Ramadan
Friday, 14 September 2007
During the month of Ramadan, Allah revealed the first verses of the Quran (divine book that has and will remain intact for all the times) on His last prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) (around C.E. 610).
Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar calendar, during which Muslims fast from before sunrise to after sunset. Nothing is consumed during daylight hours in this period. Islam follows a lunar calendar which means that the months of the year are measured according to the revolutions of the moon around the earth (each month begins with the sighting of the new moon). The Muslim lunar calendar begins at the point of migration of the Prophet Muhammad from Makka to Madina over 1400 years ago.
For Muslims around the world the month of Ramadan is a "month of blessing" marked by prayer, fasting, and charity. Ramadan has special significance since it is the month in which Muslims show more empathy towards the poor and downtrodden. After the sun sets, the fast is broken with a meal known as iftar. Iftar usually begins with dates and sweet drinks that provide a quick energy boost. Allah opens the door of heaven on humans who invoke his blessing and forgiveness.
Fasting serves many purposes. Self-discipline is one of the primary objectives of the fast in which all physical contact between husband and wife is also abandoned in daylight hours for the duration of Ramadan. Fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body, mind and soul. Fasting helps feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow believers. After sunset the fast is ended with modest meals followed by devotional prayers until sunrise. This routine is maintained for 29 or 30 consecutive days.
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. The others are: belief in one God (Shahaadah); prayer (Salaah) - five times a day at its appointed times; alms-giving (Zakaat) - 2.5% of fixed assets annually; and pilgrimage (Haj) to Makka at least once in a lifetime.
Relevant:
AL-QURAN : The Guidance for humanity ..... from ALLAH
The Philosophy of Fasting
Tags: Ramadan, Islam
Labels: Ramadan
posted by S A J Shirazi @ Friday, September 14, 2007,
11 Comments:
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At 10:11 AM PKT,
Jhena said...
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I've always been fascinated by Islam. I do admire Muslims when it comes to fasting. I'm a catholic and I still find it hard not to eat meat during holy week.
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At 2:53 PM PKT,
S.G. said...
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hmm.. precise n a gud post.
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At 3:04 PM PKT,
Marz said...
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I think what Jhena says is basically what I wanted to say too. I'm Catholic but I highly respect Muslims for their discipline and devotion at this time! So from one God-loving person to another, may God be with you through this fasting season! =)
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At 6:49 PM PKT,
defiant goddess said...
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Thanks for the explanation. :)
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At 8:56 PM PKT,
GH said...
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Quite true ... and well explained.
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At 12:24 AM PKT,
Teresa said...
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Thanks for sharing. I have never really understood the significance before. I admire your discipline.
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At 1:54 AM PKT,
Ms. Vickie said...
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Thank you Shi, I appreciate you took my request for knowledge and desire to know you more to heart. The time you took and the information you provided was well explained and I now understand the significance of this time.
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At 1:56 AM PKT,
melly said...
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Hope you have an easy fast, Shirazi.
I have some friends at work who fast and I can see how difficult it is for them to get through the day with the light-headedness and the headaches. -
At 4:06 AM PKT,
Deb S. said...
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I also thank you, Shirazi. I have read several explanations of Ramadan. Yours is my far the best because of the precision with which you write. Once again, I wish you many blessings and peace during this holy time.
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At 7:38 PM PKT,
Alina Popescu said...
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Great explanation. Concise yet well documented. Excellent read, as always :)
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At 10:10 PM PKT,
irving said...
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Excellent explantion, brother :)
Ramadan Mubarak!
Ya Haqq!
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