>
New Topic
>
Reply<
Esato Forum Index
>
General discussions >
Non mobile discussion
> Islamic Corner
Bookmark topic
Explaining Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Lunar calendar and the holiest of the four holy months. It begins with the sighting of the new moon after which all physically mature and healthy Muslims are obliged to abstain from all food, drink, gum chewing, any kind of tobacco use, and any kind of sexual contact between dawn and sunset. However, that is merely the physical component of the fast; the spiritual aspects of the fast include refraining from gossiping, lying, slandering and all traits of bad character. All obscene and irreligious sights and sounds are to be avoided. Purity of thought and action is paramount. Ordained in the Quran, the fast is an exacting act of deeply personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised level of God-consciousness. The act of fasting redirects the hearts away from worldly activities, towards The Divine.
The month of Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds and spending time with family and friends. The fasting is intended to help teach Muslims self-discipline, self-restraint and generosity. It also reminds them of the suffering of the poor, who may rarely get to eat well. It is common to have one meal (known as the Suhoor), just before sunrise and another (known as the Iftar), directly after sunset. This meal will commonly consist of dates, following the example of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon Him. Because Ramadan is a time to spend with friends and family, the fast will often be broken by different Muslim families coming together to share in an evening meal.
Ramadan derives from the Arabic root: ramida or ar-ramad, meaning scorching heat or dryness. Since Muslims are commanded to fast during the month of Ramadan, it is believed that the month's name may refer to the heat of thirst and hunger, or because fasting burns away one's past sins. Muslims believe that God began revealing the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad during Ramadan (in the year 610 C.E.). The Qur'an commands: "O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint...Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting..." (Chapter 2, verses 183 and 185). Fasting during Ramadan did not become an obligation for Muslims until 624 C.E., at which point it became the third of the Five Pillars of Islam. The others are faith (Shahadah); prayer (Salah); charitable giving (Zakah); and the pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj).
Another aspect of Ramadan is that it is believed that one of the last few odd-numbered nights of the month is the Laylat ul-Qadr, the "Night of Power" or "Night of Destiny." It is the holiest night of the holiest month; it is believed to be the night on which God first began revealing the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Jibril (Gabriel). This is a time for especially fervent and devoted prayer, and the rewards and blessings associated with such are manifold. Muslims are told in the Qur'an that praying throughout this one night is better than a thousand months of prayer. No one knows exactly which night it is; it is one of God's mysteries. Additionally, Muslims are urged to read the entire Qur'an during the month of Ramadan, and its 114 chapters have been divided into 30 equal parts for this purpose.
When the first crescent of the new moon has been officially sighted by a reliable source, the month of Ramadan is declared over, and the month of Shawwal begins. The end of Ramadan is marked by a three-day period known as Eid ul-Fitr, the "Festival of Fast-breaking." It is a joyous time beginning with a special prayer, and accompanied by celebration, socializing, festive meals and sometimes very modest gift-giving, especially to children.
When Ramadan ends, Muslims give charity in a locally prescribed amount, calculated to feed one poor person in that region for one day. This is known as fitra, and is meant as another reminder of the suffering endured by many. Many Muslims also take this occasion to pay the annual alms which are due to the poor and needy, known as Zakah (2.5% of assets).
At the beginning of Ramadan, it is appropriate to wish Muslims "Ramadan Mubarak" which means "Blessed Ramadan." At its conclusion, you may say "Eid Mubarak".
--
Posted: 2009-08-11 23:10:50
Edit :
Quote
A few days to go for the blessed month of Ramadhan
Verses of Qur'an
2:183
O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint
2:184
(Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free will, it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew.
Ramadhan is a very important part of every Muslim’s life. Ramadhan is the month of giving and mercy, and during this month Allah blesses the believers with forgiveness and great reward.
This is a time to stop and contemplate, to look inwards and out, it is a time to set our goals. We should ask ourselves what we want to achieve this month, - something we will carry into our futures.
Achievement is accomplished by change. ‘How’ and ‘what’ we change are as important to consider as ‘when’ we change. Ramadhan gives us a huge opportunity to improve ourselves and gain rewards for our actions.
Just consider how precious time is. Our time when used well can gain us much reward, but when wasted we lose something of unimaginable value.
