What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and one of the five pillars of Islam. It is a particularly holy month for Muslims around the world, during which they fast from sunrise to sunset. During Ramadan, Muslims focus on spiritual growth, introspection and community. In this article, we discuss the meaning of Ramadan, its practices and its effects on the lives of Muslims.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the month in which Muslims believe the Koran, Islam’s holy book, was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. This makes Ramadan a particularly holy time dedicated to prayer, fasting, charity and introspection. The exact time of Ramadan varies every year because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle.
Fasting during Ramadan
Fasting, known as “sawm”, is one of the most central practices of Ramadan. Fasting starts at sunrise and ends at sunset. During this time, Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse. The purpose of fasting is to develop self-control, gratitude and compassion for the less fortunate.
Practices and traditions of Ramadan
- Prayer: During Ramadan, Muslims pray five times a day, and many also participate in special evening prayers known as “taraweeh”.
- Reading the Koran: Muslims strive to read the entire Koran during Ramadan.
- Charity: Charity and giving are central parts of Ramadan. Many Muslims pay ‘zakat’, a compulsory almsgiving, and engage in voluntary charity known as ‘sadaqa’.
- Iftar: The fast ends each evening with a meal known as “iftar”. This meal often begins with dates and water, and is followed by a varied dinner.
End of Ramadan: Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan ends with a celebration known as Eid al-Fitr. This holiday marks the end of fasting and is one of the most important holidays in the Islamic calendar. Eid al-Fitr begins with a special prayer and includes gatherings of family and friends, gift-giving and a hearty meal.
Effects of Ramadan
The effects of Ramadan extend from spiritual growth to physical well-being. Fasting can help cleanse the body and allow you to focus on spiritual matters. Community and the importance of family are emphasized when Muslims gather together for iftar meals and joint prayers.
So Ramadan is much more than just a month of fasting; it is a time when Muslims strive to improve themselves spiritually, physically and socially. It is also a time when community and compassion are emphasized, and Muslims around the world are united through their shared faith and practices.
Read more about Ramadan and its meaning here.
