Aspects of Ramadan

The five qualities only Muslims have during the month of Ramadan

The five qualities only Muslims have during the month of Ramadan 

I’m going to start with the hadith that this chapter revolves around:

Al Imam Ahmad narrated that the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: My Ummah has been given five qualities in Ramadan not given to the nations before them: the Khuluf (the breath) from the one who fasts, with Allah, is better than the fragrance of musk. (Secondly) the angels seek istighfar (forgiveness) for the belivers until they break their fast. (Thirdly,) Allah beautifies his paradise every day and say’s: My pious slaves are about to throw the burden and the harm off them and turn to you (paradise). (Fourthly) the devils are chained so that they will not have the opportunity to do what they used to do outside of Ramadan. (Lastly) their sins will be forgiven at every last hour of the night.  It is said: O messenger of Allah do you mean the night of Laylatul Qadar? He said: no but every laborer receives the fruit of his labors upon the completion of his work.

Now for the explanation:

The Khuluf (breath):

“The Khuluf (the breath) from the one who fasts, with Allah, is better than the fragrance of musk.”

The word khuluf refers to the bad breath that comes from the mouth when fasting because the stomach is empty. It’s not a pleasant smell and not liked by people, but to allah it is like the smell of musk (or perfume). It is like perfume to Allah because the smell is acquired when following Allah’s command and worshiping him.

The angels seeking istighfar (forgiveness):

“The angels seek istighfar (forgiveness) for the belivers until they break their fast.”

The angels are slaves of Allah and do not disobey, Allah asks the angels to seek forgiveness for the fasting Muslims as a way of proving the virtue of fasting.

Allah beatifies paradise every day:

“Allah beautifies his paradise every day and say’s: My pious slaves are about to throw the burden and the harm off them and turn to you (paradise).”

Allah beautifies paradise every day in preparation for his slaves and to motivate them to do good deeds so that they can earn the best reward- Jannah (paradise).

The devils are chained:

“The devils are chained so that they will not have the opportunity to do what they used to do outside of Ramadan. “

The devils are chained down so that they don’t get the chance to cause the fasting Muslims to become distracted by anything other than their fast.

 Their sin’s are forgiven:

“Their sins will be forgiven at every last hour of the night.  It is said: O messenger of Allah do you mean the night of Laylatul Qadar? He said: no but every laborer receives the fruit of his labors upon the completion of his work.”

Allah forgives the fasting Muslims on the last night of Ramadan: the reward will only be given to those who fast to the best of their ability, pray the night prayer (taraweeh) and so on.