The BannerWhat is Ramadan?
Written by Ziyan Qutub
Photography by Unsplash
On March 23rd, the holy month of Ramadan begins. Ramadan, the holiest celebratory month for Muslims, is a time of fasting, prayer, reading of the Quran, and charity. During the sacred month, God forgives the past sins of those with faithful intention. The holy month ends with a celebration called Eid Al-Fitr.
Ramadan is the Arabic name for the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. The start of Ramadan is based on the sighting of the crescent moon. The Islamic calendar is shorter than the Gregorian calendar, so Ramadan begins ten to twelve days earlier each year.
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting includes abstaining from food, drink, and sexual activity from sunset to sunrise. The act of fasting is intended to bring people closer to God.
Once Muslims have reached puberty they are expected to fast. However, you are exempted from fasting if you are a child, pregnant, or ill.
After sunset, Muslims break their fast with a meal called “iftar.” Traditionally, you open your fast with dates and water because that is what the Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him) did. The meals often take place with family and friends.
In the evening there are prayers that take place called “Tarawih.” They are recommended to be performed with others at the mosque. Each night, the Quran is read one thirteenth with the goal that the recitation of the Quran will be completed by the end of the month.
The holiest night of Ramadan is the “Night of Power” (Laylat Al Qadr) which is on one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan. The historical background is that this is when the Angel Jibril revealed to the Prophet Muhammed (Peace Be Upon Him) the first verses of the Islamic holy book the Quran.
To greet people who are celebrating Ramdan you can say “Ramadan Mubarak” which means blessed Ramadan or “Ramdan Kareem” which means generous Ramadan.
The end of Ramadan is celebrated with the holiday called Eid Al-Fitr (Feast of Fast-Breaking). Eid Al-Fitr is an elaborate celebration. It is advised to wear your nicest clothes and to attend morning prayer at the mosque. Children receive presents and money and communities come together to celebrate.
