Ramadan in focus part 3

Aboo Hurayrah quoted the Messenger of Allaah r as saying: “When Ramadaan comes the gates of paradise are opened, the gates of hell are locked and the devils are chained.” Collected by al-Bukhaaree and Muslim

 ‘Iyaad mentioned that the opening of the gates of paradise and closing of the gates of hell could literally refer to a signal given to the angels regarding the beginning of the month and it could be glorification of its sanctity by prevention of devils from hurting the believers. Metaphorically it could refer to a great amount of reward and forgiveness and that the enticements and temptations of the devils are reduced, so it is as if they are chained. The opening of the gates of Paradise could also refer to the opportunities for righteous deeds which are among the causes for entering Paradise and the closing of the gates of Hell to the redirection of concerns for the sins which take people to Hell. The chaining of the devils could refer to their inability to seduce and beautify evil.

Aboo Hurayrah related that Allaah’s Messenger said: “On the first night of Ramadaan the devils and evil jinns are chained, all the doors of hell are closed and all the gates of paradise are opened. Then a caller will announce: ‘Whoever desires good come forward and whoever desires evil should remain back.’ And there are many whom Allaah frees from the fire every night.” ( Saheeh Sunan Ibn Maajah, vol. 1, p. 275, no. 1331)

The Prophet (r) identified fasting as a path to Paradise:
Aboo Umaamah said: I came to Allaah’s Messenger  and asked, “Instruct me to do something which will put me in paradise,” and he replied, “You should fast for there is nothing equal to it.” When I came to him a second time, he said, “You should fast.” (Saheeh Sunan an-Nasaa’ee, vol. 2, p. 476, no. 2099)

Since Ramadaan is a month of fasting, those who fast in this month are given many opportunities to earn Paradise. The chaining of the devils represents additional support for doing deeds which can earn the fasting person Paradise.

(Notes were extracted from IOU course: Prophetic Reflections on Ramadan