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.
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:
‘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 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:
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:
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:
“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:
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:
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:
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.
