The Dignity Of Ramadhan

Because of these blessings, the Prophet (r) would eagerly await the onset of Ramadhan.  In fact, had we realized the blessings of Ramadhan, we would always pray that throughout it would be Ramadhan. The Prophet (r) said: “had the people realized the magnitude of the blessings of Ramadhan, they would desire that the entire year be one of Ramadhan.” When Ramadhan was approaching, the Prophet (r) in the course of a discourse, among his companions, with the objective of inducing them, is said to have asked them to get prepared to welcome Ramadhan and to earn the maximum blessings from its observance: One of the passages from this discourse is given below: “The month of Ramadhan, with its infinite blessings has arrived amongst you. Allah has surrounded you with his blessings. He forgives you your sins; He brings down his mercy upon you; He accepts your supplications; He observes your competing in performing good deeds; He takes pride in you by displaying you among the Angels; therefore present the good deeds to Him. The truly unfortunate one is he who fails to receive the blessings of Allah during Ramadhan”. (At-Tabarani)

RAMADHAN- THE MONTH OF THE QUR’AN.
Since Ramadhan is the month of the Qur’an, it is incumbent on us to fulfill its obligations fully. During this period one must endeavour to recite the Qur’an daily and understand its verses. Moreover, we must be anxious to share with our brothers, the counseling of the Qur’an.
Our religious life has been adversely affected as a result of the wide gap that exists between the Qur’an and ourselves. We who are keen to undertake the study of languages and other disciplines, remain indifferent to understand the Qalam (word) of Allah. Whatever conduct (Tharbiyyah) or religious endeavour, will never be successful, unless we base our foundation on the Qur’an. The most important reason for our decline in several areas of our life, can be attributed to being distanced from the Qur’an. There is no life, and we will not be able to achieve success in life.
“But whosoever turns away from my reminder (i.e. neither believes in this Qur’an, nor acts on its orders, etc), verily for him it is a life of hardship, and we shall raise him up blind on the day of resurrection.”
“He will say: O my lord, why have you raised me up blind, while I had sight (before). “Allah will say: Like this our Aayath (proofs, evidences, verses, lessions, signs, revelations, etc)came unto you, but you disregarded them, (i.e. you left them, did not think deeply in them, and you turned away from them,) and so this day, you will be neglected (in the Hell-fire, away from Allah’s mercy).” (20:124:125:126)

RAMADHAN AND ZAKATH
Ramadhan is also the month of charity. Consequently, those who are unable to pay Zakath, must make a special endeavour to do so. It is a matter for happiness, to observe that in recent times, there has been a revival of interest in the payment of Zakath. However, it is observed that such Zakath is distributed widely, without one being aware of the rules and regulations applicable in its observance. Consequently this duty becomes nullified and the benefits derived from it is minimal.
Zakath is not a duty, which the affluent decides to distribute as charity, as he wishes. It is, on the other hand an obligatory tax imposed on the rich. It must be distributed at its due time, knowing the exact amount that is liable for distribution, to the proper people, in the correct manner. We therefore expect all those who are liable to give Zakath during this period, to understand the rules and regulations, pertaining to Zakath. Because Zakath is the main act of worship which is to be performed monetarily, just as Salaath is the most important act of worship which has to be performed bodily.
The religion of Islam Emphasises and prefers that Zakath be distributed through an institutionalized system, on a community basis, instead of paying individually. Consequent to this methodology of distributing Zakath, several benefits will accrue to the community. Let us therefore distribute our Zakath, as far as possible, through an established institution, and furthermore realize that in supporting and encouraging such institutions, must be regarded as a prior religious obligation.

source : Al Madeenah