Ramadan The Fasting Month in Islam

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, may be 29 or 30 days. An Islamic month begins with the sighting of the crescent moon on the western horizon, immediately after sunset. Muslims look toward the western horizon for the new moon on the 29th of Shaban, the eighth month. If the moon is sighted, Ramadan has begun with the sunset but fasting begins with the next dawn. If the new moon is not seen on this day 29, Muslims complete 30 days of Sha'ban and Ramadan begins the following day.

The meaning of Ramadan and Fasting: 

Allah says in the Qur'an:
"O you who believe Fasting is prescribed for you, even as it was prescribed to those before you, so they can achieve God consciousness (2: 183).

"In the month of Ramadan, the Quran, a book of guidance with proofs of guidance distinguishing right from wrong, it was revealed. Therefore, whoever of you that month let him fast is present. But who is sick or travel will fast a similar number of days later. Allah desires your well-being, not your discomfort. He desires you to fast the whole month so you can magnify Him and give thanks to God for giving her direction. "2: 185

Consequently, the month of Ramadan is called the month of the Qur'an; Therefore, Muslims have a tradition of reciting the Quran frequently in this month.

Sawm or fasting: 

Sawm means a fast that begins with dawn and ends with sunset. Muslims rise before dawn to eat Suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and drink liquids for the preparation of Sawm (fasting). Eating and drinking for at dawn. During the day there is no eating, drinking or sexual activity. In addition, a Muslim must fulfill the moral code of Islam very strictly as failure violates the requirements of fasting.

Fasting in Ramadan is one of the acts of worship required of all Muslims who have reached puberty. Women who are having their menstrual period or who have not fully recovered from childbirth postpone the fast until you are completely out of their special conditions. In addition, those who are ill or traveling may elect to defer their fasting.

Muslims fast because Allah has commanded to do so. However, they may also think about the benefits of fasting which may include development control on hunger, thirst and sexual desire, training to be a good moral person, testing sincerity to the Creator. During fasting, Muslims can conduct business as usual. However, in Muslim countries working hours are shortened by a couple of hours a day and the hours are changed for comfortable work.

The fast is broken immediately after sunset, usually by eating dates and drinking water or juice. However, any food or drink lawfully can be used to break the fast. This is followed by Salah Maghrib (after sunset prayer) which is followed by a full meal. After a brief rest, Muslims go to the mosque to offer Isha salah (night prayer) and then a special evening prayer called Tarawih.

Taraweeh: 

This nightly congregational Salah (prayer) is performed after the Isha salah. Traditionally, a Hafiz of the Quran, a person who has memorized the entire Quran is in Arabic, leads the prayer. Recite the Qur'an in small portions, in proper sequence, every night and complete the recitation of the entire Qur'an by the end of the month of Ramadan. Every Muslim who attends such prayers regularly gets a chance to hear the whole Qur'an in one month. If a Hafiz of the Quran is not available, the Muslim who has memorized the most in a group leads the prayer and recited as capable. In the absence of Hafiz, some Muslims have the Koran in his hand during his salah and read it. Some Islamic scholars cite the report from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that, with the exception of three nights in one of Ramadan, I always prayed at night in your home if it was Ramadan or not.

Generosity Ramadan:

The month of Ramadan brings many blessings multiplied manifold for those who do good. During this month people are more generous, more cordial, more friendly and more prepared than other times of the year to do a good job. The poor and needy receive food, clothing and money-affluent community. Many people go to the mosque in the neighborhood last minute and fast foods. People in the neighborhood send fruit, food and beverages to the mosque - the atmosphere is that of a nice pot luck every night of the month dinner.

Celebrity philanthropists of the Muslim community are surrounded by people in need and Islamic workers for donations. Zakat, a tax purification of wealth, and donations are given at this time of year because many Muslims want to take the opportunity of multiplied rewards from Allah.

Laylat al-Qadr: 

This is the night of Qadr. The term Al-Qadr has been frequently translated as "power". A better translation might be "worth" or "decree" because Allah says the value of this night is better than a thousand months, the lifetime of I over eighty three years. Allah sends His decrees in this night. This is the night when the Quran was revealed. Allah says in the Qur'an:

"We indeed have revealed this (the Quran) in the night of the value (or measure). And what will explain to thee what the Night of Value • The Night of Value is better than a thousand months. That descend angels and the Spirit (angel Gabriel) by Allah's leave with all decrees. (that night is) Peace until the rising of the dawn. "97: 1-5

The night is the value to humanity of God a gift. However, it is unclear which night is the Night of Qadr. Some reports of the companions of the Prophet (saw​​) elude to be the night of Ramadan 27, but many more said pointing to one of the odd nights dates during the last third of the month of Ramadan. According to the authentic teachings of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) Muslims are advised to spend 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29 nights of Ramadan in worship and good works to ensure the pursuit of the Night of Qadr . Some of the Muslims stay up all night in prayer and good works, however, the Prophet (peace be upon him) and his companions used to sleep at least a third of the night.

