Ramadan (also known as Ramadhan or Ramzan) .Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar , which consists of
12 months and lasts for about 354 days. The word “Ramadan” is derived
from an Arabic word for intense heat, scorched ground and shortness of
food and drink. It is considered to be the most holy and blessed month when Muslims fast during daylight hours.
It is a period of prayer, fasting,
charity-giving and self-accountability for Muslims around the world, fighting is not allowed during this period. The
first verses of the Koran (Qu'ran) were revealed to the
Prophet Muhammad (also written as Mohammad or Muhammed) during the last
third of Ramadan, making this an especially holy period.
There are several reasons why Ramadan is considered important:
- The Qur'an was first revealed during this month
- The gates of Heaven are open
- The gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained up in Hell.
The Qur'an revealed
The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance
for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between
right and wrong)
[al-Baqarah 2:185]
The actual night that the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad is called Lailat ul Qadr, and to stand in prayer on this one night is said to be better than a thousand months of worship.
Ramadan is often called 'month of the Qur'an' because of this, and
Muslims attempt to recite as much of the Qur'an as they can during the
month. Most mosques will recite one thirtieth of the Qur'an each night
during the Taraweeh prayers.
No one knows on which particular night the Qur'an was first revealed,
but it is said to be one of the last ten nights of Ramadan.
The gates of Heaven are open and the gates of Hell are closed
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him)
that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)
said: "When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the
gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are put in chains."(Agreed upon)
Muslims believe that their good actions bring a greater reward during
this month than at any other time of year, because this month has been
blessed by Allah.
They also believe that it is easier to do good in this month because
the devils have been chained in Hell, and so can't tempt believers. This
doesn't mean that Muslims will not behave badly, but that any evil that
they do comes from within themselves, without additional encouragement
from Satan.
Almost all Muslims try to give up bad habits during Ramadan, and some
will try to become better Muslims by praying more or reading the
Qur'an.
Muslims believe that this is one way that the chaining up of the
devils is manifested, since there is no other reason for them to do so.
Background
The month of Ramadan traditionally begins with a new moon sighting,
marking the start of the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. Many
Muslims (except children, the sick and the elderly) abstain from food,
drink, and certain other activities during daylight hours in Ramadan.
This is considered as the holiest season in the Islamic year and
commemorates the time when the Qu’ran (Islamic holy book) is said to
have been revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. This occurred on Laylat Al-Qadr,
one of the last 10 nights of the month. Ramadan ends when the first
crescent of the new moon is sighted again, marking the new lunar month’s
start. Eid-al-Fitr is the Islamic holiday that marks the end of Ramadan.
Evening
meals are kept simple during the month of Ramadan. They include dates, bread, water, soups, and stews.
What do people do?
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars
(fundamental religious duties) of Islam. It is a time of
self-examination and increased religious devotion. It is common to have
one meal known as the suhoor just before sunrise and an evening meal (iftar)
after sunset during Ramadan. The United Kingdom’s Department of Health
produced a guide to healthy fasting during Ramadan, which aims to help
people avoid health complications when they fast.
Ramadan is also a time for many Muslims to donate to charity by
participating in food drives for the poor, organizing a collection or
charity event, and other voluntary activities. Muslims are encouraged to
be charitable during Ramadan. Campaigns have been promoted in the
United Kingdom to raise public awareness of safe ways to donate to
charity and how to avoid donating to fake charities during Ramadan.
These campaigns aim to help people choose an honest charity organization
when donating money and equipment.
People of Islamic faith are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an
during Ramadan. Some Muslims recite the entire Qur'an by the end of
Ramadan through special prayers known as Tarawih, which are
held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a section of
the Qur'an is recited. Ramadan Qu’ran competitions have been held for
both children and adults in the United Kingdom in recent times.
Some political leaders in the United Kingdom, including the prime
minister, previously made public announcements, greeting Muslims both
locally and globally for the month of Ramadan. Their messages aim to
help raise an awareness of the Ramadan’s importance among Muslims both
in the United Kingdom and throughout the world.
Allah Baarik!
No comments:
Post a Comment