Ramadan holds great religious importance and is regarded as one of the holiest months in the Islamic calendar. This holy month involves fasting from dawn till dusk and spiritual reflection. In this article, we will explore what Ramadan is, some of the facts associated with it, and the duties that Muslims are expected to fulfill during this month.
SEE ALSO: 3 Dua For Fasting in Ramadan (Supplications)
In the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is the ninth month and is regarded as the most sacred and revered month among Muslims. It is believed that during this month, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) received the first revelation of the Quran from Allah. Muslims observe fasting, prayer, and spiritual reflection during this month to commemorate the revelation of the Quran and to show their devotion to Allah.
Here are some fascinating facts associated with Ramadan:
Muslims believe this is the holiest month of the year. According to Prophet Muhammad, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed and the devils are chained.”
It was also during this month that the Quran was revealed. Quran is Islam’s sacred book.
Ramadan is a time of celebration and spending time with your family and loved ones. The end of Ramadan is marked with another holiday, the Eid al-Fitr, also called the “Festival of Breaking of the Fast”. Muslims share meals, presents, and celebrate during this time.
Fasting during Ramadan is done by Muslims from dawn to sunset for 30 days. This includes prayers, charity, and reflecting on the Quran.
One of the five pillars or duties of Islam is fasting during Ramadan. Other four pillars include faith, prayer, charity, and pilgrimage to Mecca. Every year, all Muslims must take part in this occasion, with the exemption of young children, elderly, pregnant, menstruating, or nursing women, sick people, or those who are travelling.
What’s the essence behind fasting? This practice is not just for spiritual but also for Muslims to be aware of those who are in need and help them. It is also a time when Muslims must reflect their relationship with God.
From dawn to sunset, Muslims abstain from eating any kind of food, drinking any liquids, chewing a gum, smoking, or engage in any sexual activity. Even taking medication is prohibited.
If you do any of these acts, your day of fasting is not considered valid and you will have to start over the following day. For some days that you didn’t fast due to unforeseen circumstances, you need to make up for the days after Ramadan or give a meal to someone in need for every day you didn’t fast.
Fasting doesn’t only apply to food intake. During Ramadan, Muslims are also expected to abstain from anger, jealousy, complaining, and other negative thoughts and actions. Limiting activities such as listening to music and watching the television must also be done.
A typical day during Ramadan for most Muslims consist of the following:
The first meal of the day is called Suhoor. This should sustain those who are fasting throughout the day. After which, Muslims perform a morning prayer, go back to sleep, and wake up to start the day.
Muslims still work or go to school despite fasting. This is why Muslim countries reduce their working hours during the holy month in consideration of people fasting.
Upon sunset, a light meal or iftar is served to break the fast. Most Muslims go to the mosque for evening prayer, then reciting another special Ramadan prayer.
Later in the evening, most Muslims will eat a larger meal which can be shared with family or friends.
The lunar calendar is followed by Muslims. This calendar has 354 days and is based on the phases of the moon. The 11 days gap is the reason why the Islamic calendar moves backwards 11 days each year.
The ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar is the first day of Ramadan. In some countries, days are shorter, thus it’s easier to fast. For some countries in the Middle East and Africa, it’s longer.
Muslims fast at least 20 hours in Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The Muslim religious authorities in these countries can fast with Saudi Arabia (where the Mecca is) or along with the closest Muslim country.
Ramadan is a time to reflect and practice virtues of piety and self-restraint. This practice is done by Muslims to turn away from forbidden acts.
Fasting, according to the Quran, is a way to learn righteousness and piety.
Here are some do’s and don’ts during the Holy Month:
Be cautious when driving
Do not break speed limits just to reach home early for Iftar. You can cause an accident. Be cautios when driving and still make it a point to arrive early for Iftar.
Don’t lose your focus
Keep your focus straight during Ramadan and do not think about food you will be eating for Iftar. Take advantage of this time to be more focused and motivated.
Dress modestly
Ramadan can fall in the summer but this is not an excuse to dress down. Dress modestly and avoid clothes above the knee.
Do not eat too much at Iftar
Iftar should be a simple meal. Do not overeat thinking that you didn’t eat the whole day. Remember to practice restraint even when breaking your fast.
Drinking alcohol is prohibited
You should respect the Holy Month by abstaining from alcoholic drinks. You can opt for non-alcoholic drinks such as Amar il Deen; Jallab, Tamer Hindi, Sahlab.
No smoking
You are also not allowed to smoke during fasting. Try to practice healthy eating habits during the holy month. You can eat dates instead of lighting up a cigarette right after the fast.
Do not oversleep
Try to stay awake during the day. Yes, it’s difficult to stay awake after eating suhoor and morning prayers. However, you need to carry on with your normal routine.
Cursing is not allowed
Ramadan is a holy month. Thus, cursing is not allowed. You need to practice patience and humility at all times. Cleanse your mind of negative thoughts. Start your day with positive energy and try to retain it all throughout the day.
Abstain from intercourse
While fasting, you should avoid appetites of the flesh. Marital intimacy is only allowed after iftar.
Be practical
Being practical is different from being stingy. Being stingy towards loved ones is different. During Ramadan, people spend on food and other luxuries. Don’t use this as an excuse to spend money. Be frugal and economic, yet generous to your loved ones.
In most Muslim countries, expats should also observe the Holy Month of Ramadan with a set of guidelines. They should immerse themselves in the tradition and culture of the country they’re working in.
Here are some rules expats need to follow:
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