Ramadan Masjid. By mohamed_hassan. Under Pixbay License
Overview
Ramadan is a holy month in Islam and is celebrated as the month during which Muhammad received the Quran from the angel Jibril (Gabriel in Christianity). During this holy month Muslims are to refrain from eating and drinking from dawn to sunset and also to refrain from impure thoughts and actions.
The angel Jibrîl stands before Muhammad and instructs him on the call to prayer. By New York Public Library. Under Public Domain.
What does the Quran say about Ramadan?
"O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous" -- Surat Al-Baqarah 2:183
"...But to fast is best for you, if you only knew." -- Surat Al-Baqarah 2:184
"The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful." -- Surat Al-Baqarah 2:185
"Allah is with those who restrain themselves." -- Quran 16: 128
"Allah has made Laylat al-Qadr in this month, which is better than a thousand months, as Allah says...The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh [Jibreel (Gabriel)] by Allah's Permission with all Decrees, there is peace until the appearance of dawn." -- Al-Qadar 97:1-5
When is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic Calendar but the start of Ramadan fluctuates each year because the lunar Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon. A few days before the start of Ramadan, a moon sighting committee in Saudi Arabi is formed to look out for the new crescent moon which will mark the start and end of Ramadan.
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What happens during Ramadan?
Muslims fast from food and drink during the day and then have big feasts after sunset. This fasting is supposed to help them focus on their studies of the Quran as they grow closer to Allah.
Who is exempt from fasting?
Sick. By Adrien Coquet. Under CC BY
Elderly. By regara. Under CC BY
Pregnant. By Andrew McKinley. Under CC BY
Travel. By Adrien Coquet. Under CC BY
Menstruation. By Karolina B. Under CC BY
Elderly. By regara. Under CC BY
Pregnant. By Andrew McKinley. Under CC BY
Travel. By Adrien Coquet. Under CC BY
Menstruation. By Karolina B. Under CC BY
What occurs when Ramadan ends?
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Eid al-fitur is the religous festival that occurs at the end of Ramadan and marks the breaking of the fast. Muslims gather with family and friends after morning prayers to enjoy a large feast.
Watch this video to learn more about the importance of Eid al-fitur. |
References
Eslah Attar. (2021, April 7). Why Ramadan is the most sacred month in Islamic culture. Culture; National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/ramadan
Muslim Aid. (2021). Muslim Aid. https://www.muslimaid.org/media-centre/news/what-the-holy-quran-says-about-ramadan/
History.com Editors. (2021, May 11). Eid al-Fitr. HISTORY; HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/eid-al-fitr
Muslim Aid. (2021). Muslim Aid. https://www.muslimaid.org/media-centre/news/what-the-holy-quran-says-about-ramadan/
History.com Editors. (2021, May 11). Eid al-Fitr. HISTORY; HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/eid-al-fitr