The hadith of the month for March addresses a very important reminder about the blessings of Ramadan.
Ramadan Mubarak design. (Yasmeen/The Ambassador)
Abu Huraira reported: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said:
إِذَا دَخَلَ شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ فُتِّحَتْ أَبْوَابُ السَّمَاءِ وَغُلِّقَتْ أَبْوَابُ جَهَنَّمَ وَسُلْسِلَتِ الشَّيَاطِين
“When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of the heaven are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained.”
Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī
The Prophet (SAW) said this hadith to warn everyone to take advantage of the amazing blessing Allah gives us during Ramadan. This hadith encourages everyone to be their best during the month of Ramadan. Ramadan is an ideal time to do good deeds because the locking up of devils reduces the temptations and obstacles, making it easier to focus on worship. During Ramadan, the heart is inclined toward righteousness, allowing one to build a strong connection to Allah, break bad habits, and build self-discipline.
This hadith teaches us a lot because it reminds us of the mercy Allah has given us: the chance to repent, get closer to Allah, and inherit better habits. When we don’t have distractions, we should work our hardest and do our best to please Allah (SWT). This hadith also helps us prepare for Ramadan, giving us advance notice to work as hard as possible during the month of Ramadan. We now know that Allah makes good deeds easier and rewards them more abundantly. Knowing this helps our hearts and minds be prepared with high expectations, knowing that every good deed is multiplied and supplications are more likely to be accepted. The hadith also helps us prepare for Ramadan, as the Prophet reminded us that the gates of Hellfire are closed. This reminds us to leave behind all bad sins through forgiveness and to carve out a path to good deeds.
