THE MONTH OF RAMADAN
Ramadan mubarak to every individual out there. Hope this month turns your life into the way you want it to be.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (sawm) to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad.
During the month, Muslims observe a complete fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual activities.
Fasting is intended to bring about a greater sense of spirituality and compassion for those less fortunate.
It is also a time for Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-reflection, and self-control.
Ramadan is also a great time for Muslims to strengthen their connection with Allah, as they strive to increase their acts of worship, obedience, and generosity.
The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root “ramida” or “ar-ramad”, which means scorching dryness, intense heat, and a parched land.
In real the word was used to describe the scorching heat of the summer months in Arabia, and over time came to be used to describe the month of fasting.
Some also say that the word is actually one of the names of the Islamic God. And it is also reported that one cannot just say Ramadan, instead should say “the month of Ramadan”.
The history of Ramadan dates back to the 7th century CE when the Islamic prophet, Muhammad, revealed the first verse of the Quran.
Since then, Muslims have observed the holy month of Ramadan by fasting during the day, reciting the Quran, and performing charitable acts.
“Night of Destiny – the holiest night”. It is believed that on this night, the powers of destiny come into full play, and our lives and fates can be changed.
It is typically celebrated during the last 10 days of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. And this night is called the Qadr night.
During this night, Muslims gather in mosques and other places of worship to pray and thank Allah for the gift of the Quran.
It is also believed that this night is a time for making important decisions, as even small choices can have far-reaching consequences.
The end of Ramadan is marked by the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the breaking of the fast.
Eid al-Fitr is celebrated with prayer and feasting, and is a time for families and friends to get together and exchange gifts.
Muslims all over the world follow some religious practices during the month of Ramadan –
- The first and common practice is the fast. During the fast Muslims concentrate on their own self-improvement, spiritual discipline and get more involved in the religious practices. During this time Muslims are proposed to put much effort into the Islamic teachings.
- During the fast Muslims not only keep themselves away from eating they also control their sexual desires, bad speech and sinful behaviour.
- The act of fasting is to let go the impure/sinful actions and cleanse the body with the teachings of Islam.
- The fast is supposed to start at the dawn, so before dawn all the muslims participating in the fast observe a meal. This meal is taken prior to fasting and is called “suhoor”.
- The fast starts shortly after the meal with the first offering of namaaz.
- Iftaar is the evening meal eaten by Muslims during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. It is the time when the faithful gather to break their fast and give thanks to Allah for His blessings.
- The traditional Iftaar meal usually consists of dates, fruits, pastries and other sweet dishes.
- “Zakat” is an obligation in Islam, where Muslims are required to give a certain percentage of their wealth to charity.
- It is one of the five pillars of Islam, along with Shahadah, Salat, Sawm, and Hajj.
- Zakat is given to those in need, such as the poor, the elderly, the sick, and orphans. It can also be used to help build schools, mosques, and other public works.
- In addition, Zakat is used to help free slaves and prisoners of war.
- “Tarawih” Are the prayers performed at night during the Ramadan month. These aren’t compulsory but they are almost followed by everyone.
- The Quran reading sections. During the Ramadan Muslims are encouraged to read the holy book Quran.
- The sections for reading Quran are 30 for 30 days of the Ramadan month, the sections are called “juz’”.
These rituals are often followed and never broken. There are some Muslim countries where no one is allowed to publicly eat during daylight hours. And if done so – it is considered as crime.
And that’s how the month of Ramadan is followed by the Muslim community. Once again RAMADAN MUBARAK from MicroWebBlogs and team.
