THE OBLIGATION OF FASTING RAMADAN
Fasting the month of Ramadan is an obligation and a great worship. It is among the best acts of obedience and among the greatest deeds, and in Fasting there is great reward. Imam al-Bukhariyy related the Qudsiyy hadith that the Prophet said Allah said:
كُلُّ حَسَنَةٍ بِعَشْرِ أَمْثَالِهَا إلى سَبْعِمِائةٍ ضِعْفٍ إلا الصّيامَ
فإنَّه لى و أنا أِجْزِى بِه
which means: <<The reward of every good deed is multiplied from ten up to seven-hundred times–except that of the Fasting–which is usually done in sincerity and will be multiplied by as many times as Allah wills.>> One of the doors of Paradise, named ar-Rayyan, is specified for those Muslims who used to fast in this world. On the Day of Judgment it will be opened, and those who used to fast in obedience to Allah will be called to enter through that door. Then ar-Rayyan will be closed, and no others will enter through it.
The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar year. It is the best month of the year, as the night of al‑Qadr in Ramadan is the best night of the year. Fasting became an obligation on the Muslims in the second year after the emigration. Prophet Muhammed fasted Ramadan for nine years after which he died.