The Holy Month of Islam

Monday, March 20, 2023

Ramadan is the ninth month of Islamic calendar. It begins with a sighting of a new moon. It is a month of fasting. Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam. During this month Muhammad [PBUH] received the initial revelation of Quran. Salman [Razi Allahu anhu] said, Prophet [PBUH] declared on the last day in the month of Shaban, one month is coming it is a very happy month the month of Ramadan. Laylat-ul-qadar is auspicious night which comes in last day 10 of Ramadan doing workship on this day is better than doing workship for thousand months. Laylat-ul-Qadr also known as “Night of power” is the prized jewel of Ramadan. This night is sought to be found in the last odd days of Ramadan that is 21, 23, 25, 27, 29. This night carries more blessings than a thousand months. Muslims spend this night in prayer and meditation and to make dua and to seek forgiveness for past sins. There is salvation in this night, a chance to clean of all sins and become as pure as newborn. Allah SWT has made fasting obligatory and has made his night prayer known as tarawih a thing of great reward. This is the month of patience.it not only includes fasting from food and water but also fasting from sins like lie, robbery, backbiting etc. The sustenance of a believer is increased in this month. This month is that is divided into three parts the first part with is first ten days of Ramadan is known as days of mercy of Allah on these days Muslim asks for Allah’s mercy to guide them to straight path and the middle part or next 10 days of Ramadan is known as days of forgiveness where Muslims seek forgiveness from Allah for their sins and the last part of Ramadan or last 10 days on which the Muslims seek refuge from the hellfire ,this part has the auspicious night known as Layla-tul-qadr ,a night which is better than thousand nights.

In this month Muslims around the world fast from dawn to sunset. All the Muslims with good health are required to fast meaning to avoid eating, drinking etc. Muslims eat one meal before dawn ` Suhoor’ and break the fast around the sunset, it is known as ‘Iftar’. People during this holy month prays [salat] in the mosque, reads Quran and cries for forgiveness of their past sins. Allah forgives the past sins of those who observe the holy month with fasting, prayer, and faithful intention. Muslims give zakat also known as sadqah to the needy ones. people who cannot fast during this month due to some illness or health issues have to give food to the poor, recite duas or Qur’anic verses you know by heart, `Indeed, by remembering Allah s.w.t, the hearts will find tranquility’, refrain from doing sins and do istagfar (to repent).
Women with menstruation and those who are traveling and are unable to fast are required to keep fast after Ramadan. Muslims break their fast with dates and water which is the sunnah of Muhammad [PBUH] along with short meal. Iftars are often elaborate feast celebrated with family and friends. The types of foods served vary according to the culture, The iftar usually begins with dates, water. There are additional prayers offered at night of Ramadan called the `Tarawih’ prayers, preferably performed at the mosque. During these prayers, the entire Qur’an may be recited over the course of the month of Ramadan.

The conclusion of Ramadan is marked with a major celebration known as Eid-ul-Fitr It begins with a Eid prayer. In some communities Eid al-Fitr is quite elaborate: everyone wears new clothes, every Muslims hug each other and greets everyone, special sweets are made such as sheer khurma, children get money from their elder ones and people gather for family meals and to pray in mosques. It is the day where everyone enjoys and celebrate it with their families.
Ramadan is a gift from Allah (SWT); an opportunity for Muslims to earn his blessings and a way to seek forgiveness.

Zuneira Samir, 10-C, ICSK Khaitan