The Qur’an During Ramadan
Ramadan is one of the holiest months in Islam, marking the time when the Qur'an was first revealed. During this sacred month, Muslims fast from dawn to dusk, strive to improve their character, read the Qur'an, give generously to charity, stand in long nightly prayers known as taraweeh, and seek to strengthen their connection with God through heightened spirituality.
This year marked my third Ramadan, and each one continues to shape me in profound ways. My first Ramadan was a complete awakening—unlike anything I had ever experienced. The spiritual atmosphere was overwhelming in the best way. I was juggling two jobs, yet still making it to taraweeh almost every night. I spent my evenings immersed in the Ramadan series by Omar Suleiman, Dr. Haifaa Younis, and Mufti Menk, soaking in every word. I remember telling people, “How come no one tells you that Ramadan feels like Allah (SWT) is coming down and hugging you, all while lifting your deen (faith) to a higher level?”
During my second Ramadan, I decided to set specific goals for myself. I set so many that I began to feel a bit overwhelmed. Still, I managed to pray taraweeh regularly, read some of the Qur'an, attend my first Qiyam al-Layl (the night prayer from Isha to Fajr), and even prayed Salat al-Kusuf—the eclipse prayer—during a solar eclipse. I also continued watching Omar Suleiman’s Ramadan series. In the final week, I fell seriously ill and had to pray sitting in a chair, but I was determined to stay for Qiyam al-Layl, holding on to every moment of that sacred time.
For my third Ramadan, I chose to keep my goals simple. I aimed to pray all of my five daily prayers in the mosque at least once, read one page of the Qur’an daily to practice my tajweed (perfecting Qur'an recitation), read the English transliteration of the Qur’an, improve my character, complete a Ramadan daily series, attend the last ten nights of Ramadan in the mosque and stay for Qiyam al-Layl. I got to pray another eclipse prayer for the lunar eclipse. While I didn’t complete every goal every single day, I fulfilled them to the best of my ability. My greatest accomplishment was finishing the English transliteration of the Qur’an on the 29th day of Ramadan—the very same night my mosque completed the recitation of the Qur’an during taraweeh.
Finishing the Qur’an during Ramadan was an accomplishment I’m deeply proud of, especially because Ramadan is the month of the Qur’an. It was the Qur’an that first sparked my interest in Islam back in 2015. I still remember the first time I heard it recited—it moved me to tears. Before I even took my shahada, I read the Qur’an, and it opened my heart to Islam even more.
To be honest, the last time I read the Qur’an from cover to cover was in 2022, and it was the first time I ever read it. Ironically, both times I read the Qur'an, I got sad when it ended because I wanted more text.
There’s something wonderful about returning to the Qur’an at different stages of your life. The same verses can carry entirely new meanings depending on where you are spiritually, emotionally, and mentally. Each reading feels like a fresh conversation with Allah (SWT), one that continues to shape and guide me in unexpected ways.
This time around, Chapter 67—Surah Al-Mulk (The Sovereignty)—stood out to me in a powerful way. I began developing the habit of reading it each night, following the Sunnah, in hopes of gaining the blessings tied to this practice.
Before Surah Al-Mulk, I found myself drawn to Surah Ar-Rahman (The Most Merciful), especially through the beautiful recitation by Omar Hisham Al Arabi. I even loved hearing it during taraweeh—it always touched my heart. But despite that, Surah Al-Mulk became my favorite this Ramadan.
Interestingly, I wasn’t as interested in listening to its recitation. Instead, I kept returning to the English transliteration, reading it over and over. There was something about engaging with the words directly that made the surah feel especially personal and meaningful.
˹He is the One˺ Who created seven heavens, one above the other. You will never see any imperfection in the creation of the Most Compassionate. So look again: do you see any flaws? 67:3
This verse is highlighted in my Kindle, and every time I read it, I feel a deep, personal connection to Allah (SWT). It reminds me that although we are created with imperfections, we are created by the most perfect creator, Allah (SWT). This verse brought to mind a spoken word piece I wrote in December 2024, inspired by the beauty of nature Allah (SWT) created.
What strikes me most is that this verse is part of the sunnah we're encouraged to read before going to sleep. It's a powerful reminder that everything Allah (SWT) creates is flawless, even if we can't always see it that way. Our days may be filled with trials, but they are still perfect—because they are designed by Him. So, how can we truly find fault in a day shaped by divine wisdom?
Ask yourself: Did you learn something today? If Allah (SWT) grants you another morning, won’t you want to grow from the day before? Did the trial bring you closer to Him? Was there a moment of joy, and if so, did you thank Allah (SWT) for it?
Everything we experience happens within the circumstances Allah (SWT) has created. It’s up to us to shift our perspective—to find beauty, meaning, and gratitude in every moment, even if it is bad.
How could He not know His Own creation? For He ˹alone˺ is the Most Subtle, All-Aware. 67:18
Another powerful reminder before we sleep is that Allah (SWT) was present in everything we did throughout the day. He witnessed the good, the bad, and even the parts of ourselves we try to hide—the sins we repented for, and the ones our pride or Shaytan keeps us from acknowledging. It’s a gentle but urgent call to turn back to Him, to seek forgiveness, and to strive to do better.
We’re only a few steps away from our graves—life in this dunya is temporary. So why not speak to Allah (SWT) before you sleep? Share your hopes, your fears, your regrets, and your gratitude. He is always listening.
Who is ˹rightly˺ guided: the one who crawls facedown or the one who walks upright on the Straight Path? 67:22
Another reminder to reflect on before sleep: Are you truly guided—or are you lost? Are you following the Creator, or are you chasing His creation? Do you sincerely desire to be guided?
Ask yourself: Was your day filled with the remembrance of Allah (SWT)? Did you strive to follow the example of our beloved Prophet ﷺ? If not, do you truly seek the Straight Path—or are you content to continue crawling through life face down, unaware and disconnected?
Surah Al-Mulk contains just 27 verses—twenty-seven powerful reminders from Allah (SWT), calling you to guidance, and urging you to follow Him because He wants you close to Him. But not everyone is granted the ability to truly receive this message. The question is: will you accept it, or will you choose to ignore it?
My third Ramadan—my most cherished one yet—offered me deeper insight into this religion that was chosen for me. It brought even more clarity as to why Allah (SWT) called me to Islam. It moved me to tears during taraweeh—the same heartfelt, spiritual tears I shed in previous years. In those moments, I felt Allah’s love and mercy so deeply, even when I felt unworthy of it. And yet, I was—and still am—immensely grateful.
When Ramadan ended, and with it my daily Qur’an reading, I felt a profound emptiness. It was as if a part of me had gone missing. That part was the Qur’an. I never imagined that I would miss a religious text so much. Now, I feel a strong pull to return to it—this time, with even more intention. I want to take my time, reflect on every verse that resonates, and dive deep into the tafsir to truly understand the meanings behind the words.
Ramadan has opened a door in my heart: a longing to read the Qur’an more regularly, to memorize more of it, to perfect my Qur'anic Arabic, and, insha’Allah, to make it a constant part of my daily life.
Ya Allah (SWT), thank You for blessing me with such a beautiful Ramadan.
