The last 15 days of Ramadan hold significant historical events in Islamic history.
Battle of Badr (غزوة بدر) On the 17th of Ramadan in 2 AH (624 CE), the Battle of Badr took place, marking the first major battle between the Muslims and the Quraysh of Mecca. Despite being outnumbered, the Muslim army, led by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), achieved a decisive victory.
Conquest of Mecca (فتح مكة) On the 19th of Ramadan in 8 AH (630 CE), the Muslim army, under the leadership of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), peacefully entered and conquered Mecca, marking a pivotal moment in Islamic history.
Martyrdom of Imam Ali (استشهاد الإمام علي) On the 21st of Ramadan in 40 AH (661 CE), Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), was assassinated. His death is mourned annually, especially by Shia Muslims.
Laylatul Qadr (ليلة القدر) Between the 21st and 29th nights of Ramadan, Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Power, is believed to occur on one of the odd-numbered nights. It commemorates the night when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Worship on this night is believed to be better than a thousand months.
Battle of the Trench (غزوة الخندق) / Battle of Ahzab (غزوة الأحزاب) On the 23rd of Ramadan in 5 AH (627 CE), the Battle of the Trench took place.The Muslims defended Medina from a confederate army by digging a trench around the city, leading to a successful defense.
Significance of the 27th Night of Ramadan On the 27th of Ramadan, many Islamic scholars believe that Laylatul Qadr falls on this night, marking the initial revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Birth of Imam Hasan (مولد الإمام الحسن) On the 15th of Ramadan in 3 AH (625 CE), Imam Hasan ibn Ali was born. He was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the son of Imam Ali and Lady Fatima. Death of Khadijah bint Khuwaylid (وفاة خديجة بنت خويلد)
On the 10th of Ramadan in 10 BH (619 CE), Khadijah bint Khuwaylid,the first wife of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the first person to accept Islam, passed away. Her death deeply affected the Prophet and is referred to as the "Year of Sorrow" (عام الحزن).
These events highlight the historical and spiritual significance of the last half of Ramadan in the Islamic tradition.
My Visit to Jerusalem: A Childhood Dream Come True Since childhood, I dreamed of walking through the ancient streets of القدس and standing before the golden dome of المسجد الأقصى.Visiting the city and praying where عمر بن الخطاب once stood, where صلاح الدين الأيوبي walked, and where countless figures of history left their mark was profoundly moving.I also visited كنيسة المهد (the Church of the Nativity) in بيت لحم (Bethlehem), reflecting on the deep connections between the Abrahamic faiths. Every stone in the city held a story, and witnessing its rich history firsthand was an unforgettable experience.
Jerusalem and Muslim Rule: A Journey Through History
First Rule: 638–1099 (461 years)
Second Rule: 1187–1917 (730 years)
Total Muslim Rule: 1,191 years
Muslims first ruled القدس (Al-Quds) in 638 CE, when عمر بن الخطاب (Umar ibn Al-Khattab) entered the city after a peaceful surrender by البطريرك صفرونيوس (Patriarch Sophronius). Unlike previous conquests marked by bloodshed, Umar ensured religious tolerance and respect. He prayed at the site of المسجد الأقصى (Masjid Al-Aqsa), which was in ruins at the time, and ordered its restoration, securing its significance for Muslims. Under Islamic rule,Jerusalem became a center of faith, learning, and coexistence.
This rule lasted until 1099, when the Crusaders seized the city, resulting in one of history’s bloodiest massacres. It was صلاح الدين الأيوبي (Salahuddin Ayyubi) who restored Muslim rule in 1187, allowing Christians to leave peacefully or remain under Islamic governance. From then, القدس remained under various Muslim dynasties—the الأيوبيون (Ayyubids), المماليك (Mamluks), and العثمانيون (Ottomans)—until the British occupied it in 1917.
Pharmacon and PAPA: Leading the Way in Faith-Based Healthcare Education
Pharmacon has presented an official Continuing Education (CE) course for pharmacists and nurses in 2025, titled "Faith in Practice: Bridging the Gap in Culturally Competent Care – A Focus on the Muslim Patient." I appreciate their efforts in promoting cultural awareness in healthcare.
Similarly, in the previous year, the Pakistan American Pharmacists Association (PAPA) also presented a similar course, contributing to the understanding of Islamic values in patient care.
These initiatives are a step forward in integrating Islamic teachings into the U.S. healthcare system, fostering better patient-provider relationships through cultural and religious competency.
Sadud Quraishi (Freelance writer,Radio show anchor ) Sadidquraishi@gmail.com
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