Islamic Holy Month Is Around The Corner : Ramadan

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is one of the most sacred times for Muslims. The Islamic festival Ramadan is also known as Ramzan or Ramazan. This holy month is designated as a time for prayer, fasting, introspection, and communal harmony.

What is Ramadan?

During this month, the people of the Islamic faith let go of worldly pleasures and completely devote themselves to Allah(The Almighty). Across the globe, Muslims observe fasts or Rozas with their friends and families. People get up early during this time to consume Suhoor or Sehri.

They then abstain from eating or drinking anything until dusk. They eat dates and drink water to break their fast. This ritual is followed by Iftar, a meal with a variety of mouth-watering food items. They have such a strong faith in Allah that they consistently follow the rituals with utmost devotion.

Facts regarding the holy month: Ramadan

Holy Quran was first revealed in the month of Ramadan.

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is the fourth Pillar of Islam among the five.

Fasting helps to attain Taqwa (performing of actions that please Allah and abstaining from those actions that displease Him).

Ramadan is known to be the month of the Quran. It is highly recommended during Ramadan to read and study the Holy Quran and to share it with others.

The Night of Decree or The Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr ) is in this month, which is better than a thousand months.

In this Holy month, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained up.

Umra’h (shorter/minor pilgrimage) in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj (major pilgrimage).

Muslims observe I’tikaaf (residing in the mosque for worship) during the Ramadan, especially in the last 10 days of this Holy month.

It is a very rewarding act in Ramadan to offer Iftaar (sunset meal to break fast) to those who are fasting.

It is also highly recommended to give Zakat (obligatory tax/donation – 2.5% of wealth/savings/assets) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity) in the Ramadaan.

It is said in an authentic Hadith of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) that fasting in Ramadan sincerely out of faith and in the hope of reward, we will be forgiven all our previous sins, provided the major sins are not committed.

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When it is celebrated?

Based on the Islamic lunar calendar and the phases of the moon, Ramzan has a different start and end date every year. Religious authorities watch for the new crescent moon to signal the beginning of this month.

Although Muslims wait until the new moon appears to declare the start of the holy month. Depending on when a sighting of the new crescent moon occurs, the month of Ramzan typically lasts 29 to 30 days.