The month of Ramadan: Why, When, How

by Atul M. Owner at TechServeGo The holy month of Ramadan has already begun and those, who follow Islam, observe fasting during this month. Let's know more about Ramadan, fasting and more facts

Meanwhile, you can visit our website for Ramadan wishes 2014

About

Ramadan/Ramazzan is the 9th month of Islamic Hijri calendar (a lunar calendar). Muslims around the world celebrate the month of Ramadan by fasting from sun up to sun down everyday. This means no food, water, sex, cigarets, impure thoughts, etc.

Why

This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The Qur'an says:

"The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful."

Thus, according to the Quran, Muhammad first received revelations in the lunar month of Ramadan. Therefore, the month of Ramadan is considered to be the most sacred month of the Islamic calendar, the recording of which began with the Hijra.

Who does it and who doesn't

Fasting is fardh (obligatory) for adult Muslims, except those who are ill, travelling, pregnant, diabetic or going through menstrual bleeding. However if one does not fast due to these reasons, they must make it up before the next Ramadan. The only exception (without fasting and not having to make it up) are pubescent children or the mentally handicapped.

Ramadan Rules

In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Quran. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Quran by means of special prayers, called Tarawih. These voluntary prayers are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Quran (Juz', which is 1/30 of the Quran) is recited. Therefore, the entire Quran would be completed at the end of the month. Although it is not required to read the whole Quran in the Salatul Tarawih prayers, it is common.

Multiple hadeeths say that any good things we do is multipled while fasting as a reward. Some say one good deed can be multipled 7000x's! So there is a lot of incentives for muslims to fast.

Other Facts

Fasting can also be a way to build empathy. If you have to work all day without food and water, the next time someone asks for money/food you will be far more willing because you can relate to that experience. This goes perfectly with Islam as we are told to be extremely charitable.

Fasting in Islam also means abstaining from conveying anger. That doesn't sound hard but 8 hours in with no food and water can make even the best of us grouchy. Because of this Ramadan also teaches patience and anger management. (Thanks to Imran Visram for pointing this out)

Za'kat

Ramadan is also the time of year when most muslims give their yearly Za'kat (2.5% or yearly unused income) as well. Due to this a lot of focus is put on charity and empathy, thus leading the person to be more empathetic.(Thanks to Imran Visram for pointing this out)

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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