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The Blessed Month of Ramadan
6-14-2017
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic (lunar) calendar and the name is said to mean 'burning/scorching heat' in Arabic as it usually falls within a particularly hot time of year in that part of the world.
It was during that month that the Quran - the holy book of Islam - was first revealed to the prophet Muhammad by Allah (God). Ramadan "month of blessing" marked by prayer, fasting, and charity. Muslims believe that during the month of Ramadan, Allah revealed the first verses of the Quran, the holy book of Islam.
For more than a billion Muslims around the world, including some 8 million in North America, Ramadan focuses on self-sacrifice and devotion to Allah (God).
This is a month of fasting during the daylight hours from dawn to sunset. This was stated as a ruling of Islam in 624 AD. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, the mandatory acts that form the foundation of Muslim life. The other pillars are faith, prayer, charity and the pilgrimage to Mecca.
Fasting means abstaining from food, drink, smoking, bodily desires, swearing, gossip or other sinful acts, during daylight hours. Meals are served before dawn and after sunset. Muslims practice sawm, or fasting, for the entire month of Ramadan. This means that they may eat or drink nothing, including water, while the sun shines. Families get up early for suhoor, a meal eaten before the sun rises. After the sun sets, the fast is broken with a meal known as iftar. Iftar usually begins with dates and sweet drinks that provide a quick energy boost. Fasting serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty, Muslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind. And in this most sacred month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow believers. The idea is it helps worshippers concentrate on devotion and worship, express gratitude and seek forgiveness.
The Quran states "The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful."
Everyone who has gone through puberty is expected to take part in fasting. There are exceptions such as the elderly, women who are breastfeeding and those with diabetes or other illnesses, disabilities or medical conditions.
Tarawih refers to prayers performed at night in Ramadan. They are not compulsory, though many pray them. Muslims are also encouraged to read the entire Quran.
A sense of generosity and gratitude colors these festivities. Although charity and good deeds are always important in Islam, they have special significance at the end of Ramadan. As the month draws to a close, Muslims are obligated to share their blessings by feeding the poor and making contributions to mosques.
Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid al-Fitr when the new moon is sighted. Literally the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," Eid al-Fitr is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations (the other occurs after the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca). At Eid al-Fitr people dress in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends and family. Muslims will gather together at the mosque for a prayer, before spending the day with family or friends and wishing one another 'Eid Mubarak', or 'Blessed Eid'.
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