Ramadan

Thursday, March 7, 2024

Fasting is a shield, so the one who fasts should avoid obscene speech and ignorant behaviour. If someone abuses him or starts to fight with him, he should reply by saying: ‘I am fasting. I am fasting’. -from Saheeh Al-Bukhari

Ramadan month is an auspicious month for the Muslim world. During Ramadan, Muslims fast from sunrise until sunset for 30 days and are held to higher moral standards. For them, it is a time to practice self-restraint and atonement and a time to build a stronger relationship with Allah.

Ramadan in Kuwait has its own set of customs and rituals that have been followed by many generations, it is a day where children go to different houses in their neighbourhood and sing songs to receive candy. During Ramadan, people gather and share meals and other communal activities. Fasting and prayers are important things during Ramadan. Muslims all over the world wish to visit important mosques and offer prayers.

A mosque is a discreet place for Muslims to recreate pure beatific vision on earth and it serves as a very symbolic place for them. In this article, we will also learn about a few important mosques around the world.

Masjid al-Haram – Saudi Arabia:
It is the world’s largest mosque. It is located in Makkah and surrounds the Kaaba, which is Islam’s holiest site and to which Muslims from all over the world turn to offer prayers. Every Muslim dream of visiting this place at least once in a lifetime.

Masjid al Nabawi - Madinah:
Masjid al Nabawi is Islam’s second holiest mosque and the world’s second-largest mosque, after Mecca’s Masjid al-Haram. It is the Prophet Mohammad’s final resting place. It was constructed next to the house where the Prophet stayed after he migrated to Medina.

Masjid e Aqsa – Palestine:
Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the world’s largest and most important mosques, as well as the oldest in Palestine. The Prophet Ibrahim, peace and blessings are upon him.

Umayyad Mosque – Syria:
It is also called the Great Mosque of Damascus, is one of the world’s oldest and largest mosques, situated in Damascus’ old city.

Ibrahimi Mosque Mosque in Palestine:
The Tomb of the Patriarchs is also known to Muslims as Ibrahimi Mosque. Both Muslims and Jews revere the site; hence separate prayer spaces for each. The cave below, which resembles painted tents, is the location that both Jews and Muslims believe Abraham chose as his family’s resting place.

Eyüp Sultan Mosque – Istambul, Turkey:
During the Arab attach and siege of Constantinople, Abu Ayub Ansari, a friend of the Prophet who died in battle outside the city’s walls while bearing the banner of
Islam, is said to be buried here.
More than just a place of worship, the mosque plays an important role in Muslim cultural and political life. They are heart of Islamic life, instilling Islamic ideals.

Harshita Sai Gadikota, 12-A, Indian Community School Kuwait, Senior