Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic lunar year. During this month Muslims all over the world observe the fourth pillar of the religion of Islam: the fast of Ramadan. It is Islam’s holiest month because it was during this time that Prophet Muhammad (saw) received his initial commission as a prophet; received his first revelation; and ten years later made his historic hijrah (i.e., flight) from the Holy City of Mecca – the place of his birth – to Medina, the place of his death.
To commemorate these great occasions, all able-bodied Muslims not involved in crises (e.g., war or unavoidable journeys) fast during the month of Ramadan. From sunrise to sunset neither food nor drink passes a Muslim’s lips. After sundown Muslims may partake in moderation...
Being a month in a lunar calendar, Ramadan rotates around the year. When it falls in the winter its demands are not excessive. When, on the other hand, it falls during the scorching summers, to remain active during the long days without so much as a drop of water is an ordeal. Why, then, does the Qur’an (Muslim Holy Book) require it? For one thing, fasting teaches self-discipline; he who can endure its demands will have less difficulty controlling his appetite at other times. Fasting underscores man’s dependence upon God...
Man, says the Qur’an, is as frail as the rose petal; nevertheless, he assumes airs and pretensions. Fasting reminds him vividly of his essential frailty and dependence. Finally, fasting sensitizes compassion. Only those who have been hungry can know what hunger means. If a man has himself fasted for 30 days within the year he will be inclined to listen more carefully the next time he is approached by someone in need.
Fasting, as a religious institution – in whatever form or detail – is to be found in all faiths. “By the greater number of religions – in the lower, middle and higher cultures alike – fasting is largely prescribed; and when it is not required, it is nevertheless practiced to some extent by individuals in response to the prompting of nature.” (Ency. Brit.)
It is the common experience of saints and seers alike that a certain degree of severance from physical relations or worldly connections is essential for spiritual advancement, and has a powerful, purifying effect on the mind. The religion of Islam, however, has introduced a new orientation and a new spiritual significance to this institution. According to it fasting continues a symbol of complete sacrifice. One who fasts not only abstains from food and drink – which are the chief means of sustenance and without which one cannot live – but also from conjugal relations with one’s wife, which is the means of assuring one’s progeny. Thus he who fasts really evinces his readiness, if need be, to sacrifice his all for the sake of Allah (swt).
The word “ramadan” derived from “ramada.” They say in Arabic, “ramada al-saimu,” i.e., the insides of the man fasting became very hot with thirst owing to fasting. The month is so-named because (a) fasting in this month produces heat and burning due to thirst; (b) worship in this month burns away traces of sin in man; and (c) because his devotions in this month produce in the heart of man the necessary warmth of love for his Creator and his fellow beings.
The name Ramadan is of Islamic origin, the former name of the month being “Natiq.” It was on the 24th of Ramadan that Prophet Muhammad (saw) received his first revelation; and the whole revelation was rehearsed every year to the Holy Prophet (saw) by the angel Jibril (or Gabriel) in this month. The practice continued until the very last year of the Prophet’s life, when the whole of the Qur’an was rehearsed to him twice by the angel Jibril in this month. Thus, in a way, the whole of the Qur’an may be said to have been revealed in the month of Ramadan.
The Islamic lunar calendar has 12 months based on lunar phases, producing a year that is 10 or 11 days shorter than a solar year. Since no extra month is intercalated, Ramadan moves backward through the seasons, returning to the same place every 32½ years.
According to the Holy Qur’an, a month begins when the crescent of the New Moon is first visible to the naked eye. But before the month of Ramadan can begin, this phenomenon must first be seen by two people and reported to a qadi (judge). Then the fast of Ramadan begins, and lasts the entire month, ending with the great three-day feast and festival of Eid al-Fitr.
RAMADAN MUBARAK!
RAMADAN KARIM!
Man, says the Qur’an, is as frail as the rose petal; nevertheless, he assumes airs and pretensions. Fasting reminds him vividly of his essential frailty and dependence. Finally, fasting sensitizes compassion. Only those who have been hungry can know what hunger means. If a man has himself fasted for 30 days within the year he will be inclined to listen more carefully the next time he is approached by someone in need...
The Islamic lunar calendar has 12 months based on lunar phases, producing a year that is 10 or 11 days shorter than a solar year. Since no extra month is intercalated, Ramadan moves backward through the seasons, returning to the same place every 32½ years...
According to the Holy Qur’an, a month begins when the crescent of the New Moon is first visible to the naked eye. But before the month of Ramadan can begin, this phenomenon must first be seen by two people and reported to a qadi (judge)...
Pharaoh Jahil 11-01-2003, 08:31 PM Thanx for the knowledge!
Allah U Akbar...........
You're quite welcome, Pharaoh Jahil...
The Islamic calendar (or Hijri calendar) is a purely lunar calendar. It contains 12 months that are based on the motion of the Moon, and because 12 synodic months is only 354 days (12×29.53=354.36), the Islamic calendar is consistently shorter than a tropical year, and therefore it shifts with respect to the Christian calendar.
