Ramadan is the 4th Pillar of Islam and the 9th month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar. Ramadan usually lasts for 29 or 30 days and ends with the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr. The month commences on the sight of the new moon. It is the holy month in which it is believed the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
It is compulsory for all Muslims that have reached the age of puberty to fast from dawn until dusk, unless they are ill, travelling, elderly, breastfeeding, pregnant or females are on their periods. If one is extremely ill and elderly, they are encouraged to give fidyah, which is a mandatory compensation usually in the form of money to compensate for the missed fast. For those that missed their fast due to travelling, period, pregnancy or breastfeeding, they are advised to make up these fasts at a later date and therefore are not required to pay the fidyah.
During this month, Muslims across the globe embark on a spiritual journey of reflecting on their actions and deeds. They spend the month performing good deeds such as reciting the Quran, increased prayers, giving charity to those in need and refraining from bad habits such as back biting and swearing. During the hours of fasting, married couples are forbidden from engaging in any intimate acts.
There are three ashra of Ramadan, divided into 10-day segments focusing on Mercy, Forgiveness and Safety from the Hell Fire.
The three Ashra (stages) of Ramadan represent a spiritual journey divided into ten-day segments focusing on Mercy, Forgiveness, and Safety from the Hell fire.
During the last Ashra, the holiest night of all, the night of Layla al-Qadr occurs. This is the night that Muslims believe the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). It is generally believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night and is regarded as better than 1000 months. Therefore, one will find many Muslims will spend the last 10 days in their room or their mosque away from worldly affairs, focussing only on spirituality, spending their nights praying to Allah and seeking his forgiveness and mercy.
Muslims who do not offer the compulsory prayers outside Ramadan are encouraged to adopt the habit of praying regularly during the month of Ramadan and to use this month to forgo any bad habits they may have adopted i.e. smoking, swearing and lying.
As we approach this spiritual month in a few days, let us pray for a better world for all those around us and pray for good health. Ameen
Ramadan Mubarak to all the Muslims on IF and across the globe.
Anupamaa
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