The Magnitude of Ramadan

The Five Pillars of Islam are the framework of Islamic life. First off, a Muslim must have faith in Allah and believe that there is only one Allah and Muhammad is His messenger. Next, a Muslim has the duty to pray five times each day, which is considered to be a direct link between him and Allah. Third, a Muslim must distribute alms and help the needy. Fourth, a Muslim is responsible to keep the Fast of Ramadan. Lastly, a Muslim is obligated to make a pilgrimage to Mecca in his lifetime. Most non- Islamic people do not know why these pillars are so important to the Islamic religion. One of the most questioned, is the fourth pillar, since fasting symbolizes such different things in all religions. In Judaism and Christianity fasting is related to mourning, grief, sadness, and disastrous times. In Islam, on the other hand, fasting brings happiness and is welcomed eagerly every year with much excitement. Ramadan, the ninth month in the Islamic calendar, is when all Muslims must fast. To fast a Muslim should be sane, have reached puberty, healthy, and not instate of travel. Women should not fast when they are not instate of purity and clean from menstruation/ post child bleeding. During this month all Islamic rules are strictly enforced . The month of Ramadan allows all Muslims to gain self discipline, concentrate on things that are most important in life, worship Allah and become closer to Him, have a great change in their diet, and most importantly, gain mindfulness. On the contrary of other religions, Muslims become saddened when their
Jafari 2 time of fasting departs. Self- discipline is practiced in various ways in all cultures. For example, some people practice the art of yoga, while others believe karate can help them. In Islam,
Ramadan is one of the major keys to self discipline. The month allows a Muslim to become extremely organized in his everyday routines. Ramadan gives a defined schedule for everyday. A time to eat and to pray is set and must be

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