In Muslim countries, 27 of Ramadan is a festival for people to rest during the day after all night of worship. Schools are closed from the 27th of Ramadan through the second of Shawwal (5-6 days) to combine Laylat al-Qadr and Eid al-Fitr observances.

I'tekaf or imprisonment: 

The practice of the Prophet Muhammad (saw​​) was to spend the last ten days and nights of Ramadan in the mosque (mosque). Following practice, is considered a duty of the community that some people go I'tekaf (isolation) in a neighborhood Masjid. I'tekaf people spend their time in various forms of dhikr (remembrance of Allah), like doing extra-salah, recitation and study of the Koran, the Hadith study, the repetition of certain phrases of praise and glory to God, calling from themselves to be good through obedience to Allah and His Messenger (PBUH). Since people in I'tekaf are not allowed to leave the mosque, except for emergencies, they sleep in the Masjid and the use of the facilities available Mosque. Food for people in I'tekaf is provided either by their families or community members. I'tekaf ends generally in the declaration of sighting of the moon or the end of Ramadan. For busy people a shorter version of I'tekaf, like one night, a day or a few days is allowed.

Sadaqat al-Fitr: 

In general, any material help extended to the poor, needy and to those who ask and deserve to be called Sadaqah. Sadaqat al-Fitr, which is also called Zakat al-Fitr is obligatory material help extended to the poor of the society before Eid prayers, preferably given in sufficient time for the poor to prepare for the celebration . In North America, the estimated amount is $ 5 to $ 8 to be given on behalf of each member of the donor's family, including babies.

Eid al-Fitr: 

The end of the fasting month is celebrated the first of Shawwal, the tenth month, which follows Ramadan. Traditionally, the 29th of Ramadan after sunset, people go outdoors in search of a new crescent in the western horizon where the sun sets. If the crescent is sighted, the end of Ramadan and Eid are declared. If no crescent is sighted, Ramadan is extended by one day.

On the day of Eid, people take a bath or a shower early in the morning, eat breakfast, wear their best clothes, apply perfume and proceed to the place of Eid congregation takbeerat saying, saying, "Allah is Most Great, there is no god but Allah and all praise belongs to Allah. "Muslims takbeerat pronounced at home, streets and gathering place as the leader, Imam expected. It was the practice of the Prophet Muhammad (saw​​) to celebrate Eid prayer congregations in open grounds. Following the practice of the Prophet (s), Muslims are advised to maintain Eid prayers in open spaces. In Muslim countries with warm weather there Eid prayer grounds are designated. Of Muslims in North America However, renting rooms in convention centers or large hotels.

The Imam rises at the appointed time, leads the prayers and delivers a sermon, the sermon. At the end of the sermon, people supplicate, greet, embrace and welcome the successful completion of Ramadan and ask Allah to accept its efforts on its obedience.

During the day, people visit each other and children can receive gifts. In some countries, people go for picnics and other gatherings. In addition, special Eid celebrations can be organized at work or in social settings. Essentially, Eid is a day of thanksgiving to Allah, and a gathering of family and friends.

Hajj or Umrah in Ramadan Minor: 

There is a report of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saying to perform Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to performing a major or complete pilgrimage. Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca (commonly misspelled as Mecca). Hajj is the enactment of some of the trials and tribulations of Prophet Abraham (A), his wife Hjir (Hagger) and his eldest son, Isma'il (A) (Ishmael). Hajj includes the sacrifice of Ishmael, represented by the sacrifice of an animal, such as sheep, goat, sheep, cow or camel. Complete Hajj lasts for five days, but Umrah is completed in a few hours. Umrah is only a small part of the pilgrimage. An animal sacrifice can be offered to the completion of the Umrah. Umrah can be performed at any time of year, but it has a special meaning in Ramadan. Hajj is performed only during the eighth and 13th days of Dhu al-Hijjah, the twelfth month of the Islamic calendar.