MUHAMMADIYAH.OR.ID, YOGYAKARTA – Chairperson of Muhammadiyah Muhadjir Effendy shared insights on the four significant aspects that make Ramadan a special month for Muslims.
“First, Ramadan is a month of blessings. Second, the gates of heaven are opened wide, while the gates of hell are closed. Third, the devils are chained. Fourth, there is the Night of Decree which is better than a thousand months,” mentioned Muhadjir in the Ramadan preaching and iftar gathering at the Muhammadiyah Headquarters, Yogyakarta on Thursday, March 18.
Quoting Imam Al-Ghazali in Ihya Ulumuddin, Muhadjir explained that Ramadan is called a blessed month because it helps people control their desires, purify their hearts, and seek forgiveness. It is also a time to strengthen self-discipline and spiritual growth.
Referring to Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani’s Fathul Bari, Muhadjir discussed the meaning behind the opening of heaven’s gates and the closing of hell’s gates. He explained that this represents the increased acceptance of good deeds during Ramadan, as Muslims engage in worship and acts of kindness.
“The extent to which these gates open depends on our actions. When people actively do good and spread kindness, the doors of heaven are wide open,” he said, emphasizing that Ramadan provides a unique opportunity to multiply good deeds.
Muhadjir also clarified the belief that devils are chained during Ramadan. “According to Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani, this is a metaphor rather than a literal event,” he explained.
Finally, he discussed the significance of Lailatul Qadr, the night that is said to be better than a thousand months. Citing Ibn Kathir, he described it as the night when the Quran was first sent down from Lauh al-Mahfuz to Baitul Izzah, the sky closest to the world.
“The skies are layered, and Baitul Izzah is the one that relates to our universe. This moment marks the beginning of the Quran’s revelation to humanity,” he said.
