Thursday, June 16, 2016

The Significance of Ramadan and Fasting

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic astral calendar, maybe 29 or 30 days long. An Islamic month starts with the sighting of the new semi-circular in the western prospect, right away after sunset. 

Significance of Ramadan

Muslims seem toward the western horizon for the novel moon on the 29th day of Shaban, the eighth month. If the fresh moon is sighted, Ramadan has begun with the sunset but fasting starts with the next dawn. If the new moon is not sighted on this 29th day, Muslims complete 30 days of Shaban and Ramadan starts the following day.

Allah says in the Quran:

Allah says in the Quran

‘O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may attain God-consciousness. Qur’an 2:183

“In the month of Ramadan, the Quran, a book of guidance with proofs of guidance distinguishing right from wrong, was revealed. Therefore, whoever of you is present in that month let him fast. But who is ill or on a journey shall fast a similar number of days later on. Allah desires, your well-being, not your discomfort. He desires you to fast the whole month so that you may magnify Him and render thanks to Him for giving you His guidance.” Qur’an 2:185

Consequently, the month of Ramadan is called the month of the Quran; so, Muslims have the custom of reciting Quran often in this month.

Sawm or Fasting:

Sawm or Fasting

Sawm means a fast that starts to dawn and ends with sunset. Muslims go up before dawn, eat Suhur (pre-dawn meal) and drink liquids for the training of Sawm (fasting).

Taraweeh:

Taraweeh

This nightly congregational salah (prayer) is done after the Isha salah. Usually, a Hafiz of the Quran, a person who has learned by heart the whole Quran which is in Arabic, Guides the prayer

Ramadan Generosity:

Ramadan Generosity

The month of Ramadan carries many blessings multiplied various for those who do high-quality. During this month people are more kind, more pleasant, more friendly and more ready than other times of the year to do excellent work. The poor and the deprived accept food, clothing and money from the well-to-do in the group of people. Many people go to the mosque in the district for fast breaking and meals. People in the neighborhood send fruit, food and drinks to the mosque – the ambiance is that of a friendly pot luck dinner every evening of the month.

Laylat al-Qadr:

Laylat al-Qadr

“We have indeed revealed this (the Quran) in the Night of Value (or Measure). And what will explain to you what the Night of Value is? The Night of Value is better than a thousand months. Therein come down the angels and the Spirit (the angel Gabriel) by Allah’s permission with all decrees. (That night is) Peace until the rising of the dawn.”Qur’an 97:1-5

The night of value is a gift to mankind from Allah. However, it is not clear which night is Laylat al-Qadr.

I’tekaf or Seclusion:

I’tekaf or Seclusion

The practice of the Prophet Muhammad (p.b.u.h.) was to expend the last ten days and nights of Ramadan in the Masjid (mosque). Following his do, it is considered a group of people duty that some people go in I’tekaf (seclusion) in a neighborhood Masjid.

Sadaqat al-Fitr:

Sadaqat al-Fitr

In general, any material help comprehensive to the poor, deprived and to those who ask and merit is called Sadaqah. Sadaqat al-Fitr, which is also called Zakat al-Fitr is the compulsory material helping comprehensive of the poor of the society before the Eid prayers.

Eid al-Fitr:

Eid al-Fitr

The end of the fasting month is renowned on the first of Shawwal, the 10th month, which go after Ramadan. Usually, on the 29th of Ramadan after sunset, people go out in the open looking for a new semi-circular in the western prospect where the sun sets. If the hemispherical is sighted, the end of Ramadan and Eid are affirmed. If the crescent is not sighted, Ramadan is extensive by one day.

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