The Holy Ramadan is the fundamental belief and an obligatory practice of Islam. Shahadah, Salat, Zakah, Ramadan and the Hajj are five fundamental pillars of Islam. The Holy Ramadan is one of the most obligatory provisions of Islamic belief. You might have a rough idea about Ramadan. So, let’s have a look at this specially designed article on Holy Ramadan.
You will be glad to know that the expected date of the upcoming Holy Ramadan month is March 10th of 2024.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a month of fasting. All the physically and mentally capable Muslims are obligated to fast during this month. The Holy Ramadan is constantly observed during the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Following the just nature of the lunar system within the span of 30 years or so the month of Ramadan falls in each of the four seasons. As a consequence of that, the Holy Ramadan month arises in a unique schedule following the Islamic lunar calendar. The Ramadan month is not a fixed one.
Each and every year for at least 29 or 30 days almost 2 billion Muslims from around the world practice fasting as a command of almighty God during the whole month of Ramadan. In this month followers of Islam abstain from food and drink each day from dawn until sunset. There is much more in this month than simply abstaining from eating or drinking.
Significant of Holy Ramadan in Islam
Fasting during this month is an obligatory practice for every Muslim. The month of Ramadan basically is a period of consideration and way of self-control. According to Islam, Ramadan is recognized to be the month in which the first verse of the book Holy Quran was revealed by Angel Gabriel to the prophet Muhammad. It was the first communication between the prophet Mohammed and the Almighty God and Angel Gabriel was the messenger or then medium. This later became the Quran and included instructions to honor the month of Ramadan itself.
The Quran says, ”The month of Ramadan is a guidance for the people and proofs of guidance and criterion”
The final ten days of the sacred month are relatively significant that one of these days is believed to be the actual day that Muhammad was first given the words of God.
Other specialties of Holy Ramadan:
Ramadan is a time of giving, healing, and being charitable too. While we break our fasts during the time of sunset it’s called Iftar. All the friends and family members gather together and enjoy this mini-fest of iftar each day of Ramadan.
Ramadan is a month of forgiveness also. The Almighty Allah (God) frees the people from hell as a gift of this Holy month. Muslims become more religious because this time around God accepts all prayers, prays, and wishes. People beg for their sins and guilt as Ramadan is the month of forgiveness.
There are spiritual rewards of giving charities this month. So, Muslims participate in charitable works in this Holy month.
In Addition, the devil and his team are chained and locked down. Therefore any bad or evil spirit can not influence the Muslim ummah during the Holy month of Ramadan.
Lessons of Holy Ramadan
Fasting is not the only thing that Ramadan brings to us. Actions are Muslims commanded to avoid during fasting hours include these things too.
- Eating
- Drinking
- Having sex
- Stay away from sins
- Smoking and many more.
Avoiding foods and drinking reminds us of the poor sections of people and hunger. The pain of being hungry inside poor people doesn’t get food while rich people waste food all the time.
- Fasting brings poor people and rich people in one line.
- Ramadan teaches people to be humble.
- Brings harmony and peace to our society
- Fasting is a physical and psychological exercise also.
- People share food and money as charitable work.
- Staying true to yourself is the Holy lesson of Ramadan.
- Taking meals (Iftar and sahari) with friends and family
- The month of purification from all sins and guilt.
- Ramadan makes us very confident from the inside by avoiding foods and sins all day long.
- Teaches us to be thankful and grateful for whatever we have.
- People understand the value of food, water, comfort, and a lot more.
- Ramadan teaches us equality.
- It’s a month of blessings and guidance.
The holy festival of Ramadan in the Muslim world
During the month of Ramadan Muslim countries becomes more active. Many Offices and institutions’ duty reduces to give more emphasis on prayers and other religious events.
During the nighttime, all streets and roads get decorated with colorful lights. During the evening period, various delicious iftar items can be found in the street market.
Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Iran, Pakistan, Indonesia, Bangladesh, all the Middle Eastern countries, Central Asian Muslim countries get busy with religious works.
During the last days of this Holy month, people start preparing for the upcoming Eid festival. People buy new clothing to celebrate the Eid festival. Donates clothes, food, and all the necessary Staff during the month of Ramadan.
How Can I Make the Most of Ramadan and Prepare for Eid Al-Fitr?
During Ramadan, focus on spiritual growth with prayer and reflection. Take advantage of the last ten days for extra devotion. Plan family gatherings and charitable activities to celebrate Eid al-Fitr 2024. Stock up on festive decor, gifts, and traditional clothing. Prepare special recipes ahead of time for a stress-free celebration.
What is the significance of sacrifice in both Ramadan and Eid al-Adha?
During the Eid al-Adha festival, sacrifice holds great significance. It commemorates Ibrahim’s readiness to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God. Muslims around the world sacrifice an animal, symbolizing their willingness to give up something valuable for the sake of Allah.
Exceptions of Ramadan rules and regulations
Ramadan is not binding to all categories of people. You will be glad to hear that an incapable person is not obliged to fast during this time. Here’s a list of all the persons who are free from fasting depending on their incapabilities and circumstances.
- Sick people are not allowed to fast.
- Pregnant women need not be fasting during this month.
- Travelers are also excluded from fasting.
- Children and aged people are also excluded from fasting.
- Mental illness is a case where fasting is not required.
All these categories of people will get the rewards of Holy Ramadan, without fasting. That’s the beauty of Islam. It’s our prayer and hopes that the blessings of Ramadan continue to flow on us.
In the next post, we will be talking about the Eid festival. Stay well and good, Till then goodbye.
Eid Ul Fitr 2022 – Celebrate the Day with Prayer and SMS Wishes