| What is Ramadan? |
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Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic year. It is the holy month of fasting, otherwise known as Sawm and was ordained by the Qur’an for all adult Muslims. It is the fourth pillar of Islam. According to the Qur’an, the fast of Ramadan had been instituted so that believers "may nurture holiness". This particular month was chosen because it was the month during which prophet Muhammad *(PBUH) received the first of the revelations of the Qur’an. "Ramadan is the month the Qur’an was revealed with clear guidance and differentiation (between good and bad.) Whoever of you is a witness of this month, should fast. But if anyone is ill, or on a journey shall make up by days later." Ramadan comes once each year, giving every fasting Muslim a spiritual and physical improvement. The fast during Ramadan begins each day at dawn, when the "white thread becomes distinct from the black thread," and ends immediately at sunset. During Ramadan, all Muslims will go without all the pleasures of the body throughout the hours of the day. Sawm is the intentional control of the body by an act of will. During that month Muslims renew and re-establish their commitments to Allah. They read the Qur’an, and perform the night prayer. During Ramadan, Muslims avoid many evil deeds that would invalidate their fasts and act of worship. Here are a few things a Muslim should avoid, especially during Ramadan: Refrain from telling lies, backbiting, gossiping, quarrelling, earning through unlawful means, any act which may harm or cause grief to a person, hunger, comfort and sex should be under control. Muslims break their fast, just before they offer their fourth prayer. The food that breaks the fast just after Sunset is called Iftar. Muslims shouldn’t eat too much food, as Prophet Muhammad *(PBUH) broke his fast with a couple of dates and with water only. This is the correct *Sunnah to follow, it was the way of the Prophet Muhammad, as he practiced Fasting in the Month of Ramadan. The Supplication for breaking the fast is: "Thirst has gone, the veins are moistened and the reward is certain, Allah wills." Before retirement each night, special congregational prayers called Tarawih are offered in which long passages of the Qur’an is recited. The Qur’an is read in the month of Ramadan starting from the beginning and read right through to the end, throughout the month of Ramadan reading different chapters each day until it is completed. Sheri the morning meal - Muslims are to make the intention to wake up very early in the morning to consume food and water in preparation for the day ahead. Fueling the body moderately is recommended, making sure all form of consumption of food and water is completed 15/20mins prior to the morning prayer *Fajr. *Sunnah means a way or an example set by the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), *(PBUH) Peace be upon him. *Fajr is the morning prayer which is performed before sunrise. Written by Shanaz (London) |
