MM Rahmatullah: Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims from all over the world observe fast during sunlight hours in this holy month. A person who observes fast refrain himself from eating, drinking, building sexual relationships, and sinful acts. The month starts with the sighting of the crescent moon and consists of 29 or 30 days. According to Islamic beliefs, the devils are chained at the start of this month, the doors of heaven are opened, and doors of hell are closed. According to Islam, fasting is not just to be hungry all day but to learn self-control, patience, sacrifice, taqwa with spiritual and mental purification.
Muslims follow Hijri Calendar in their religious celebrations which consist of 354 or 355 days. That’s why each year the holy month approaches 11 days earlier than the previous year.
The history of Ramadan is not short. The meaning of “Ramadan” is “scorching heat or dryness”. According to Arabic Culture, Ramadan had been used as the name of the 9th month even before the arrival of Islam. The Quran also references the fasting of the believers of previous prophets and Muslims have faith in all prophets. Allah (SWT) has said in Quran-e-Majeed:
Oh, you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness” (Q 2:183)
How is Ramadan celebrated?
Muslims excitedly wait for the whole year to welcome the month of blessings. The fast is closed by eating the meal of Suhoor and opened with an Iftar meal. Both meals have their Dua’s which are recited to do Niyyah for Sehar and Iftar.
People concentrate more on offering prayers and reciting the Quran to avail the forgiveness of Allah for their previous sins. Special arrangements are made in mosques for Sehr-o-Iftar and Namaz-e-Taraweeh. Special dishes are prepared for Sehar and iftar. The fast is usually opened with dates or any juices. Housewives try to make both meals healthier by including healthy food items like fruits, juices, and yogurt.
Importance of Ramadan & Fasting in Islam & Muslims Life
Ramadan had secured its unique position in Islam. This is the month in which Allah (SWT) had sent down the first verses of the Quran to Muhammad (PBUH) on the night of Lailat-ul-Qadar. It is believed that this night is one of the odd nights from the last 10 days of Ramadan Kareem.
Laylat-ul-Qadar or Shab-e-Qadar is also known as the night of Power, Value, Destiny, and the night of Measures has its enormous blessings. Allah Almighty grants forgiveness and bliss to His believers and followers of Muhammad (PBUH) on this night.
“Surely, We sent it (the Qur’an) down on the Night of Ordainment. And what will make you know what the Night of Ordainment is? The Night of Ordainment is better than a thousand months. The Angels and the Spirit descend therein by their Lord’s leave for every affair. ~ Peace! It is until the rising of the dawn.”(Surat-al-Qadar)
“The month of Ramadan (is the month) in which the Qur’an has been sent down as guidance for mankind containing clear signs which lead (to the straight road) and distinguishing (the truth from falsehood)..” (Q 2:185)
The Prophet (saw) said:
“When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.” (Imam Bukhari)
Narrated Abu Huraira(R.A): The Messenger of Allah (saw) said:
"Whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah’s rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven.” (Imam Bukhari).
Abu Umaamah r.a.a. said:
I said: ‘O Messenger of Allah (saw), tell me of an action by which I may enter Paradise’. He said: ‘Take to Fasting, there is nothing like it.’ [Imam Nasai’, Ibn Hibbaan, Al-Haakim, Saheeh]
Allah has said in the holy Quran:
Fasting is for Me except all the deeds of Ibn-e-Adam and I will pay for it.
Therefore Muslims observe fasts in the month of Ramadan for the sake of God by abstaining from bad deeds.
Purpose of Ramadan
Redeveloping Connection with God
Ramadan gives a chance to redevelop your connection with Allah by fasting, offering prayers and avoiding bad doings for the appreciation of Allah. People concentrate less on materialistic things in this month and spend time with Allah.
Purification of Faith on Allah
Fasting is the fifth pillar of Islam. So, fasting for the sake of Allah grants the purification of Iman and being a Muslim, it’s your obligation.
Learn Self Control
Fasting teaches self-control as you avoid to eat and drink while you have multiple food items in front of you. But you say no to them with no hesitation. Just not about food it also teaches you the control of mental thoughts and body. As in Fast, it’s necessary to keep your thoughts clean
Rebuilding of Character
During fasting, you should avoid backbiting, anger, and negative thoughts. So, during Ramadan, you got a chance to change the bad aspects of personality into good ones’. Infect it can be a training period of rebuilding of Character.
Purification of Mind and Soul
Ramadan refrains from the sinful acts like backbiting, insulting someone, and fighting except for self-defense. Everyone can use fasting to develop his relation with Allah and Prophet and to purify his soul from negative thoughts by changing the negative aspects of his personality. So, once you find Ramadan, spend it according to the teachings of the Quran and Hadith to earn the Will of Allah.
Brotherhood, Charity, and Sacrifice
By fasting, you can feel the pain of needy people and of those who do not have such blessings of Allah. And Ramadan cannot be completed without helping others. Everyone tries to help their needy brother so they can also enjoy the happiness of ‘Eid.
Eid-ul-Fitr-The reward of Ramadan & the End of Ramadan
Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. It is actually Allah’s reward for people who fast for the whole month. On the day of ‘Eid, it is prohibited to fast. Everyone wears a new dress and go to the mosques to offer the prayer of Eid-ul-Fitr. Multiple dishes are prepared at home to celebrate the day of ‘Eid. People spend the day with their family, friend, and relatives.
