Ramadan is the 9th Month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar and is considered one of the holiest months by Muslims across the globe. The start date of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the new moon hence why Muslims in some countries will start fasting a day before others.
Muslims for whom fasting is compulsory will fast between pre-dawn and sunset hours. They wake up for Sehri (a pre-fast meal prepared which is usually quite filling to support them through the day) and will open their fast with the Maghrib Adhan (sunset) with dates and fruit salads. This is known as the iftaar. During the day, they must abstain from eating and drinking as well as engaging in any unlawful activities. Married couples must avoid physical intimacy while fasting and the general advice is for everyone to make a conscious effort to avoid gossiping, lying, arguing and other negative activities. The idea is to engage in positive actions as the rewards are immense and to encourage purification of the soul.
After Iftaar, Muslims will gather in their local mosques for the special Ramadan prayers, Taraweeh. During this prayer, the Iman will typically recite one spara (chapter of the Quran) so by the end of the month, the entire Quran will have been recited once.
Fasting is compulsory for all individuals who have reached the age of puberty. Children are typically exempt from fasting but those nearing the age of puberty are advised to keep shorter fasts so they are trained by the time this becomes compulsory for them. It is also to help them understand the importance of this month and the purpose of Ramadan from an early age.
Individuals who are sick, women who are pregnant or nursing and elderly people who are too weak and ill are advised against fasting. They are encouraged to make up for these fasts when they are in better health unless they are unable to do so due to old age or extreme sickness. In these cases, they must give "fidyah" which can be in the form of food for the needy/poor or money to purchase food for the poor. You must give fidyah for each fast you miss or are unable to keep. This differs from country to country and individuals are advised to consult the Imam of their local mosque to find out how much fidyah they need to offer.
Ramadan is a month of self-reflection and intense spiritual devotion to Allah (SWT). Muslims use this month to adopt good habits such as honesty, reciting the Quran daily, performing their daily prayers and giving charity. The month is split between 3 stages known as the 3 Ashra of Ramadan:
The first Ashra is that of Mercy from Allah and is the first 10 days.
Second Ashra is 11th to 20th day and is for seeking forgiveness from Allah (SWT) for one's mistakes and sins.
The final Ashra is the last 10 days of Ramadan and is for safety from the fire of Hell. This last Ashra is very important as it is within these last 10 days, that the night of Power (Layla tul Qadar) falls.
Layla tul Qadar (spellings may vary) is the blessed night of all for this is the night during which the Quran was revealed. It is believed to fall on one of the odd nights but is most widely observed on the 27th Ramadan. Mosques are open all night as Muslims devote themselves to sincere ibadah of Allah (SWT)
Crazy Creatives would like to wish all the Muslims of IF, Ramadan Mubarak. Please remember all those in hardships and warzones, May Allah ease their pain and bring all wars to an end with no more innocent deaths. Ameen soma Ameen.
credit: oh nakhrewaali
such a lovely and sweet thread
comment:
p_commentcount