The month of Ramadan has been described as "auspicious". The reason why this month is auspicious is that it is a way to liberate oneself from the fire of hell and to achieve paradise. As we read in the prayers of the month of Ramadan, "This is the month of liberation from hell and achieving paradise" [Iqbal al-A'mal, Volume 1, page 90]. Divine paradise and the fire of divine hell exist in this world as well. What happens in the hereafter is the manifestation of this world: "Indeed, hell surrounds the unbelievers on all sides" [The Holy Quran, 9: 49].
The environment of Ramadan is the environment of warmth, spirituality, honesty, and purity. We should try to make the most of this environment, both for the sake of our spiritual relationship with God - we should strengthen this spiritual and personal relationship with Allah the Exalted because the best and the greatest advantage for anyone is strengthening this relationship - and for the sake of our eternal life in the hereafter because the real life exists in the hereafter.
The Holy Prophet (s.w.a.) said, "This is a month in which you have been invited to a divine celebration". One should think deeply about this sentence. It says that we have been invited to a divine celebration. It has not been made obligatory for all people to benefit from this divine celebration; no; fasting in this month is an obligation, however, it is upon us whether or not to benefit from this celebration.
