How Muslims mark Ramadan, and what makes it a holy month
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is of vital significance for all Muslims around the world. It is a time of festivity, fasting, prayer, reflection, and spiritual nourishment. The act of fasting in Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and is observed by every Muslim as a duration of great devotion and obedience to Allah Almighty.
In this blog, we will discuss the significance of Ramadan and discover how Muslims mark this holy month, following its rituals and traditions and experiencing spiritual and physical purification.
Meaning of Ramadan and its importance
“Ramadan” is taken from the Arabic word “ramad,” which means extreme heat or dryness, signifying the spiritual commitment and discipline necessary during this month. This holy month belongs to Allah and is considered a blessing for all Muslims as it holds a pivotal place in Islam, marking Allah’s revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
It is a month of countless blessings, forgiveness, and spiritual and physical purification.
The month of Ramadan is extremely important for Muslims because it is the time when Allah closes the doors of hell and imprisons all the chief satans. Eventually, the gates of heaven are opened, and the bonus time begins with limitless opportunities for mercy and spiritual
Fasting (Sawm) :
One of the most important and notable aspects of Ramadan is sawm means fasting. It is obligatory to fast means refrain from food and sins during Ramadan, for all adult Muslims, with exceptions for the elderly, sick, travellers, pregnant women, and menstruating women.
Muslims abstain from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations from dawn that is Fajr until Maghrib that is sunset as an act of submission and discipline for the sake of Allah Almighty. Fasting symbolizes empathy for those who are downtrodden and bring self-control among the Muslims. Fasting results in the purification of the soul, enabling Muslims to meditate on spiritual goals and strengthen their bond with Allah.
Suhoor-Meal before Dawn:
In the month of Ramadan, it is mandatory for Muslims to take a pre-dawn meal called Suhoor. Suhoor provides nourishment for the day ahead. According to authentic ahadith, our beloved Prophet Muhammad PBUH used to take suhoor until the call of Fajr. His main focus used to be on spending time in prayers with a constant connection with Allah.
Futoor- breaking of Fast:
At sunset, the Muslims break their fast and thank Allah for the blessing by having a variety of food in this meal. Suhoor and Iftar are often social gatherings where family and friends come together to share meals, offer prayers, and strengthen bonds of kinship and fraternity. The main purpose of Ramadan is sharing food with others, especially those who are less fortunate. A lot of emphasis is placed on sharing and caring during Ramadan, reflecting the spirit of generosity and kindness.
Taraweeh- Night Prayers:
During Ramadan, Muslims perform more acts of worship and meditation, such as extra prayers known as Taraweeh, which is the most essential feature of Ramadan in addition to fasting. Every night during this month, prayers called Taraweeh are said, usually after the required evening prayer (Isha). Long parts of the Quran are recited out loud in Qayam. The aim is to complete the recitation of the whole Quran by the end of Ramadan. Taraweeh prayers are a chance to reflect on your faith, get involved in your community, and ask Allah to forgive you.
Zakat- Charity:
Zakat is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and it is of central significance during Ramadan. This month is dedicated to almsgiving and social duty, best represented by the Islamic custom of Zakat, which calls on Muslims to contribute a percentage of their income to the poor and needy in particular.
During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to carry out their Zakat obligations and engage in acts of charity and goodwill. Zakat al-Fitr, a special form of charity given at the end of Ramadan, serves to purify one’s fast and ensure that everyone can partake in the joyous celebrations of Eid al-Fitr.
Laylatul Qadr_ A Powerful Night:
Allah has asked Muslims to make special arrangements for midnight prayers during the last ten nights of Ramadan, called Laylatul Qadr. These ten nights hold great significance in Islamic tradition.
According to the Quran, on one of these blessed nights, the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), and it is better than a thousand months in terms of blessings and rewards. Muslims engage in prayers and intensified meditations, supplications, and acts of worship during Laylatul-Qadr, seeking forgiveness and limitless mercy on mankind. Observing this night with devotion and sincerity is believed to be highly blessed and spiritually rewarding.
Eid ul-Fitr_Time of happiness & felicitation:
The arrival of Ramadan is marked by Eid ul-Fitr, known as the time of festivity and celebration. Eid ul-Fitr starts with the sighting of the new moon, indicating the end of Ramadan and the beginning of Shawal, the next lunar month.
Muslims gather for special Eid prayers, exchange greetings and gifts, and share feasts with family and friends. Eid ul-Fitr is also a time for expressing gratitude to Allah for His countless blessings, unity within the family, and offering kindness to all.
Conclusion
Ramadan is a spiritual journey that carries profound spiritual significance for Muslims all over the world. Through fasting, prayer, charity, reflection, and refraining from sins Muslims struggle to strengthen their bond with Allah, purify their souls, and achieve spiritual enlightenment. The rituals and traditions of Ramadan nurture a sense of brotherhood, compassion, and gratitude, uniting all Muslims. As Muslims observe Ramadan each year, they renew their faith and commitment to Islam, ready to face life’s challenges with steadfastness and complete resilience.
As Ramadan comes to an end, let us reflect on the lessons learned and continue to strive for excellence in faith and righteousness.
