The holy month of Ramadan

Thursday, March 7, 2024

“May Ramadan bring you prosperity and joy.”

Ninth month of the Hijri calendar, Ramadan, is considered a holy month for muslims, consisting of 29 to 30 days, as it is the month in which the Holy Qur'an was sent down from heaven "as a guidance for men and women, a declaration of direction, and a means of salvation.”It is a month in which Muslims fast during the day and observe different forms of worship during the night. Right after this month, the beginning of the next month, Shawwal, is celebrated as Eid-ul-Fitr, to commemorate the end of the month of Ramadan and its fasting. It is not just about fasting to starve and be thirsty but to heighten your devotion to god and repent for the sins done. The fasting starts from the time of the morning prayer, Fajr, and ends by the evening prayer, Maghrib. The meal taken at dawn which allows us to survive the rest of the day is called Sahr and the meal taken for breaking the fast is Iftar. The timing of the fast depends on the season in which it is, as the month of Ramadan shifts to 10 days earlier every other year. Nowadays, around the world, a growing number of non-Muslims have begun documenting their own experiences observing Ramadan as like the self-discipline that Ramadan instills. It is a way by which many people tend to cleanse their bodies and souls whether it be of the sins the commit or the toxins present in the body. But, just because you are fasting dent make you excusable to sleep all day and just wake up for the Iftar. One must continue their daily chores and remember god and ask for forgiveness for the sin that they have done. Scientifically, it is also said that fasting for a month cleans the inside of your body.

Fasting allows the body to reboot and function smoother. Fasting prohibits one from doing things they are addicted to and deeds that are considered as sins in Islam. One must restrain from his habits and repent in order to get a better judgement on the day of judgement. Fasting is compulsory on a person if he fulfils five conditions which are, to be a Muslim, is accountable (mukallaf), is able to fast, is settled (not travelling) and have no impediments to fasting. People who are acutely or severely ill, pregnant, breastfeeding, travelling, insane etc., are not obliged to follow the fasts of Ramadan. It is believed that on one day during the last 10 days of Ramadan, the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the Angel Jibrael. Many Muslims believe this to fall on the 27th night of Ramadan. This night is known as Laylatul Qadr. During the last 10 days of Ramadan, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) would perform I’tikaf, where he would stay in the Mosque worshipping Allah (SWT) by doing dhikr, making dua and reading the Qur’an. Performing I’tikaf is performed by many during the month and is encouraged. The prayer done on the odd nights of the last 10 days (i.e. 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th), considering one of them would be the night of power, would forgive all the sins committed by you. Apart from the fasting and prayers and repentance, people also have Iftar parties, so as to share food with their loved ones. In this month it is also advised to donate to the needy and share what we have with everyone. Let this Ramadan be a happy and prosperous one for all of you.

Jalaluddeen Akbar, 9-A, Indian Education School, (Bhavans)