The blessed month of Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic Lunar calendar. The start and end of the month is confirmed on the citing of the moon. This is why the 1st of Ramadan can vary across the globe.
Ramadan is considered one of the holiest months of the year and is one of the 5 pillars of Islam. The belief is that during this month, the devil is locked up and the doors of heaven are opened for Muslims to do as many good deeds as possible whilst also seeking forgiveness for their sins. It is a special month where Muslims spend extra time reading the Quran and performing special prayers.
Muslims will typically fast between the hours of pre-dawn and sunset. They will wake up for Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and break their fast with the Maghrib Adhaan (sunset). While fasting, Muslims are prohibited from eating and drinking and must abstain from physical intimacy. They are also encouraged to forgo any bad habits such as backbiting, gossiping and swearing, and instead are encouraged to develop good habits such as reciting the Quran daily and praying the compulsory prayers.
The overall goal for fasting is to gain Taqwa, grow closer to Allah and Islam. Through fasting, Muslims learn to appreciate how difficult it is for the poor who have very little to eat. The month is split in three stages, the first 10 days are for mercy from Allah, second 10 days are for seeking forgiveness and the final 10 days are for seeking protection from the Hell Fire.
All Muslims who have reached puberty must fast, unless there are medical reasons for not keeping fasts. The elderly are exempt from fasting if keeping the fast will make them fall ill. In this case, they should give Fidyah for each fast. This is of monetary value to feed a poor person for each fast they have missed.
Women who are pregnant, nursing, on their periods and people who are travelling during Ramadan are exempt to fast but are required to keep these fasts at a later date.
Layla-tul-Qadr is believed to fall on one of the odd nights during the final 10 days of Ramadan. It is widely observed on the 27th night of Ramadan and it is believed to be the night in which the Quran was first revealed. The actual night is not known therefore, Muslims earn the rewards of that night by doing lots of Ibadah, reciting Quran, giving charity to the needy and seeking forgiveness. This night is better than a thousand months so everyone makes the most of this opportunity by performing as many good deeds as possible.
Wishing all Muslims on IF and across the globe a very happy Ramadan Kareem. Please remember all those in need and pray for a better world for us all!
Credits: Yuvika_15
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