Ramadan? What is it? Why is it such a big deal? Here is an explanation on one of the most celebrated holidays in the world today.
Origin
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar and is considered the holiest month. The actual word Ramadan is derived from the word Ramida which stands for scorching dry heat. The word Ramadan was adopted to represent the early days of fasting during the summer. The pronunciation varies among Arabic dialects but it is primarily pronounced "Ra" (as in rumble) - "ma" (as in must) - "da" (as in the) - "an" (as in dawn). Muslims believe that the Quran's revelations were passed down to the prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings upon him) through the angel Gabriel (Gabril) during this month and that is why it is considered the holiest month.
What is Ramadan
Ramadan is a month of opportunities to self-cleanse yourself as a Muslim. During this month, Muslims offer themselves up for prayer 5 times a day; they donate money (zakat); they feed the poor; they fast from dawn to sunset; and abstain from any wrong doings. All in efforts to become a cleaner, better person as a whole. During this month of Ramadan, Muslims are practicing their patience, their self-righteousness, respect to all mankind, and conservative behavior.
Fasting during Ramadan
When people think of fasting in general they only assume it is just food or drink but fasting during Ramadan is far more than that. During this holy month Muslims refrain from using foul language, exercising sexual tendencies, eating food, and consuming any and all drinks. The purpose of fasting during Ramadan is to practice patience and perseverance.
Prayer during Ramandan
The month of Ramadan is a cloud of an opportunity for any and all Muslims to repent to god and ask for his mercy. During this month Muslims pray the obligatory 5 prayers and additional prayers at night; called taraweeh prayers. During taraweeh prayers of each night the Islamic leader (Imam/Sheikh) recites a few chapters from the Quran until it is finished. Typically this takes 1 to 2 weeks but that is only an assumption. To find out more information on the actual act of praying you can go here How to pray as a muslim.
Zakat during Ramadan
Charity (Zakat) during Ramadan is one of the biggest parts of participating in Ramadan. During this month Muslims are supposed to donate relatively 2% of their income to the poor or to the mosque. Zakat can also be considered offering your self to a specific service during Ramadan, or providing food and drink during the breaking of the fast. Donating consists of more than just money.
Breaking of the Fast at sunset
During Ramadan, Muslims break their fast at the 4th prayer of the day; Salat al Maghrib (Evening Prayer). Before they pray the 4th prayer it is tradition to eat a date (fig) because the prophet Muhammad (pbuh) used to do so. Muslim communities gather together to offer food during each night of Ramadan as a form of charity and good doings. Sometimes I myself would contribute by purchasing a few 12 packs of soda and water. During this month of Ramadan, the females tend to make special dishes for dessert like baklawa, tamari and others. My favorite is the katiyif.
Exemptions during Ramadan
So you might ask "What if I'm sick, young, pregnant, or ovulating". Ultimately Ramadan is supposed to be practiced if you are mentally and physically capable. Usually the parents prescribe their children to fast so they can get used to it but ultimately if you have the capacity to do so, then you must. Muslims who are on their menstrual cycle, who are pregnant, who are sick and elderly should not participate in the fasting portion of Ramadan. During these situations, food and drink are required to maintain a physical and mental state of well being and therefore should not be refrained from consuming.
During Ramadan as a kid, I used to get thirsty after phys ed and drink water. I would then go home and pretend to fast with my mother because I wanted to follow her footsteps. These sort of moments are okay because I didn't have the mental and physically capacity to practice fasting during Ramadan.
I wish all fellow Muslims a Ramadan Kareem. May Allah bless your wishes and your families. To all Non-Muslims, I hope this was informal enough to increase your understanding of this huge chunk of our religion.
Thank you, and Asalamu Alaikum Wa Rahmut Allah Wa Baraktu
