What is Ramadan ?

What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the time in the Islamic timetable that Muslims from all walks of life commemorate the initial revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad in 610 CE, which according to Islam,.it falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. A whole month of fasting characterizes the holy month. The event is one of the Islam’s Five Pillars of Islam. The visual sighting of the crescent moon heralds the beginning of the month-long annual observance. 

The revelations were through Archangel Gabriel, who revealed to Prophet Mohammed the religious doctrine that makes up the large volume of Quran. The historical event is said to have occurred in a cave on the mountain Jabal an-Nour, close to Mecca. The word Ramadan means scorching heat or dryness in Arabic terms.

It was during the Month of Ramadan that revelation of the scriptures to Prophet Mohammed occurred. The initial first revelation was handed down during the Laylat al-Qadr, (The night of Power).The night of power is the five odd nights of the final ten days of Ramadan. 

Fasting is ideally essential to all Muslims during the Ramadan. The fasting breaks at sunset and Muslims can partake a meal. A dawn meal is also necessary before one begins the days fast. Believers have faith that Spiritual benefits (thawab) accrued from the fasting are prevalent during the holy month of Ramadan. Intensified moments of prayers (salat), recitation of the Quran and acts of charity are distinctive acts that are unique during Ramadan

 The Quran and Hadith compel all Muslims to avoid taking any food, and drinks including other unpleasant activities from dawn to dusk. The purpose of denying one the luxury of all this is to trigger concentration of the mind and soul towards prayers, spiritual progress, and purity of conscience.

Moon sighting is a requisite for Ramadan to be claimed to have started. This is still a controversy in many Muslim factions. The correct sighting has been a bone of contention for many years. The Quran states that the sighting of the moon with the naked eyes is critical. The Crescent Moon (Al-Hilal) that marks the first day of the Ramadan. The Arabic word is loosely translated by some scholars who have always argued that it means “the sighted Moon.”. Some countries are increasingly utilizing the precision and reliability of modern astronomical in determining the onset of the moon. This type of scientific sighting gives somewhat credible information that could go a long way in streamlining the celebration of the Ramadan. 

Apart from, the crescent moon is a hallmark of Ramadan. Its symbol has become a vital emblem so crucial to the Muslim Ummah. The use of the crescent moon symbol cuts across all avenues including flags and cards. Unfortunately, since it's used sparingly to symbolize everything ‘Islamic,’ Some Muslim fear that the value held therein is being diminished.

The Ramadan is an annual celebration occasionally held by approximately 2.85 billion Muslims  who are adherents of the Islam faith.

After the holy month is over, it heralds Eid ul Fitr. Eid is an Islamic festival to celebrate final holy month plus the end of the fasting period. Eid commences once the new moon is sighted. Again this one is one of the significant events in the Islamic calendar. While it does mark the conclusion of Ramadan, it projects the happiness and jolly after a month of spiritual impulse. During Eid Muslims will adorn fabulous clothes, aggressively
engage in almsgiving to the poor, sharing quality time with fellow faithful and importantly share a meal they had jealously denied themselves.

Ramadan is a highly a spiritually and physically tasking observation which gets a considerable toll on everyone who fasts. The proclamation of the conclusion of the fasting month triggers a sense of disconnect. A Faithfull has to stare in sadness the just ended Ramadan with just a hope that the next year’s Ramadan will come soon. Eid is typically seen to bring a new beginning, while the crescent moon takes with it the disappointment and frustration of one’s desires.

The new moon appears at the end of Ramadan and signals the start of Eid-al-Fitr, which happens to be the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal. Consequently, Kenya has designated Eid al-Fitr is a national holiday in Kenya.

Many Muslims believe that the Night of Power is an ultimate source blessing and Allah mercies. Allah is said to forgive faithful, and accept their supplications. The angels who prevail amongst the believers during the holy month are believed to have in possession the annual verdict.

These are the summarized religious practices every Muslim is expected to abide to. Some may not be mandatory.

Fasting (Sawm)

The Sawm kicks off at dawn and winds-up at sunset. Apart from withdrawing their food intake, the Muslims refrain from sexual activities, drinking liquids, smoking, or any business deemed not concurrent with the expectation of the holy month like lying, insulting or cursing. Fighting is not allowed unless its grounds is for self-defense purposes. The noble act of fasting lures one's heart away from worldly goings-on. Withdraw from eating or drinking also cleanse the soul by riding it of toxic impurities. Pregnant women or those breastfeeding, travelers and the sick, are exempted from fasting. Young kids are not obliged obligate to fast up until they reach puberty.

Suhur (Pre-Dawn Meal)

This is a meal taken very early in the morning just before the fasting. Muslims are encouraged to eat suhoor because it carries abundant goodness and blessing, both in physical and spiritual. The best Sahur diet is that rich in protein, fats, fiber and whole grain. A Meal of meats, whole wheat, grains, cheese or eggs is preferred since it takes an extended time to digest.

Iftar (daily fast-breaking meal)

The Iftar is the meal consumed during Ramadan at the close of the day to break the fast. The meal is consumed at sundown every day of the Ramadan. The Muslims socially take the meal by involving family and friends. It is not unusual to find Muslims hosting each other for a feast or inviting the less fortunate for a ceremonial dinner.

Charity (Sadaqah)

Sadaqah is an act of generous benevolence. The action is a reflection of Muslim’s kindness, religious obligation, and compassion. Muslims are obligated to be philanthropic on a regular basis. The charity efforts can be in the form of Zakat (mandatory) or Sadaqa( voluntary) and expected to be relevant beyond the religious commitment. Charity is a great deal during Ramadan. However, you don’t have to be a Muslim to give.

Special Evening Prayers (Taraweeh)

The word taraweh means to “rest and relax” in Arabic dialect. The recitation of the Quran happens alongside the special evening prayers.The scriptures of Hadith denotes that prophet Mohammed led his devotees in subsequent evening prayer on the Ramadan night of 25th, 27th, and 29th.

Reading and reciting the Qur'an

Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Quran, at a span of the holy month. During the moment the reciting of the Quran is done, voluntary prayers are held within the mosques every night of the Ramadan.

Ramadan wishes

Impress your Muslim colleagues and friends or wave at a stranger and drop these (reasonably) easy to use phrases during Ramadan.