In the month of Ramadhan it is very important that we spent a few moments to understand some of the wisdoms and lessons that we can learn from this month of fasting.  

Unfortunately, many Muslims come in to this month and they are as a companion of the Prophet, peace be upon him, said: "Let it not be that the day that you fast and the day that you break fast be equal." Meaning, one's behavior, attitude and outlook are the same whether one fasts or not, i.e. fasting has no effect upon that person. This is why we need to reflect on some of the lessons we can reap from it. Lets join together and share what lessons can we get in the month of Ramadhan and will practice for the next years of our lives, inshallah.

LESSON 1: Gaining Taqwaa
Allaah legislated fasting for gaining taqwaa,

"O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed upon you as it has been prescribed upon those before you, so that you may attain taqwaa." (meaning of SoraatulBaqarah (2):183)

Taqwaa in this case means to make a shield between oneself and Allahs anger and Hellfire. So we should ask ourselves, when we break our fasts, has this fasting day made us fear Allah more? Has it resulted that we want to protect ourselves from the hellfire or not?

LESSON 2: Drawing closer to Allah
This is achieved by reciting and reflecting on Al-Quran during night and day, attending the taraweh prayers, remembering Allah, sitting in circles of knowledge and, for those who can, making `umrah. Also for those who can, making I`tikaaf (seclusion) in the last ten nights of Ramadaan, so as to leave all worldly pursuits and seclude oneself in a masjid just thinking of Allah, so as to bring oneself closer to Him. When one sins, one feels distant from Allah. That is why one might find it hard to read the Quran and come to the masjid. However, the obedient worshipper feels closer to Allah and wants to worship Allah more, because he is not shy from his sins.