Therefore, whoever is merciful and giving in Ramadhan, Allah will be even more Merciful and Giving towards them and will bestow upon them countless bounties and blessings.
All praises to Allah (SWT), Lord of the worlds. As revealed in the Glorious Qur’an, "Oh you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those who came before you that you may keep your duty to your Lord" 2:185.
There are many actions we can take during the month of Ramadhan which will benefit us immensely. One of these would be to take Sahoor (the pre-dawn meal) as there is great benefit in it. The greatest blessing of Sahoor may be that Allah engulfs those who partake in it with His Forgiveness, showers His Mercy on them, while His angels ask of Him to forgive and pardon them.
Reciting the Quran has much benefit as it was in this blessed month that the Qur’an was revealed to prophet Muhammed (peace be upon him).
"Verily! We have sent you (O Muhammad) with the Truth, a bearer of glad tidings and a warner; and there is not a nation but a warner has passed among them," The Holy Quran (35:24).
"Surely this Qur’an' guides to the way that is straightest and gives good tidings to the believers who do deeds of righteousness, that theirs shall be a great reward.” The Holy Quran (17 : 11).
The importance of the Qur’an cannot be presented in a few words. It is not just another book on the shelf, but it is the words of Allah, speaking to every one of us. It is direct contact with Allah Himself. This is what we should keep in mind when we read the Qur'an or think about it.
The Giving of charity also carries much blessing and the rewards, giving during the holy month will increase your reward immensely. Zakah does not only purify the property of the contributor but also purifies his heart from selfishness and greed.
The following shows us the importance of charity:
The Prophet pbuh said: 'Charity is a necessity for every Muslim'. He was asked: 'What if a person has nothing?' The Prophet replied: 'He should work with his own hands for his benefit and then give something out of such earnings in charity'. The Companions asked: 'What if he is not able to work?' The Prophet said: 'He should help the poor and needy persons.' The Companions further asked 'What if he cannot do even that?' The Prophet said 'He should urge others to do good'. The Companions said 'What if he lacks that also?' The Prophet said 'They should stop themselves from doing evil. That is also charity.
Charity is not only giving money but following the above example will ensure you are giving charity as well as receiving Allah’s blessing.
--
Posted: 2009-08-16 23:59:44
Edit :
Quote
Ramadhan all over the world:
http://www.ramadhanzone.com/ramadhan_world.asp
--
Posted: 2009-08-17 00:04:19
Edit :
Quote
Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah wa barakatahu...
Its been a while since I have been around and posted here so just wanted to give my salams to all...
Really looking forward to ramadan, inshallah it will be a rewarding time for all...
Havent had the best of times the last 6 months but alhamduillah, by showing sabr, allah swt has brought me through and given me basyrah in order to find the truth...
It is very sad that there are muslims in this world who do not follow the teachings of our faith and in actual fact are deceitful liars... We must all pray and make dua for these people who are living in a fantasy world and inshallah allah swt will forgive them and guide them to the straight path...
masalaam...
--
Posted: 2009-08-17 11:24:43
Edit :
Quote
Hours remaining for the blessed month brothers
Possible Taraweehs tomorrow or Friday night!
--
Posted: 2009-08-19 19:26:50
Edit :
Quote
1st taraweehs will be on Friday night
1st fast will be on Saturday
inshaallah
--
Posted: 2009-08-20 20:09:05
Edit :
Quote
PK is it confirmed it's going to be on Sat the first fast for all of UK? Not sure when its here in Glasgow yet.
--
Posted: 2009-08-20 22:30:41
Edit :
Quote
Ramadan karim
This message was posted from a WAP device
--
Posted: 2009-08-20 22:43:51
Edit :
Quote
most of the UK have confirmed Saturday as 1st roza
--
Posted: 2009-08-20 22:53:35
Edit :
Quote
naveedaziz83 Posts: > 500
Asalam o alaikum warah matullah
Ramadan Mubarak to all of the Muslims in the World. First fast in Middle East will be 22nd inshAllah. and inshAllah on the 22nd, i am getting married as well
. A blessed deed, in the blessed month of ramadan .. subhanAllah.
The brother who asked me where im frm, from Pakistan brother..
Peace to all.
Wasalam o alaikum warah matullah
--
Posted: 2009-08-21 01:31:11
Edit :
Quote
New Topic
Reply
