"We need a Ramadan."
A phrase I heard echoing from a minbar a few years back, resonates even more profoundly today. The past few months have weighed heavily on our collective consciousness as we witness unprecedented oppression and bloodshed in the Muslim World. During moments of helplessness, when we finally hit rock bottom, the desire to wholeheartedly connect with the Creator reaches its zenith. We find solace in the five daily prayers but acts of worship during the month of Ramadan carry a unique significance.
Ramadan is a time to recenter and reset, providing our faith with a much-needed boost after months of monotonous day-to-day routines. It entails both physical and psychological sacrifice; on one hand, abstaining from food, drink, and intimacy between spouses, and on the other, refraining from indulging in evil vices, gossip, and rage. This conscious discipline is an internal act of worship that is solely between the Creator and His servant, yet it possesses the added advantage of unifying the ummah, the global community of believers.
The Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, once said:
“The parable of the believers in their affection, mercy, and compassion for each other is that of a body. When any limb aches, the whole body reacts with sleeplessness and fever.”
(Sahih Bukhari and Muslim)
Decades ago, “feed a cold, starve a fever,” was a popular saying regarding fighting off illness. Though debunked by healthcare experts, there is merit to the concept of abstaining from consumption to cleanse the body and soul. The body of Muslims around the world is indeed suffering from sleeplessness and fever, and the fast of Ramadan offers a cure and purification. Lately, social media posts from Muslims have expressed grief that we may not be able to “enjoy” Ramadan due to the suffering of our brothers and sisters. However, the essence of Ramadan transcends mere enjoyment. This act of worship, coupled with the additional prayers, supplications, and remembrance it entails, can serve as the spiritual retreat we desperately need to recuperate from a year filled with hardship.
Making Ramadan Spiritual: Examples from our Predecessors
There is no better example of how a spiritual retreat can aid a distressed mind and catapult it to a heightened state of faith than that of 12th century scholar, Imam Al-Ghazali. Al-Ghazali was a leading Sunni jurist in the Shafi school of law who was appointed to the highest position of Islamic scholarship as the head of the Nizzamiyya University in Baghdad. After reaching this pinnacle in his career, Al-Ghazali suffered somewhat of an existential crisis, growing increasingly dissatisfied with his level of faith. He describes this period of overwhelming anxiety and depression in his book, Deliverance from Error. Imam Al-Ghazali reached a point where he felt physically ill due to this condition. Unable to teach his students or perform his duties, he decided to leave behind his position in search of greater spiritual fulfillment. In his own words, he said:
“I departed from Baghdad after I had distributed what wealth I had, laying by only the amount needed for my support and the sustenance of my children .… Then I entered Damascus and resided there for nearly two years. My only occupation was seclusion and solitude and spiritual exercise and combat with a view to devoting myself to the purification of my soul and the cultivation of virtues and cleansing my heart for the remembrance of God Most High … I used to pray in seclusion for a time in the Mosque, mounting to its minaret for the whole day and shutting myself in. Then I traveled from Damascus to Jerusalem, where I would go daily into the Dome of the Rock and shut myself in. Then I was inwardly moved by an urge to perform the duty of the pilgrimage and to draw succor from the blessings of Mecca and Medina and the visit to the tomb of the Apostle of God — God’s blessing and peace be upon him! — after finishing my visit to the Friend of God — God’s blessings and peace be upon him!
So, I traveled to the Hijaz. Then certain concerns and the appeals of my children drew me to my native land; so, I came back to it after being the person most unlikely to return to it. There I also chose seclusion out of a desire for solitude and the purification of my heart for the remembrance of God. But current events and important family matters and gaining the necessities for daily living had an effect on the way to realize my desire and troubled the serenity of my solitude, and the pure state of (faith) occurred only intermittently. But nonetheless I did not cease to aspire to it. Obstacles would keep me away from it, but I would return to it.” (Al-Ghazali, Deliverance from Error, 20-21)
Imam Al-Ghazali lived during a time of civil strife in the Muslim world, with threats in the East and the West, as well as sectarian violence and political instability in the Islamic caliphate. While Al-Ghazali’s spiritual quest went beyond a mere month of Ramadan to years of self-discipline and reflection, it stemmed from a conscious effort to depart from the luxuries of worldly life in search of a connection with Allah. The month of Ramadan offers an opportunity to embark on such a quest, as we abstain from the comforts of food and drink to focus on worship.
