Thank you! Ramadan Kareem to you as well! May this holy month be filled with blessings, peace, and spiritual growth for you and your loved ones.
About Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is considered to be the holiest month in the Islamic faith. It is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and devotion to Allah (God).
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and other physical needs. It is a time to practice self-discipline and focus on prayer, charity, and good deeds.
Muslims also increase their recitation of the Quran, the holy book of Islam, during Ramadan. They gather for special prayers known as Tarawih, which are performed after the evening prayer.
Ramadan concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, a festival that marks the end of the month-long fast. During Eid al-Fitr, Muslims gather with family and friends to celebrate and give thanks to Allah for the blessings they have received.
Ramadan is a time of community, compassion, and reflection, and it is an important part of the Islamic faith.
What are Muslims Fast?
Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan, which is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. During this time, Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in sexual activity from dawn until sunset.
Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is considered to be an important act of worship and spiritual purification. It is a time to focus on one's relationship with Allah (God) and to practice self-discipline, self-control, and empathy for those who are less fortunate.
Muslims wake up early before dawn to eat a pre-dawn meal known as suhoor. After the sun sets, they break their fast with a meal called iftar. It is common for Muslims to break their fast with dates and water, in accordance with the tradition of Prophet Muhammad.
Exemptions from fasting include those who are traveling, pregnant or nursing women, menstruating women, the elderly, and those with certain medical conditions.
Fasting during Ramadan is a way for Muslims to connect with their faith, their community, and their sense of purpose. It is a time of reflection, gratitude, and renewal.
What Prophet Muhammad says about the Holy month of Ramadan
Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, spoke extensively about the virtues and importance of the holy month of Ramadan. Here are some of his sayings about Ramadan:
"When the month of Ramadan comes, the gates of mercy are opened, and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
"Whoever fasts Ramadan with faith and seeking Allah's reward, all his past sins will be forgiven." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
"When one of you is fasting, he should abstain from indecent acts and unnecessary talk, and if someone starts an argument or fights with him, he should say, 'I am fasting." (Sahih al-Bukhari)
"Fasting is a shield with which a servant protects himself from the Fire." (Musnad Ahmad)
"The best charity is that given in Ramadan." (Tirmidhi)
"Whoever feeds a fasting person will have a reward like that of the fasting person, without any reduction in his own reward." (At-Tirmidhi)
These sayings highlight the significance of Ramadan as a time of spiritual purification, forgiveness, and charity. It is a month of intense devotion, self-reflection, and self-improvement, and it provides an opportunity for Muslims to strengthen their connection with Allah and with one another.
Ramadan month divided into 3 Holy Decades
In Islamic tradition, Ramadan is sometimes divided into three parts, each comprising 10 days. These parts are known as the "Ashra" or "decades" of Ramadan.
The first 10 days of Ramadan are considered to be the "Days of Mercy". During this time, Muslims focus on seeking Allah's mercy and forgiveness. It is a time to repent for one's sins and to ask for Allah's guidance and protection.
The second 10 days of Ramadan are known as the "Days of Forgiveness". Muslims during this time strive to seek forgiveness for their past sins, and also to forgive others who have wronged them. It is a time to practice patience, kindness, and generosity.
The last 10 days of Ramadan are considered to be the "Days of Salvation". During this time, Muslims focus on striving for salvation and freedom from Hellfire. The last ten days are particularly significant because they include the Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr), which is considered to be the holiest night of the year in Islam. Muslims believe that worship and good deeds performed during this night are equivalent to worship performed over a thousand months.
Dividing Ramadan into these three parts helps Muslims focus on specific aspects of their spiritual journey during the holy month. It is a way to set goals, track progress, and stay motivated throughout the month-long fast.
Laylatul Qadr Night in Ramadan
Laylatul Qadr is a special night that occurs during the last 10 days of Ramadan and is considered to be the holiest night of the year in Islam. It is also known as the Night of Power or Night of Destiny. According to Islamic belief, Laylatul Qadr is the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed to Prophet Muhammad by Allah through the Angel Gabriel.
The exact date of Laylatul Qadr is not known, but it is believed to fall on one of the odd-numbered nights in the last 10 days of Ramadan, with the 27th night being the most commonly observed. However, Muslims are encouraged to seek out the night of Laylatul Qadr by increasing their worship and good deeds during all of the last 10 nights of Ramadan.
Muslims believe that worship and good deeds performed during Laylatul Qadr are more rewarding than those performed during any other night of the year. It is a time to seek forgiveness, ask for blessings, and to strengthen one's faith. It is recommended to perform acts of worship such as recitation of the Quran, performing voluntary prayers (such as Tahajjud prayer), making supplications, and engaging in charitable acts.
Muslims also spend the night in prayer and reflection, seeking Allah's guidance and blessings. Many mosques hold special prayers and activities during Laylatul Qadr, which is a time when families and friends come together to share in the blessings of the holy night.
