The holy month of Ramadan is a peaceful period of joy and happiness. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of purification from sins, fasting, praying and practicing good activities. This year it’s observed from 23rd April to 23rd May. It is the commemoration of Prophet Muhammad’s first revelation; the annual observance of Ramadan is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam and lasts for twenty nine to thirty days, from one sighting crescent moon to the next.
Fasting from sunrise to sunset is obligatory for all adult Muslims who are not chronically ill, pregnant, breastfeeding, traveling, elderly or menstruating. The predawn meal is referred to as suhur, and the nightly feast that breaks the fast is called iftar. Although fatwa have been issued declaring that Muslims who live in regions with a midnight sun or polar night should follow the timetable of Mecca, it is common practice to follow the timetable of the closest country in which night can be distinguished from day.
The spiritual rewards (thawab) of fasting are believed to be multiplied during Ramadan. Accordingly, Muslims refrain not only from food and drink, but also tobacco products, sexual relations, and sinful behaviour, devoting themselves instead to salat (prayer), recitation of the Quran, and the performance of charitable deeds as they strive for purity and heightened awareness of God (taqwa). Eid celebrates of the return to a more natural disposition (fitra) of eating, drinking, and intimacy. It’s a day of joy and celebration filled with bliss. In some Islamic countries, lights are strung up in public squares and across city streets, a tradition believed to have originated during the Fatimid Caliphate, where the rule of Caliph al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah was acclaimed by people holding lanterns. On the island of Java, many believers bathe in holy springs to prepare for fasting, a ritual known as Padusa.The city of Semarang marks the beginning of Ramadan with the Dugderan carnival, which involves parading the Warak ngendog, a horse-dragon hybrid creature allegedly inspired by the Buraq. In the Chinese-influenced capital city of Jakarta, firecrackers are widely used to celebrate Ramadan, although they are officially illegal. Towards the end of Ramadan, most employees receive a one-month bonus known as Tunjangan Hari Raya. Certain kinds of food are especially popular during Ramadan, such as large beef or buffalo in Aceh and snails in Central Java. The iftar meal is announced every evening by striking the bedug, a giant drum, in the mosque. Common greetings during Ramadan include Ramadan Mubarak and Ramadan Kareem.
I can conclude my article by saying that Ramadan is a holy month which teaches us the values of tolerance respect kindness and being humble to others. So let’s relish enjoy this auspicious Ramadan!
WISHING ALL OF YOU A VERY HAPPY AND A JOYFUL RAMADAN!
Ramadan Kareem!!!