The Story of Ramadan

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Ramadan is derived from the Arabic root word ramida or

arramad intense scorching heat and dryness, especially

the ground. From the same root there is ramdaa,

sunbaked sand, and the famous proverb: " Kal Mustajeer

minar Ramadaa binnar " - to jump out of the frying pan

into the fire. And in a hadith the Messenger of Allah

(saas) said : " The prayer of repenters is due when the

young camel can feel the sun's heat early in the

morning. "

(Muslim)

 

Thus, the Ramadan is so called to indicate the heating

sensation in the stomach as a result of thirst.

Others said it is so called because Ramadan scorches

out the sins burns the ground. Some said it is so

called because the hearts and souls are more readily

receptive to the admonition and remembrance of Allah

during Ramadan, ad the sand and stones are receptive

to the sun's heat. The framers of this beautiful

language may have been inspired by Allah (SWT) in

naming this month Ramadan. Otherwise, the relation

between the heat and its properties is miraculously

similar to that of Ramadan. While the heat represents

the matter that helps shape, form, and mold virtually

every matter, from metal and plastics, to plants and

living cells-Ramadan undoubtedly helps a serious

believe remold, reshape, reform, and renew his

physical and spiritual disposition and behaviour.

 

 

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. The

Month of Ramadan is also when it is believed the Holy

Quran " was sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men,

a declaration of direction, and a means of Salvation "

It is during this month that Muslims fast. It is

called the Fast of Ramadan and lasts the entire month.

Ramadan is a time when Muslims concentrate on their

faith and spend less time on the concerns of their

everyday lives. It is a time of worship and

contemplation

 

During the Fast of Ramadan strict restraints are

placed on the daily lives of Muslims. They are not

allowed to eat or drink during the daylight hours.

Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden during

fasting. At the end of the day the fast is broken with

prayer and a meal called the iftar. In the evening

following the iftar it is customary for Muslims to go

out visiting family and friends. The fast is resumed

the next morning

 

According to the Holy Quran:

 

 

One may eat and drink at any time during the night

" until you can plainly distinguish a white thread from

a black thread by the daylight: then keep the fast

until night "

 

The good that is acquired through the fast can be

destroyed by five things -

 

the telling of a lie

slander

denouncing someone behind his back

a false oath

greed or covetousness

 

These are considered offensive at all times, but are

most offensive during the Fast of Ramadan

 

During Ramadan, it is common for Muslims to go to the

Masjid (Mosque) and spend several hours praying and

studying the Quran. In addition to the five daily

prayers, during Ramadan Muslims recite a special

prayer called the Taraweeh prayer (Night Prayer). The

length of this prayer is usually 2-3 times as long as

the daily prayers. Some Muslims spend the entire night

in prayer

 

On the evening of the 27th day of the month, Muslims

celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power). It

is believed that on this night Muhammad first received

the revelation of the Holy Quran. And according to the

Quran, this is when God determines the course of the

world for the following year

 

When the fast ends (the first day of the month of

Shawwal) it is celebrated for three days in a holiday

called Id-al-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking). Gifts

are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray in

congregation and for large meals. In some cities fairs

are held to celebrate the end of the Fast of Ramadan.

 

Sawm and the Fasting of Ramadan

 

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What is Sawm?

Sawm or Fasting, during the holy month of Ramadan is

the fourth pillar of Islam. The fast is an act of deep

personal worship in which Muslims seek a richer

perception of God. Sawm during Ramadan or any time is

recognized as physically demanding but spiritually

rewarding.

 

It is the duty of all healthy muslims to observe the

fast for this whole month. It is done so that we will

know what humility really is. Fasting is also an

exercise in self-control whereby one's sensitivity is

heightened to the sufferings of the poor.

 

Who is it prescribed upon?

Fasting of Ramadan is a worship act which ordained

upon every adult Muslim, male or female if he/she is

mentally and physically fit and not on a journey.

Exceptions: women during their period of menstruation

and while nursing their child, and also in case of

travel and sickness for both men and women. If they

are physically unable to do this, they must feed a

needy person for every day missed.

 

Abstention and self control

Abstention means abstention completely from eating,

drinking and intimate sexual contact from dawn to

sunset and curbing even the smallest of evil

intentions and desires.

It is not a month of starvation since nutrition and

hydration are ensured at night although it is

recommended to be taken in a mood of asceticism. As

one conquers the daily habits and endures hunger and

thirst, Ramadan furnishes a first class drill in

self-restraint and will power (and what would humanity

be if the faculty of self restraint is gone?)

 

Eating and Drinking

Ramadan also is a joyful month. Muslims break their

fast at sunset with a special meal, iftar,

" break-fast; " perform additional worship, tarawih,

after evening prayer; and throng the streets in moods

that are festive and communal.

 

Improving physical and mental health

A fast does have positive health benefits, the stomach

has been working for 24 hours a day non stop fasting

will give it a rest. Although beneficial to health it

is regarded principally as a method of

self-purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly

comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person

gains true sympathy with those who go hungry as well

as growth in one's spiritual life. Fasting is a very

enriching experience as one transcends the needs of

our material component and cherishes the spiritual.

The month feels like going " into maintenance " and is

almost like charging your batteries for the rest of

the year.

 

Teaching Mankind

It teaches man the principle of sincere love to God.

Fasting teaches man patience, unselfishness,

moderation, willpower, discipline, spirit of social

belonging, unity and brotherhood.

It is not difficult to do so and this is only for one

month. Is it too much to ask? The poor are forced to

do it for the 24 hours a day all year round. When we

know how lucky we are to live a comfortable live and

our duty next is to help the poor.

 

When does it occur?

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It

begins with the sighting of the new moon. The month of

Ramadan is part of the lunar calendar, and since this

is eleven days shorter than the Gregorian calendar,

Ramadan comes eleven days earlier every year which

allows fasting in various seasons and weather

throughout a life time.

 

What happens at the End of Ramadan

Intensified worship and charity are a feature of the

month. At its conclusion Muslims preform a a special

collective morning prayer. Celebration start at the

end of the Eid with a spirit of joyous achievement by

four days of celebration called eid al-fitr, the feast

of the Breaking of the Fast. Customarily, it is a time

for family reunion and the favored holiday for

children who receive new clothing and gifts from

family members and friends.

 

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Language is an expression of thought. Everytime you speak, your mind is on

Parade Exodus 20:8-11 & Hebrews 4:9

 

 

 

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