Ramadan

Ramadan (/rmdn/; Arabic: Ramadn, IPA: [rmdn];[variations] Persian:
Ramazn; Urdu: Ramzn; Turkish: Ramazan; Indonesian/Malay: Puasa or Bulan Puasa)

is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar;[3] Muslims worldwide observe this as a month of
fasting.[4][5] This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam.[6] The month
lasts 2930 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon, according to numerous
biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths.[7][8]
The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramida or ar-ramad, which means scorching heat
or dryness.[9] Fasting is fardh ("obligatory") for adult Muslims, except those who are suffering
from an illness, travelling, pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic or going through menstrual bleeding.
[10] Fasting the month of Ramadan was made obligatory (wjib) during the month of Sha'aban, in
the second year after the Muslims migrated from Mecca to Medina. Fatwas have been issued
declaring that Muslims who live in regions with natural phenomenon such as the midnight sun or
polar night should follow the timetable of Mecca.[11]
While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids,
smoking, and engaging in sexual relations; in some interpretations, Muslims also refrain from
other behavior that could be perceived as sinful, such as swearing, engaging in disagreements,
backbiting and procrastination. Food and drink is served daily, before dawn and after sunset.[12]
[13] Spiritual rewards thawab for fasting are also believed to be multiplied within the month of
Ramadan.[14] Fasting for Muslims during Ramadan typically includes the increased offering of
salat (prayers) and recitation of the Qura
Chapter 2, Revelation 185, of the Quran states:
The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran; a guidance for mankind, and
clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is
present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other
days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete
the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may
be thankful.[Quran 2:185]
Thus, according to the Quran, Muhammad first received revelations in the lunar month of
Ramadan. Therefore, the month of Ramadan is considered to be the most sacred month of the
Islamic calendar, the recording of which began with the Hijra.
According to the Quran, fasting was also obligatory for prior nations of Islamic prophets and it
should be noted that even the pagans of Arabia used to observe fasting prior to Islamic tradition.
However, prior to Islam's exclusion of intercalary days from its calendar, the name of this month
was Ntiq and, due to the intercalary days added, always occurred in the warm season.[17]
It is believed that the first revelation to Muhammad was sent down during the month of Ramadan.
[18] Furthermore, God proclaimed to Muhammad that fasting for His sake was not a new
innovation in monotheism, but rather an obligation practiced by those truly devoted to the
oneness of God
The predominant practice in Ramadan is fasting from dawn to sunset. The pre-dawn meal before
the fast is called the suhoor, while the meal at sunset that breaks the fast is the iftar. Considering
the high diversity of the global Muslim population, it is impossible to describe typical suhoor or
iftar meals.
Muslims also engage in increased prayer and charity during Ramadan. Ramadan is also a month
where Muslims try to practice increased self-discipline. This is motivated by the Hadith, especially
in Al-Bukhari[37] and Muslim,[38] that When Ramadan arrives, the gates of Paradise are opened
and the gates of hell are locked up and Shaytan (devil) are put in chains.[39]
Fasting[edit]
Main article: Sawm of Ramadan
Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship.
Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. The fast (sawm)
begins at dawn and ends at sunset. In addition to abstaining from eating and drinking, Muslims
also increase restraint, such as abstaining from sexual relations and generally sinful speech and
behavior. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose
being to cleanse the soul by freeing it from harmful impurities. Ramadan also teaches Muslims
how to better practice self-discipline, self-control,[40] sacrifice, and empathy for those who are
less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity (zakat).[41]
It becomes compulsory for Muslims to start fasting when they reach puberty, so long as they are
healthy and sane, and have no disabilities or illnesses. Many children endeavour to complete as
many fasts as possible as practice for later life.
Exemptions to fasting are travel, menstruation, severe illness, pregnancy, and breast-feeding.
However, many Muslims with medical conditions insist on fasting to satisfy their spiritual needs,
although it is not recommended by the hadith. Professionals should closely monitor individuals
who decide to persist with fasting.[42] Those who were unable to fast still must make up the days
missed later.[43]
Suhoor[edit]
Main article: Suhoor
Iftar at Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey
Each day, before dawn, many Muslims observe a pre-fast meal called the suhoor. After stopping
a short time before dawn, Muslims begin the first prayer of the day, Fajr.[44][45] At sunset,
families hasten for the fast-breaking meal known as iftar.
Iftar[edit]
Main article: Iftar
In the evening, dates are usually the first food to break the fast; according to tradition,
Muhammad broke fast with three dates. Following that, Muslims generally adjourn for the Maghrib
prayer, the fourth of the five daily prayers, after which the main meal is served.[46]
Social gatherings, many times in a buffet style, are frequent at iftar. Traditional dishes are often
highlighted, including traditional desserts, and particularly those made only during Ramadan.
Water is usually the beverage of choice, but juice and milk are also often available, as are soft
drinks and caffeinated beverages.[42]
In the Middle East, the iftar meal consists of water, juices, dates, salads and appetizers, one or
more main dishes, and various kinds of desserts. Usually, the dessert is the most important part
during iftar. Typical main dishes are lamb stewed with wheat berries, lamb kebabs with grilled
vegetables, or roast chicken served with chickpea-studded rice pilaf. A rich dessert, such as
luqaimat, baklava or kunafeh (a buttery, syrup-sweetened kadaifi noodle pastry filled with
cheese), concludes the meal.[47]
Over time, iftar has grown into banquet festivals. This is a time of fellowship with families, friends
and surrounding communities, but may also occupy larger spaces at masjid or banquet halls for
100 or more diners.[48]
Charity[edit]
Main articles: Zakt and Sadaqah

