What is Ramadan?

Just as the Special and the most respectable month of Ramadan is fast approaching, there have been series of argument and counter- argument as to why is the month a special one and some even asked the question, ‘What is Ramadan?’

Despite the fact that lectures upon lectures are held before, during and after Ramadan some still don’t know about this Month or can we say they are pretending not to know about it. Whichever way, we shall not relent in educating ourselves on the importance of the Holy Month.

To Start with, there are twelve months in Islam according to the Glorious Qur’an, these months are: Muharam, Safar, Robiul –Awal, Robiul –Thani, Jumadal –Awal, Jumadal- Thani, Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan, Shawal. Dhul-Qada, Dhul- Hijja.   

More than a billion people around the world abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sex from dawn to sunset for a one-month period each year, who are these people? They are Muslims who are fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of the religion of Islam and one of the highest forms of Islamic worship. Abstinence from earthly pleasures and curbing evil intentions and desires is regarded as an act of obedience and submission to Allah as well as atonement for sins, errors, and mistakes. Muslims fast during this month from the moment when it first starts to get light until sunset.

The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. The month of Ramadan is the ninth month and begins with a combination of the sighting of the new moon and astronomical calculations. The exact time of Ramadan sometimes varies from place to place as some rely heavily on the moon sightings, while others depend on science. An Imam (Muslim holy man) will declare the exact time of Ramadan just prior to its commencement. The fasting period ends upon the sighting of the next new moon, which occurs after 29 or 30 days.

Ramadan brings out a special feeling of emotional excitement and religious zeal among Muslims of all ages. Though fasting is mandatory only for adults, children as young as eight willingly observe fasting with their elders. Children look forward to the excitement of sighting the moon and eating special meals with their families. Adults appreciate the opportunity to double their rewards from Allah and seek forgiveness for past sins. As Ramadan emphasizes Muslim brotherhood and community all feel a particular closeness.

Muslims have to change their whole physical and emotional selves during these 30 long days of fasting. A typical day of fasting begins with getting up early, around 4:30 a.m. and sharing a meal called Sahur together before the fast begins at dawn, about 5:10 a.m. As dawn breaks, the first of five daily prayers, Fajr, is offered.

To a Muslim, fasting not only means abstaining from food, but also refraining from all vice and evils committed consciously or unconsciously. It is believed that if one volunteers to refrain from lawful foods and sex, they will be in a better position to avoid unlawful things and acts during the rest of the year.

The last ten days of Ramadan are considered highly blessed, especially the 27th night which is also called the “Night of Power,” or the “Night of Destiny.” It is believed that on this night the prophet Muhammed received the first revelation of the Qur’an. For many Muslims, this period is marked by a heightened spiritual intensity, and they may spend these nights praying and reciting the Qur’an.

After 30 days of fasting, the end of the month of Ramadan is observed with a day of celebration, called Eid-ul-Fitr. On this day, Muslims gather in one place to offer a prayer of thanks. It is traditional to wear new clothes, visit friends and relatives, exchange gifts, eat delicious dishes prepared for this occasion, and wait patiently for the next year.