" I was in a house with 'Utbah bin Farqad, and I wanted to narrate a Hadith, but there was a man from among the Companions of the Prophet there, and I felt it was more appropriate fro him to narrate the Hadith than I. The man narrated that the Prophet said. Concerning of the Prophet there, and I felt it was more appropriate for him to narrate the Hadith than I. the man narrated that the Prophet said, concerning Ramadan: 'In it the gates of Heavens are opened and the gates of the Fire are shut, and every devil is fettered. A caller calls out every night: O seeker of good, proceed; O seeker of evil, desist!"'
The Book of Fasting - Sunan an-Nasa'i 2108
This narration from Sunan an-Nasa'i describes the spiritual reality of Ramadan, where the heavens become more accessible, evil is restrained, and divine guidance is amplified.
Commentary on the Gates of Heaven and Hell
The opening of heaven's gates signifies increased divine mercy and acceptance of worship, while the closing of hell's gates represents diminished evil influence and protection from sin.
Scholars explain this as both literal and metaphorical - Allah facilitates good deeds while obstructing paths to disobedience during this blessed month.
The Fettering of Devils
The chaining of devils means their ability to tempt believers is significantly reduced, though not completely eliminated, as human nature and minor devils remain.
This divine restraint allows worshippers to focus on spiritual development without the usual intensity of satanic whispers and temptations.
The Nightly Caller
The continuous call throughout Ramadan nights represents Allah's abundant mercy, encouraging good deeds and warning against evil.
This spiritual announcement occurs in the realm of the unseen, heard by souls attuned to righteousness, motivating increased worship and moral vigilance.
Practical Implications
This hadith teaches Muslims to maximize worship during Ramadan, taking advantage of the unique spiritual environment to draw closer to Allah.
It emphasizes that Ramadan is a time for spiritual transformation, where barriers to goodness are removed and obstacles to evil are strengthened.