Men praying during Ramadan at the Shrine of Hazrat Ali or "Blue Mosque" in Mazar-i-Sharif,
Afghanistan
Charity is very important in Islam, and even more so during Ramadan. Zakt, often translated as
"the poor-rate", is obligatory as one of the pillars of Islam; a fixed percentage of the person's
savings is required to be given to the poor. Sadaqah is voluntary charity in giving above and
beyond what is required from the obligation of zakt. In Islam, all good deeds are more
handsomely rewarded in Ramadan than in any other month of the year. Consequently, many will
choose this time to give a larger portion, if not all, of the zakt that they are obligated to give. In
addition, many will also use this time to give a larger portion of sadaqah in order to maximize the
reward that will await them at the Last Judgment.[citation needed]
Nightly prayers[edit]
Main article: Tarawih
Tarawih (Arabic: )refers to extra prayers performed by Muslims at night in the Islamic
month of Ramadan. Contrary to popular belief, they are not compulsory.[49] However, many
Muslims pray these prayers in the evening during Ramadan. Some scholars[who?] maintain that
Tarawih is neither fard or a Sunnah, but is the preponed Tahajjud (night prayer) prayer shifted to
post-Isha' for the ease of believers. But a majority of Sunni scholars regard the Tarawih prayers
as Sunnat al-Mu'akkadah, a salaat that was performed by the Islamic prophet Muhammad very
consistently.
Recitation of the Quran[edit]
In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Quran. Some Muslims perform
the recitation of the entire Quran by means of special prayers, called Tarawih. These voluntary
prayers are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the
Quran (juz', which is 1/30 of the Quran) is recited. Therefore, the entire Quran would be
completed at the end of the month. Although it is not required to read the whole Quran in the
Tarawih prayers, it is common.
Penalties for infraction[edit]
In some Muslim countries, failing to fast or the open flouting of such behavior during Ramadan is
considered a crime and is prosecuted as such. For instance, in Algeria, in October 2008 the court
of Biskra condemned six people to four years in prison and heavy fines.[53]
In Kuwait, according to law number 44 of 1968, the penalty is a fine of no more than 100 Kuwaiti
dinars, or jail for no more than one month, or both penalties, for those seen eating, drinking or
smoking during Ramadan daytime.[54][55] In the U.A.E., eating or drinking during the daytime of
Ramadan is considered a minor offence and would be punished by up to 240 hours of community
service.[56]
In Egypt, alcohol sales are banned during Ramadan.[57]
In Kermanshah, Iran, a non Muslim was sentenced to having his lips burnt with a cigarette and
five Muslims publicly flogged with 70 stripes for eating during Ramadan.[58]
Other legal issues[edit]
Some countries have laws that amend work schedules in Ramadan. Under U.A.E. labor law, the
maximum working hours are to be 6 hours per day and 36 hours per week. Qatar, Oman, Bahrain
and Kuwait have similar laws.

Ramadan

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Ramadan

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Ramadan

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Ramadan (/rmdn/; Arabic: Ramadn, IPA: [rmdn];[variations] Persian:

Ramazn; Urdu: Ramzn; Turkish: Ramazan; Indonesian/Malay: Puasa or Bulan Puasa)

Main articles: Zakt and Sadaqah

You might also like