شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ ٱلَّذِىٓ أُنزِلَ فِيهِ ٱلْقُرْءَانُ هُدًى لِّلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَـٰتٍ مِّنَ ٱلْهُدَىٰ وَٱلْفُرْقَانِ ۚ فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ ٱلشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ ۖ وَمَن كَانَ مَرِيضًا أَوْ عَلَىٰ سَفَرٍ فَعِدَّةٌ مِّنْ أَيَّامٍ أُخَرَ ۗ يُرِيدُ ٱللَّهُ بِكُمُ ٱلْيُسْرَ وَلَا يُرِيدُ بِكُمُ ٱلْعُسْرَ وَلِتُكْمِلُوا۟ ٱلْعِدَّةَ وَلِتُكَبِّرُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ عَلَىٰ مَا هَدَىٰكُمْ وَلَعَلَّكُمْ تَشْكُرُونَ 185
Translations
The month of Ramaḍān [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’ān, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the crescent of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allāh intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allāh for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.
Transliteration
Shahru Ramadana alladhee unzila feehi al-Qur'anu hudan lil-nasi wa bayyinatin mina al-huda wa al-Furqan. Faman shahida minkumu al-shahra falyas-umhu wa man kana maridan aw ala safarin fa'iddatun min ayyamin ukhra. Yureedu Allahu bikumu al-yusr wa la yureedu bikumu al-'usr wa litukmiloo al-'iddah wa litukabbiroo Allaha ala ma hadakum wa la'allakum tashkurun.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes the obligation of fasting during Ramadan while highlighting that the Qur'an was revealed in this blessed month as guidance and criterion between truth and falsehood. Classical scholars like Ibn Kathir emphasize that Allah commands the fasting of those who witness the month, while providing concessions for the ill and travelers to fast on other days, demonstrating that Islamic law is built upon ease (yusr) rather than hardship. The ayah concludes with the wisdom of fasting: to complete the prescribed number of days, magnify Allah for His guidance, and cultivate gratitude.
Revelation Context
This verse was revealed in Medina during the second year of Hijrah, establishing the formal obligation of fasting in Ramadan. It comes after verses discussing the change of the qiblah and contextualizes fasting as a means of spiritual discipline and remembrance of divine blessing, particularly the revelation of the Qur'an itself.
Related Hadiths
Sahih Bukhari: The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, 'Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and sincerity, his previous sins will be forgiven.' Additionally, in Sahih Muslim, Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet said, 'The month of Ramadan is such that when it comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed.'
Themes
Key Lesson
Ramadan is fundamentally about spiritual transformation through the Qur'an and disciplined devotion, with Islam offering mercy through reasonable accommodations for those facing hardship. Believers should approach fasting not as burdensome obligation but as an opportunity to magnify Allah and cultivate gratitude for His guidance.