Ramadan
On May 6, the Islamic month of Ramadan began in the USA. It is the ninth month of the Muslim
calendar during which fasting from dawn to sunset is observed by Muslims around the world as
commanded by God Almighty. Muslims are expected to abstain from all sorts of bad deeds
during Ramadan, and engage in good deeds that will earn them more reward.
The commandment for fasting can be found in the Holy Qur'an Chapter 2 verse 184. It says, “O
ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed for those before you, so that
you may become righteous.” However, there are some people who are exempted from fasting,
such as a sick person, a traveler. But they're expected to complete the same number of fasts
missed, as soon as they're able to do so after the month of Ramadan is passed and before the
beginning of the new month in the following year (Qur’an; 2:185). Those with chronic or
terminal illnesses or old people are exempt from fasting but they are expected to feed the less
privileged who is willing to fast, but doesn't have the means.
Each day in Ramadan starts with eating of "suhoor"(meal taken before dawn), and the fast is
broken at sunset with dates, fruits and water, along with other items in a meal known as "Iftar".
The Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be on him) said, "Eat suhoor, indeed there's
a blessing in suhoor."
The Holy month of Ramadan is also known as month of the Qur'an because it's the month the
Holy Qur'an was first revealed to the Holy Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Qur'an was
revealed on a night called Laylatul Qadr (Night of Destiny). God says in Qur’an, chapter 97
verse 2 that, “Surely, we sent it (Quran) down on the night of destiny.” And then proceeded to
verse 5 that “this night of destiny is better than a thousand months, and therein descend Angels
and the spirits by the command of their lord”....
Apart from the divine rewards from God, fasting also has physical benefits. It promotes
elimination of toxins from the body and reduces blood sugar and fats in the body. Furthermore, it
helps in weight loss if one follows the proper fasting spirit.
It is recommended that Muslims should intensify in their worship when it's the last ten days of
Ramadan, as the ‘Night of Destiny” falls in the last ten days of Ramadan. During these last ten
days, it is suggested that Muslims who are able to embark on “i'tikaaf” (retreating to a mosque
for prayers and invocations leaving worldly activities) should do so, as practiced by the Holy
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
Muslims celebrate the end of Ramadan with the festival called Eid-ul-Fitr. The believers come
to the mosque for the special morning congregational Prayer dressed in their finest attire. It is a
day of great joy, particularly for children on whom the adults bestow gifts. But in the midst of
this festivity the Muslims do not forget the needy. It is required that each member of the family,
including infants, pay a prescribed amount of money called “Zakatul Fitr” which is given to the
poor and needy before the Eid celebration so that they too can partake in the merriment.
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