What is Ramadan?

Happy RamadanWhat is Ramadan?

Ramadan is a Muslim faith celebration; celebrated in the 9th month in the Islamic calendar. It is also known as Sawm (See The Five Pillars of Islam below).

In 2010 Ramadan will be celebrated from 11th August for 30 days until 9th September.

Ramadan was the month when the Qu’ran was compiled. It was during Ramadan that the Qu’ran was given to the prophet Mohammed.

Ramadan is the Holy Month for Muslims, during this time they observe a dawn to dusk complete fast. They do not take any liquids (not even water), no food, abstain from smoking, marital relations and gossiping or saying anything malicious against another person. The elderly, small children, long term sick and menstruating women are exempt from the fasting.

Ramadan is one of The Five Pillars of Islam, which all Muslims must observe.

The Five Pillars of Islam

  • · Reciting the Shahadah (profession of faith)
  • · Performing Salah (ritual prayers, five times a day)
  • · Observing Sawm (complete fasting) during the Holy month of Ramadan
  • · Payment of Zakat (alms tax) most people give this during Ramadan
  • · Performing the Hajj (pilgrimage) to Mecca at least once in a lifetime  

Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?

The Arabic word for fasting is Sawm which means to 'refrain'. Therefore disciplining yourself to avoid doing certain things, which would be quite normal during the other twelve months of the year.

It is also a time to teach Muslims to appreciate how much better off they are than millions of other fellow Muslims.

By refraining from drinking (even water) and food for the long daylight hours, they should be reminded of those much less fortunate, for whom severe shortage of water and food is a way of life, not something merely done one month of the year.

By reminding themselves of this fact, it is hoped that not only will they be more sensitive to those less fortunate, but to try to do something practical to help them.

It is required to recite short prayer of intent either before sleep or just before Suhoor (the pre-fast meal). This a special time of reflection and spirituality.

Every day throughout the year Muslims pray 5 times:

Fajr – first prayer of the day at Dawn

Dhuhr – Mid day prayer

Asr – Afternoon prayer

Maghrib – Dusk prayer

Esha – Night prayer

Druing Ramadan as daylight begins to fade, Muslims await the Muezzin's call to perform the Maghrib prayers. Once the call is heard, and the Maghrib prayers are performed, they may break fast (called Iftaar in Arabic).  

During Ramadan there are extra special prayers after Esha called Taraveh. This is a time when you try and recite the whole Qu’ran during the 30 days of Ramadan.

During Ramadan Zakat or charity is given to the poor to purify us.  It is an act of giving money in charity to the poor so that we can clean our hearts from greed and learn to help others.  It is calculated at 2 ½ percent of your wealth must be given to the most needy.

How is the end of Ramadan celebrated?

At the end of Ramadan, the celebration is called Eid Al Fitr everyone dresses in their best clothes and go to the mosque for special congregational prayers which give thanks to God for His blessings during the Holy month of Ramadan, now ended.

The rest of the day is spent visiting families and friends for food and festivities.