The Message of Ramadan

February 27, 2025

It’s been narrated that Imam Ali bin Mousa al-Rida (p) said to Abu al-Salt al-Harawi when he visited Imam during the last Friday of Shaban: 

“Do not neglect any trust placed upon you without fulfilling it; do not hold hatred in your heart toward a believer without removing it; and do not persist in any sin without repenting from it…”
[Atarudi, “Musnad al-Imam al-Rida”, v. 2, p. 14]

Dear Believers in North America,

In the last week of Shaban, when Ramadan is on the corner, it is highly recommended to review such great advice from a great infallible Imam to welcome Ramadan in an ideal form. Ramadan is not just abstaining from the fasting nullifiers, but it is beyond that.

The blessed month of Ramadan arrives with divine blessings and mercy, offering a precious chance for personal and societal reform—not just in our relationship with God but also in our relationships with others. It is a time for reflection, self-improvement, and renewing our commitment to living by noble Islamic values.

Ramadan is not limited to jurisprudence of fast rulings or Ramadan virtues; it has a deeper meaning that goes beyond its core purpose: shaping a Muslim’s behavior and daily interactions. Let us explore some of these deeper meanings through the guidance of Imam al-Rida (p).

The essence of Fasting
Fasting is not just avoiding food and drink—it also means avoiding injustice and violating others’ rights. What value does fasting hold if one’s home is taken unlawfully or meals are bought with stolen money? Limited hours of hunger and thirst lose meaning if others are deprived of their basic rights and needs. Thus, Ramadan urges us to review our financial, social, and other life perspectives. Restoring others’ rights comes before giving charity. How can we donate money that rightfully belongs to a sister, for instance, denied her inheritance or public funds seized illegally? True charity comes from lawful earnings; ill-gotten wealth invalidates donations.

Trustworthiness Matters
Praying and fasting mean little if we betray trust or misuse authority for personal gain. Fasting teaches us honesty in all roles—respecting God’s boundaries publicly and privately.

Strengthening Social Bonds
Ramadan shines when we strengthen family relationships, honor parents (a sacred duty), and extend kindness to neighbors, friends, and others. A compassionate society reflects Ramadan’s spirit. Even small acts matter: keeping public spaces clean or helping others—these too are acts of faith and charity.

Responsibility Toward Future Generations
We must guide those under our care—teaching youth that fasting isn’t just hunger but a system of ethics visible in every action. Ramadan also calls us to reject greed and hoarding goods for profit—actions contrary to Ramadan’s spirit of generosity.

Islam Reflects on Daily Conduct
While God’s mercy forgives the sins between Him and us, injustices against others must be addressed in this life. Ramadan is a golden opportunity to purify the heart—fasting not only from food but also from hatred, gossip, backbiting, and harming others. True fasting engages the heart, tongue, and limbs in righteousness.

Every Good Deed Counts
Ramadan offers diverse ways to do good: smiling, kind words, feeding, helping, or easing burdens—all lead to one goal: attaining God-consciousness (taqwa).

Last, let us remember Ramadan is a rare opportunity for personal and collective reform. Let’s deepen our understanding of Islamic values, uphold righteousness, and improve our conduct—to truly become God-conscious people who treat others with justice. This fulfills fasting’s ultimate goal: “so that you may attain taqwa” (Quran 2:183).

Ramadan Mubarak! And, please, keep us in your Duas.