Ramadan Must knows!

Assalamu Alaykum!
The blessed month of Ramadan has crept upon us and has finally opened its doors :)

Al-hamdulilah Allah (swt) has allowed us the opportunity to live long enough to witness another Ramadan, we truly are blessed and lucky to have this opportunity so let's not waste it!

There are a few main things about Ramadan that every fasting Muslim should be aware of, so today I thought I'd remind you of these things so that we can be ready and set with all the necessary knowledge to take on this holly month.

1- HUGE OPPORTUNITIES!

Narrated By Abu Huraira : Allah's Apostle (peace be upon him) said, "When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained." Volume 003, Book 031, Hadith Number 123. Sahih Bukhari.

Narrated By Sahl : The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "There is a gate in Paradise called Ar-Raiyan, and those who observe fasts will enter through it on the Day of Resurrection and none except them will enter through it. It will be said, 'Where are those who used to observe fasts?' They will get up, and none except them will enter through it. After their entry the gate will be closed and nobody will enter through it." Volume 003, Book 031, Hadith Number 120. Sahih Bukhari.

2- Taraweeh prayers:

Ramadan nights are very special, in that they witness a special type of prayer only performed on these nights. Taraweeh prayers. Taraweeh prayers are a sunnah of the prophet, usually performed in the mosques but can be performed individually at home. They are performed after isha prayer, but before witr prayer.

3- Laylatul Qadr:
There is one special night in Ramadan that is equal to 1000 nights, Allah (swt) mentions in his Holly quran:
Laylatul Qadr khairon min Alf Shahr;
lalylatul Qadr (the grand night) is better than 1000 months (3:97)

In this holly night of Ramadan, which we will discuss further inshaAllah as Ramadan progresses, falls in the last 10 days of Ramadan, on an odd night; many people suspect that it is the 27th night of Ramadan, but Allahu Alim (Allah knows best).

As for the blessings of this night,

Narrated By Abu Huraira : The Prophet said (sallallaho alaihay wa aalaiyhee wa sallam), “Whoever established prayers on the night of Qadr out of sincere faith and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven; and whoever fasts in the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping for a reward from Allah, then all his previous sins will be forgiven.” Volume 003, Book 031, Hadith Number 125. Sahih Bukhari

Ramadan Kareem everyone, May Allah (swt) allow this Ramadan to be an opportunity for forgiveness and steadfastness on His path, AMEEN!

wassalam.