Explaining Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the
Islamic Lunar calendar and the holiest of the four holy months. It
begins with the sighting of the new moon after which all physically
mature and healthy Muslims are obliged to abstain from all food, drink,
gum chewing, any kind of tobacco use, and any kind of sexual contact
between dawn and sunset. However, that is merely the physical component
of the fast; the spiritual aspects of the fast include refraining from
gossiping, lying, slandering and all traits of bad character. All
obscene and irreligious sights and sounds are to be avoided. Purity of
thought and action is paramount. Ordained in the Quran, the fast is an
exacting act of deeply personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised
level of God-consciousness. The act of fasting redirects the hearts
away from worldly activities, towards The Divine.
The month of
Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds
and spending time with family and friends. The fasting is intended to
help teach Muslims self-discipline, self-restraint and generosity. It
also reminds them of the suffering of the poor, who may rarely get to
eat well. It is common to have one meal (known as the Suhoor), just
before sunrise and another (known as the Iftar), directly after sunset.
This meal will commonly consist of dates, following the example of the
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon Him. Because Ramadan is a time to spend
with friends and family, the fast will often be broken by different
Muslim families coming together to share in an evening meal.
Ramadan
derives from the Arabic root: ramida or ar-ramad, meaning scorching
heat or dryness. Since Muslims are commanded to fast during the month
of Ramadan, it is believed that the month's name may refer to the heat
of thirst and hunger, or because fasting burns away one's past sins.
Muslims believe that God began revealing the Qur'an to the Prophet
Muhammad during Ramadan (in the year 610 C.E.). The Qur'an commands: "O
ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to
those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint...Ramadan is the
(month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also
clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So
every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should
spend it in fasting..." (Chapter 2, verses 183 and 185). Fasting during
Ramadan did not become an obligation for Muslims until 624 C.E., at
which point it became the third of the Five Pillars of Islam. The
others are faith (Shahadah); prayer (Salah); charitable giving (Zakah);
and the pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj).
Another aspect of Ramadan
is that it is believed that one of the last few odd-numbered nights of
the month is the Laylat ul-Qadr, the "Night of Power" or "Night of
Destiny." It is the holiest night of the holiest month; it is believed
to be the night on which God first began revealing the Qur'an to the
Prophet Muhammad through the angel Jibril (Gabriel). This is a time for
especially fervent and devoted prayer, and the rewards and blessings
associated with such are manifold. Muslims are told in the Qur'an that
praying throughout this one night is better than a thousand months of
prayer. No one knows exactly which night it is; it is one of God's
mysteries. Additionally, Muslims are urged to read the entire Qur'an
during the month of Ramadan, and its 114 chapters have been divided
into 30 equal parts for this purpose.
When the first crescent of
the new moon has been officially sighted by a reliable source, the
month of Ramadan is declared over, and the month of Shawwal begins. The
end of Ramadan is marked by a three-day period known as Eid ul-Fitr,
the "Festival of Fast-breaking." It is a joyous time beginning with a
special prayer, and accompanied by celebration, socializing, festive
meals and sometimes very modest gift-giving, especially to children.
When
Ramadan ends, Muslims give charity in a locally prescribed amount,
calculated to feed one poor person in that region for one day. This is
known as fitra, and is meant as another reminder of the suffering
endured by many. Many Muslims also take this occasion to pay the annual
alms which are due to the poor and needy, known as Zakah (2.5% of
assets).
At the beginning of Ramadan, it is appropriate to wish
Muslims "Ramadan Mubarak" which means "Blessed Ramadan." At its
conclusion, you may say "Eid Mubarak.
Compiled from various sources and adapted by Jubril Alao. September 2004
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