The Islamic calendar is based on the Qur'an (Sura 9:36,37) and its proper observance is a sacred duty for Muslims. It is the official calendar in countries around the Gulf, especially Saudi Arabia. But other Muslim countries use the Gregorian calendar for civil purposes and only turn to the Islamic calendar for religious purposes.
The Islamic lunar calendar has 12 months based on the phases of the Moon, producing a year that is 10 or 11 days shorter than a solar year. Since no extra month is intercalated, Ramadan moves backward through the seasons, returning to the same place every 32½ years...
"O you who believe, fasting is prescribed on you as it was prescribed to those before you so that you may become self-restrained."
(Sura Al-Baqarah 2:183)
NADIA*BINTA 11-27-2003, 12:53 PM As-Salaam Alaikum Aqil
know this is a lil late... BUT... RAMADAN MUBARAK! RAMADAN KARIM! to you and yours...
didn't have chance to partake of this food during Holy month of Ramadan... but just tasted this thread and want to thank you for putting this information out here...
there are many, many misconceptions of Islam and/or Muslims and you are offering more understanding and shedding much more light on this beautiful way of life...
pray your Ramadan was, meaningful, successful, enlightening... mine was... also pray you keep producing these works for Allah... and educating us all!
peace & blessings to you & yours
nadia*binta
As-Salaamu-Alaikum my sister...and shokran for your kind and inspiring words.
Jazaka-'lah...
The only difference between Ramadan and total fasting is the timing. During Ramadan we basically miss lunch and take an early breakfast, and do not eat until dusk...
Abstinence from water during this period is not bad at all and in fact, it causes concentration of all fluids within the body, producing slight dehydration. The body has its own water conservation mechanism; in fact, it has been shown that slight dehydration and water conservation, at least in plant life, improve their longevity...
The physiological effect of fasting includes lower of blood sugar, lowering of cholesterol and lowering of the systolic blood pressure. In fact, Ramadan fasting would be an ideal recommendation for treatment of mild-to-moderate, stable, non-insulin diabetes, obesity and essential hypertension...
(This year Ramadan begins at the time of the New Moon on Wednesday, Oct. 13, and ends at the time of the New Moon on Friday, Nov. 12th)
CarrieMonet 10-11-2004, 01:51 PM I thought Ramadan starts on the 15th.
At any rate my co-worker is muslim and asked me to fast with her this year - which I agreed. She only eats dates once a day (nightfall) and drinks water.
I suppose I need talk with her today to confirm the start date. I'd hate to start out on a sour note.
I thought Ramadan starts on the 15th.
At any rate my co-worker is Muslim and asked me to fast with her this year - which I agreed. She only eats dates once a day (nightfall) and drinks water.
I suppose I need talk with her today to confirm the start date. I'd hate to start out on a sour note.You're right CarrieMonet...the actual New Moon occurs on the 13th, but the sighting of the Moon's crescent occurs a couple days later, thus Ramadan starts on the 15th in the West. And there is a time difference (Mecca is six hours ahead of us). The much-anticipated start of the month is based on a combination of physical sightings of the Moon and astronomical calculations. The practice varies from place to place, some places relying heavily on sighting reports and others totally on calculations. In the U.S., most communities follow the decision of the Islamic Society of North America, which accepts bonafide sightings of the New Moon anywhere in the U.S. as the start of the month of Ramadan. The end of the month, marked by the celebration of 'Eid-ul-Fitr, is similarly determined...
Today is the first day of Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic lunar calendar. The fast begins at sunrise...
RAMADAN MUBARAK!
Pharaoh Jahil 10-15-2004, 12:44 PM Islam,
Happy Ramadan brother. Aqil... praise be to Allah who is the Father of the universe and high honors to all his divine and holy prophets.
Peace....
Ramadan karim, Bro. Jahil...shokran and jazak'lah.
IssaEl21 10-16-2004, 05:03 PM Today is the first day of Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic lunar calendar. The fast begins at sunrise...
RAMADAN MUBARAK!
Is The New Moon Which Muslims Say Designates The Beginning And End Of The Month Of Ramadan Seen With The Naked Eyes ?
According to Qur’an, a month begins when the crescent of the New Moon is first visible to the naked eye. But before the month of Ramadan can begin, this phenomenon must first be seen by two people and reported to a qadi.
On Monday, October 3, the world witnessed an annular eclipse of the Sun coinciding with the birth of the New Moon of the month of Ramadan, a cosmic phenomenon that occurs every 560 years.
During an annular eclipse the Sun is totally obscured by the Moon, but for a narrow ring (corona) around the rim as the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth. The Moon then appears as a shaded disk, with a dazzling, beaded corona around its rim. This is fourth annular eclipse of the 21st century.
Prophet Muhammad (saw) has recommended that during an eclipse one should remember Allah, say "Takbir," and to pray Salat Al-Kusoof (in the case of a solar eclipse). Citing the following from “Islam and the Solar Eclipse” issued by the International Council for Islamic Information:
"The Sun and the Moon are two of the signs of Allah; they do not darken for the death or birth of any person, but Allah strikes fear into His servants by means of them. So when you see them darken, remember and mention Allah, declare His greatness, offer Prayer, give in charity, and supplicate to Him and seek His forgiveness."
