Tears were signs of awareness, not weakness.

Umar ibn al Khattab was heard weeping while leading prayer. His tears flowed openly. Revelation had entered his core.

Imam al Ghazali wrote that one should reflect on warnings and promises until sadness stirs the heart. If tears do not come, grieve over the hardness of the heart itself.

When reading about judgement, feel accountability. When reading about mercy, feel hope. When reading about divine majesty, feel awe.

Sulayman ibn Maymun said he found sweetness in recitation when he imagined hearing the Qur’an directly from Allah.

Beyond Ramadhan

Ramadhan is training, not termination. It disciplines the heart so that the relationship with the Qur’an continues throughout the year.

The Prophet ﷺ said that Allah has special people among humanity. They are the people of the Qur’an. They belong to Allah in closeness and distinction.

He ﷺ also said that fasting and the Qur’an will intercede on behalf of the servant. Fasting will say it restrained desires. The Qur’an will say it kept him awake in devotion. Both will plead for him.

Ramadhan passes. Revelation remains.

The true success of this month is not measured by hunger endured, but by hearts illuminated.

May Allah, the Light, fill our hearts, homes, and communities with the radiance of His words, and make us among the people of the Qur’an in this world and the next.