RAMADAN Month: The most Sacred month in Islamic culture!!

Ramadan (or Ramazan) is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection for Muslims. Though it fluctuates each year because the lunar Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon. It’s the most important time of the year for Muslims across the world. It begins when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted. It is believed that the Quran was first revealed to Muhammad during the month of Ramadan.

Meaning of Ramadan

The name Ramadan is derived from the Arabic word ramida or ar-ramad meaning intense heat or scorching heat. According to hadiths, Ramadan is one of the names of God in Islam, and thus it is prohibited to say only "Ramadan" in reference to the calendar month and that it is necessary to say the "month of Ramadan".

The Story of Ramadan

Muhammad was born approximately 570 CE in the Arabian cities of Mecca. When Muhammad was forty, he began to spend time in solitude in mountain cave called Hira for a month at a time. Around 610 CE, Muhammad was visited by the archangel Gabriel, who revealed to him the Quran, the Islamic holy book. Muhammed is said to have received his first quranic revelation on Laylat al-Qadr (Night of power or Night of Destiny), one of five odd-numbered nights that fall during the last ten days of Ramadan. According to hadith, the stories about Muhammad’s life, all holy scriptures were sent down during Ramadan, making these 30 days the holiest in this religion.

Fasting during Ramadan

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Each day during Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink from sunrise to sunset. The predawn meal is referred to as Suhur, and the nightly feast that breaks the fast is called Iftar. Since the Prophet Mohammad broke his fast with dates and a glass of water, Muslims eat dates at both suhur and iftar. Fasting is seen as a way to cleanse the soul and have empathy for those in the world who are hungry and less fortunate and also an aim to grow spiritually and build stronger relationships with Allah. Ramadan is also known as the month of charity and generosity.

The Traditions of Ramadan

In many Islamic countries, beautiful lanterns are hung at shops, homes, streets, and many other places which is believed to be originated from Egypt. Ramadan brings out a special feeling of excitement and enthusiasm among Muslims, of all ages. While children seem excited of sighting the moon and eating special meals with their families, adults appreciate the opportunity of seeking forgiveness for past sins. Common greetings during Ramadan include Ramadan mubarak and Ramadan kareem, which means have a blessed Ramadan.

Eid al-Fitr

The last day of Ramadan is marked with a major celebration known as Eid al-Fitr (or Eid ul-Fitr), the Feast of Fast-Breaking which is declared after a crescent new moon has been sighted. It marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawwal, the next lunar month. It is celebrated for one to three days, depending on the country, though it is forbidden to fast on the Day of Eid, and a specific prayer is nominated for this day. Eid al-Fitr includes exchanging gifts; people buy new clothes and visit their friends and relatives. Food items such as biryani and kebabs are cooked and deserts like Sheer Khurma and meethi sevaiya are prepared.

Benefits of Ramadan

During Ramadan at the start of Iftar, three dates are eaten for spiritual reasons, they also come with the added bonus of multiple health benefits. The other benefits of fasting also include increasing insulin sensitivity and reducing insulin resistance, improving heart disease, cancer and many other. Morally, fasting is self-training. Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. A fasting Muslim should refrain from anger, foul language and gossip.

Though from last year, the coronavirus pandemic is disrupting Ramadan observances across the world, but the spirit of this centuries-old tradition remains same while maintaining social distance and following covid protocols.