What Does Ramadan Mubarak Mean?
The phrase Ramadan Mubarak is a common greeting among Muslims worldwide, meaning “Blessed Ramadan.” It is a supplication wishing for Ramadan to bring blessings and goodness throughout its days and nights. Another common phrase used during this time is Ramadan Kareem, which means “Generous Ramadan.” Both expressions originate from Arabic and are used to extend well wishes during the holy month.
The Prophetic Glad Tidings of Ramadan
It is established in the Sunnah that the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) would give glad tidings to his companions upon the arrival of Ramadan. Imam Ahmad narrated in his Musnad from Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said to his companions:
“Ramadan has come to you, a blessed month. Allah has enjoined upon you fasting in it. During this month, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained. In it, there is a night better than a thousand months; whoever is deprived of its goodness is truly deprived.”
The Generosity of Ramadan
Ramadan is characterized by generosity and abundance in various aspects:
- The Joy of Welcoming Ramadan: Muslims celebrate its arrival with great happiness, as it brings spiritual and personal fulfillment.
- The Great Reward of Fasting: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Whoever fasts Ramadan and follows it with six days of Shawwal, it is as if he has fasted for a lifetime.”
- An Exclusive Act of Worship: Fasting is a unique act of worship whose reward is known only to Allah. In a Hadith Qudsi, Allah says: “Every deed of the son of Adam is multiplied tenfold, except for fasting—it is for Me, and I shall reward it.”
- The Houses of Worship Are Filled: Mosques overflow with worshippers during Ramadan, especially during Taraweeh and Qiyam prayers.
- The Revelation of the Quran: Ramadan is the month in which the Quran, the most sacred book, was revealed.
- The Blessings of Laylat al-Qadr: This night is better than a thousand months, making it the most blessed night of the year.
- A Month of Increased Worship and Rewards: Acts of devotion multiply, and believers are granted countless opportunities for spiritual elevation.
- Multiplication of Good Deeds: Ramadan provides a chance to earn millions—even billions—of rewards through increased acts of kindness and worship.
- Increased Charity and Compassion: Ramadan fosters social unity as people give more in charity, ensuring that no one is left in need.
- Avoidance of Sin: True generosity in Ramadan includes staying away from sinful acts and focusing on acts of righteousness.
Since generosity is a divine attribute, Allah has granted Ramadan the quality of karam (generosity), making it a month of abundant blessings, fasting, and charity.
Should We Say “Ramadan Kareem” or “Ramadan Mubarak”?
Many believe there is a slight difference between these two greetings:
- Ramadan Kareem (Generous Ramadan): Emphasizes the generosity and abundant rewards associated with the month.
- Ramadan Mubarak (Blessed Ramadan): Is a supplication for blessings and goodness throughout the month.
Scholars agree that saying Ramadan Kareem is permissible as long as one intends to describe Ramadan’s generosity or to pray for a generous Ramadan for others. However, it should not be considered a religious obligation.
Ultimately, both expressions are ways of celebrating the arrival of Ramadan and spreading goodwill among Muslims worldwide.