1. Detaching ourselves from worldly life.
Imam Al-Ghazali began his journey with renunciation, rejecting pleasures and excess, in the same way we renounce food and drink during Ramadan. He distributed his wealth, keeping only what was necessary for his sustenance and that of his children, reflecting the detachment from material possessions and charitable giving encouraged during the fasting month. Likewise, we can remind our families to let go of the things that are unnecessary or even harmful to our bodies and our souls. Allah says in the Quran:
“O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will become mindful ˹of Allah˺.
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183)
Regarding this verse, Ibn Kathir said,
“In an address to the believers of this Ummah, Allah ordered them to fast, that is, to abstain from food, drink, and sexual activity with the intention of doing so sincerely for Allah the Exalted alone. This is because fasting purifies the souls and cleanses them from the evil that might mix with them and their ill behavior. Allah mentioned that He has ordained fasting for Muslims just as He ordained it for those before them, they being an example for them in that, so they should vigorously perform this obligation more obediently than the previous nations.” (Tafsir Ibn Kathir)
2. Maintaining periods of seclusion.
Similar to the practice of itikaaf during Ramadan, Al-Ghazali secluded himself in the mosque for nearly two years, exerting himself in acts of worship to purify his soul and cultivate virtues. Al-Ghazali dedicated himself to prayer in seclusion, whether in the mosque or atop its minaret, embodying the heightened spiritual focus and unparalleled intensity of worship experienced during Ramadan.
While we probably will not have the luxury of climbing a minaret, we can certainly find a quiet space in our home, during a hike, or in the masjid to engage in remembrance, supplication, and prayer. Parents can encourage children to choose a quiet place for themselves and practice this together (but separate) as a family. Even making time for small increments of solitary worship can make a huge difference in our spiritual connection with Allah during this month and throughout the year.
3. Observing periods of silence.
Al-Ghazali practiced silence as a means of introspection, allowing him to reflect deeply on his spiritual journey and cultivate a deeper connection with Allah. Similarly, during Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to engage in moments of silence and contemplation, using this time for self-reflection, repentance, and spiritual growth. Make sure to implement quiet time at home to get family used to this important practice.
The Quranic example of Mary, peace be upon her, in Surah Maryam (19:26), provides a profound lesson on the “fasting” of silence. Mary’s vow of silence after the miraculous birth of Jesus reflects her trust in Allah and her understanding that silence can be a means of Divine intervention.
Similarly, Prophet Ibrahim, peace be upon him, remained silent when abandoning his wife, Hajar, and their infant, Ismail, in a barren desert. According to the hadith that summarizes this incident, Hagar repeatedly questions his decision as Ibrahim departs, expressing concern about the isolation and lack of provisions in the desolate valley. Despite her inquiries, Ibrahim remains silent, not turning back to respond. When she finally asks if Allah commanded this action, Ibrahim confirms; Hagar accepts the divine decree and asserts her trust in Allah’s care and protection. The couple’s resolve emphasizes Ibrahim’s powerful and silent submission to the divine command and Hagar’s unwavering trust in Allah’s providence despite the challenging circumstances.
Although Prophet Ibrahim abstained from speaking to his family, he supplicated to Allah in solitude, saying,
“Our Lord! I have settled some of my offspring in a barren valley, near Your Sacred House, our Lord, so that they may establish prayer. So make the hearts of ˹believing˺ people incline towards them and provide them with fruits, so perhaps they will be thankful.”
(Surah Ibrahim, 14:37)
The stories of prophets and pious individuals demonstrate how deliberate silence can be a channel for awaiting Allah’s guidance, commands, or divine decree. In the context of worship and spiritual growth, silence serves as a pathway to a higher level of belief and continuous God-consciousness.
