Ramadan and Muslims
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar; Muslims worldwide observe this as a month of fasting. This annual observance is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam. The month last 29- 30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon. The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramida or ar-ramad which means scorching heat or dryness. Fasting is a wajib(obligatory) for adult Muslims, except those who are ill, traveling or going through menstrual bleeding. While fasting from dawn until sunset Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking and sexual relations; and swearing. According to Islam, the sawab (rewards) of fasting are many, but in this month they are believed to be multiplied. Fasting for Muslims during Ramadan typically includes the increased offering of salat (prayers) and recitation of the Quran. (Holy book of Islam).
In the Quran
Chapter 2, Revelation 185 of the Quran states:
The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed in the Quran; “ A guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days. The lord desires for you ease; he desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify The Lord for having guided you, and that perhaps you be thankful.”(Quran 2:185). According to the Quran, Muhammad (prophet of Islam) first received revelations in the lunar month of Ramadan. Therefore, the month of Ramadan is considered to be the most sacred month of the Islamic calendar.
Beginning of Ramadan
Hilal (the crescent) is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon indicates the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan.
Practices during Ramadan (Fasting)
Ramadan is known as a time of spiritual reflection,
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar; Muslims worldwide observe this as a month of fasting. This annual observance is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam. The month last 29- 30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon. The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramida or ar-ramad which means scorching heat or dryness. Fasting is a wajib(obligatory) for adult Muslims, except those who are ill, traveling or going through menstrual bleeding. While fasting from dawn until sunset Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking and sexual relations; and swearing. According to Islam, the sawab (rewards) of fasting are many, but in this month they are believed to be multiplied. Fasting for Muslims during Ramadan typically includes the increased offering of salat (prayers) and recitation of the Quran. (Holy book of Islam).
In the Quran
Chapter 2, Revelation 185 of the Quran states:
The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed in the Quran; “ A guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days. The lord desires for you ease; he desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify The Lord for having guided you, and that perhaps you be thankful.”(Quran 2:185). According to the Quran, Muhammad (prophet of Islam) first received revelations in the lunar month of Ramadan. Therefore, the month of Ramadan is considered to be the most sacred month of the Islamic calendar.
Beginning of Ramadan
Hilal (the crescent) is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon indicates the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan.
Practices during Ramadan (Fasting)
Ramadan is known as a time of spiritual reflection,