Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان} Ramaḍān, IPA: [rɑmɑˈdˤɑːn]; Persian: Ramazān; Urdu: Ramzān; Turkish: Ramazan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Muslims are supposed to observe fast during this month. This is regarded as the fourth pillar of Islam.
The month lasts 29-30 days based on the visual sightings of the
crescent moon according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in hadiths. The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root “ramida” or “ar-ramad,” which means scorching heat or dryness.
While fasting from dawn until sunset Muslims are supposed to refrain from consuming food, drinking water and sexual relations. According to Islam, the sawab (rewards) of fasting are many, but in this month, they are believed to be multiplied. Fasting for Muslims in this month, typically, includes the increased offering of salat prayers and recitation of the Quran.
The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed 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. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and
that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah
for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful.
YUSUF ALI: Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as
a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between
right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during
that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a
journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah
intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties.
(He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in
that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful.
Beginning of Ramadan
Hilāl (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.
However, to many Muslims, this is not in accordance with authenticated
Hadiths stating that visual confirmation per region is recommended. The
consistent variations of a day have existed since the time of Muhammad.
Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased
devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into
following the teachings of Islam. The fast (sawm) begins at dawn and
ends at sunset. In addition to abstaining from eating and drinking,
Muslims also increase restraint, such as abstaining from sexual
relations and generally sinful speech and behavior. The act of fasting
is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose
being to cleanse the soul by freeing it from harmful impurities. Ramadan
also teaches Muslims how to better practice self-discipline,
self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity (zakat).
It becomes compulsory for Muslims to start fasting when they reach puberty, so long as they are healthy, sane and have no disabilities or illnesses. Exemptions to fasting are travel, menstruation, illness, older age, pregnancy, and breast-feeding. However, many Muslims with medical conditions insist on fasting to satisfy their spiritual needs, and healthcare professionals must work with their patients to reach common ground. Professionals should closely monitor individuals who decide to persist with fasting.
While fasting is not considered compulsory in childhood, many children endeavour to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life. Those who are unable to fast are obliged to make up for it. According to the Quran, those ill or traveling (musaafir) are exempt from obligation, but still must make up the days missed later on.
It becomes compulsory for Muslims to start fasting when they reach puberty, so long as they are healthy, sane and have no disabilities or illnesses. Exemptions to fasting are travel, menstruation, illness, older age, pregnancy, and breast-feeding. However, many Muslims with medical conditions insist on fasting to satisfy their spiritual needs, and healthcare professionals must work with their patients to reach common ground. Professionals should closely monitor individuals who decide to persist with fasting.
While fasting is not considered compulsory in childhood, many children endeavour to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life. Those who are unable to fast are obliged to make up for it. According to the Quran, those ill or traveling (musaafir) are exempt from obligation, but still must make up the days missed later on.
Health effects
Fasting does not pose any medical risks to healthy individuals. In fact, Sarah Amer, MS, RD, CDN, says, “The body has the incredible ability to adapt.” She reveals that it takes her only a few days of fasting to get back to her usual activity level.[18] A team of cardiologists in the UAE found that people observing Ramadan enjoy a positive effect on their lipid profile, which means there is a reduction of cholesterol in the blood.Suhoor
Each day before dawn, Muslims observe a pre-fast meal called Suhoor. Considering the high diversity of the global Muslim community (ummah), it is impossible to describe typical suhoor or iftaar meals. It can be anything halal - from dinner or iftar leftovers to typical breakfast foods to various ethnic food preferences. A few dates and a cup of water are usually the first foods to break the fast, while fried pastries, salads, nuts, legumes, and breads are also common. After stopping a short time before dawn, Muslims hasten to pray the first prayer of the day, the Fajr prayer.Charity
Charity is very important in Islam, and even more so during Ramadan. Zakat, often translated as "the poor-rate", is obligatory as one of the pillars of Islam; a fixed percentage required to be given by those with savings. Sadaqa is voluntary charity in given above and beyond what is required from the obligation of zakat. In Islam all good deeds are more handsomely rewarded in Ramadan than in any other month of the year. Consequently, many will choose this time to give a larger portion, if not all, of the zakat for which they are obligated to give. In addition, many will also use this time to give a larger portion of sadaqa in order to maximize the reward that will await them on the Day of Judgment.In many Muslim countries, it is a common sight to see people giving more food to the poor and the homeless, and even to see large public areas for the poor to come and break their fast. It is said that if a person helps a fasting person to break their fast, then they receive a reward for that fast, without diminishing the reward that the fasting person got for their fast.