4. Cleansing the heart.
Imam Al-Ghazali visited Mecca and Medina during his spiritual retreat, seeking to remind himself of the blessings of Allah, and devote his time to acts of remembrance and worship. He also sought to walk in the footsteps of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, as a means of coming closer to Allah and cleansing his heart. During the month of Ramadan, we may not all be able to go on such a trip, however, we can embody the teachings of the Prophet by engaging in acts which he deemed good and abstaining from anything he did not approve. The Prophet said:
"Whoever does not give up false statements (i.e. telling lies), and evil deeds, and speaking bad words to others, Allah is not in need of his (fasting) leaving his food and drink."
(Sahih Bukhari)
Al-Sha’bi reported that Ali ibn Abi Talib, may Allah be pleased with him, would deliver a sermon when the month of Ramadan arrived, saying, “This is the blessed month in which Allah has obligated fasting … Certainly, fasting is not merely from food and drink, but rather from lying, falsehood, and vain talk.” Al-Sha’bi said, “Ali would say this after the dawn prayer and afternoon prayer.” (Al-Sunan al-Kubra lil-Bayhaqi)
5. Building discipline and determination.
Despite encountering numerous obstacles and distractions, Al-Ghazali exemplified unwavering resilience and determination in his quest for spiritual purification, a quality that resonates deeply with the essence of Ramadan. In the face of adversity, he remained steadfast, demonstrating an unyielding commitment to his spiritual journey. Similarly, during Ramadan, Muslims are challenged to navigate various trials and temptations while striving to deepen their faith. By restraining hunger, controlling emotions, and embracing moments of quietude, individuals can cultivate a deeper connection with Allah.
The discipline and self-control practiced during fasting instills a sense of inner strength and resilience, enabling believers to overcome challenges and emerge spiritually rejuvenated.
Echoing the importance of spiritual retreat and silence, Imam As-Suyuti wrote in his Al-Itqan fi uloom il Quran, “These are indeed, are times when adopting silence is a necessity, and so too, is confining oneself to one’s own abode, all the while putting into action, the knowledge one acquires. This would be so, but for the following sahih tradition: ‘Whosoever acquires knowledge and conceals it will be bridled with a bridle of fire by God’” (As-Suyuti, p. 203). Considering As-Suyuti lived mainly in the 15th century Mamluk Sultanate in Egypt, way before the trials of modernity, it is more crucial to practice silent reflection now, given the current conditions in the Muslim World and with the challenges of Islamic communities in non-Muslim majority lands. Allah says in the Quran:
“Ramaḍan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the decisive authority. So, whoever is present this month, let them fast…”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185)
Interestingly, He follows up this verse with the following words of reassurance:
“When My servants ask you ˹O Prophet˺ about Me: I am truly near. I respond to one’s prayer when they call upon Me. So let them respond ˹with obedience˺ to Me and believe in Me, perhaps they will be guided ˹to the Right Way˺.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:186)
Ramadan serves as a prospect for self-discovery, renewal, and reconnection with the Divine. By embracing the principles of fasting, prayer, and introspection, Muslims seek to obtain mindfulness, deepen their relationship with Allah, and reaffirm their purpose in life. Through the example of Imam Al-Ghazali, we are reminded of the transformative power of discipline and the resilience required to overcome obstacles on the path to spiritual purification. If Allah has allowed us and our families to reach another Ramadan, we can approach it with gratitude and steadfastness, and make it a means of transformation, inshaAllah, God willing.
May this sacred month bring forgiveness, blessings, spiritual fulfillment, and relief to all those who earnestly seek His pleasure. Ameen.
Wendy Díaz is a Puerto Rican Muslim writer, award-winning poet, translator, and mother of six (ages ranging from infant to teen). She is the co-founder of Hablamos Islam, a non-profit organization that produces educational resources about Islam in Spanish (hablamosislam.org). She has written, illustrated, and published over a dozen children’s books and currently lives with her family in Maryland. Follow Wendy Díaz on social media @authorwendydiaz and @hablamosislam.
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