"These words were said by the noble Prophet (saw) when a solar eclipse took place on the very day that his infant son Ibrahim passed away on 29 Shawwal 10 AH/27 January 632 CE. A false prophet would undoubtedly have claimed that such a magnificent celestial event was a sign of heavenly mourning for the loss of his loved one, but not the final Messenger of Allah, who led the community of Muslims in Prayer for as long as the eclipse lasted, then admonished them regarding their reckoning with their Lord on the Day of Judgment."
[The fast of Ramadan begins at sunrise today (10/4/'05)...Ramadan Mubarrak!]
info-moetry 10-04-2005, 03:39 PM On Monday, October 3, the world witnessed an annular eclipse of the Sun coinciding with the birth of the New Moon of the month of Ramadan, a cosmic phenomenon that occurs every 560 years.
During an annular eclipse the Sun is totally obscured by the Moon, but for a narrow ring (corona) around the rim as the Moon moves between the Sun and Earth. The Moon then appears as a shaded disk, with a dazzling, beaded corona around its rim. This is fourth annular eclipse of the 21st century.
Prophet Muhammad (saw) has recommended that during an eclipse one should remember Allah, say "Takbir," and to pray Salat Al-Kusoof (in the case of a solar eclipse). Citing the following from “Islam and the Solar Eclipse” issued by the International Council for Islamic Information:
"The Sun and the Moon are two of the signs of Allah; they do not darken for the death or birth of any person, but Allah strikes fear into His servants by means of them. So when you see them darken, remember and mention Allah, declare His greatness, offer Prayer, give in charity, and supplicate to Him and seek His forgiveness."
"These words were said by the noble Prophet (saw) when a solar eclipse took place on the very day that his infant son Ibrahim passed away on 29 Shawwal 10 AH/27 January 632 CE. A false prophet would undoubtedly have claimed that such a magnificent celestial event was a sign of heavenly mourning for the loss of his loved one, but not the final Messenger of Allah, who led the community of Muslims in Prayer for as long as the eclipse lasted, then admonished them regarding their reckoning with their Lord on the Day of Judgment."
[The fast of Ramadan begins at sunrise today (10/4/'05)...Ramadan Mubarrak!]
PEACE.........
I wish you well during your fast!
Salaam aqi, and shokran...
Pharaoh Jahil 10-05-2005, 01:32 PM Salaam, Happy Ramadan brother Aqil, it's that wonderful time again brother.
Alhamdulilah!!!
Wa Alaikum Salaam, Pharaoh Jahil...and shokran. Naam, Ramadan Karim...
Man, says the Qur’an, is as frail as the rose petal; nevertheless, he assumes airs and pretensions. Fasting reminds him vividly of his essential frailty and dependence. Finally, fasting sensitizes compassion. Only those who have been hungry can know what hunger means. If a man has himself fasted for thirty days, within the year he will be inclined to listen more carefully the next time he is approached by someone in need...
info-moetry 10-09-2005, 06:38 PM Man, says the Qur’an, is as frail as the rose petal; nevertheless, he assumes airs and pretensions. Fasting reminds him vividly of his essential frailty and dependence. Finally, fasting sensitizes compassion. Only those who have been hungry can know what hunger means. If a man has himself fasted for thirty days, within the year he will be inclined to listen more carefully the next time he is approached by someone in need...
peace..........
PurpleMoons 10-09-2005, 08:21 PM Happy Ramadan, Brothers and Sisters!
May the Most Merciful, and Magnificent one, bless your souls forever!
Thank you so much, PurpleMoons...and may the blessings of Allah be upon you and yours forever.
The Christian Lent and the Jewish Yom Kippur, Tisha B'av, Fast of Esther, Tzom Gedalia, and the Fast of the Firstborn are also times of fasting. These relate to the ayah mentioned in Sura 2:183 of the Holy Qur'an, "...Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you..." Fasting is prescribed to Muslims as it was prescribed to those before them - e.g., Christians and Jews - although the fasting practices of each religion might be different from one another. Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints generally fast for 24 hours on the first Sunday of each month. Like Muslims, they refrain from all drinking and eating unless they are children or are physically unable to fast. Fasting is also a feature of ascetic traditions in religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism...
pdiane 10-19-2005, 05:03 PM Brother Aqil, Ramadan is one of the most favorite spiritual things that I try to do every year. I was a Muslim for many years, and my husband is an Afrakan Muslim. I do not totally practice the religion, but I do practice Ramadan because it is a sacrafice that makes me more appreciative of God, my people, my ancestors.
So Happy and Peacful Ramadan to you Brother!!
May Allah bless you and your family. Much love. :hearts1:
Thank you much, my sister. JAZAKALLAHU KHAIRAN! May you sit on the Council of Elders...and may Allah continue to send gales toward the windmills of your mind...
RAMADAN MUBARAK!
pdiane 10-20-2005, 11:57 AM Thank you brother, Ramadan Kareem!
In Senegal (Wolof) they say "Balma" meaning I am sorry for anything I may have done to hurt you.
The response is "Balma Ak" meaning I am sorry to you also.
Jama ak Jama Peace and Peace.
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