What Is Ramadan Celebrated:- Muslims and non-Muslims alike recognize Ramadan as the most significant and holy time in the Islamic calendar. During the ninth month of the lunar year, Muslims around the world abstain from eating and drinking between sunrise and sunset, dedicating their time to reciting the Qur’an and strengthening their bond with Allah (SWT). This practice is widely known both within and outside the Islamic community, yet the historical background of this sacred month is less familiar to many.
Muslims who have access to an Imam are often taught about the events leading up to Ramadan. However, those new to the Muslim community or those outside of it might find it challenging to uncover information about the history of this important month. If you are interested in learning more about the origins and significance of Ramadan, please continue reading as we delve into its history.
What Is Ramadan Celebrated?
Main Contents
Ramadan, in Islam, is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting. It begins and ends with the sighting of the crescent moon. Due to the shorter length of the Muslim calendar year compared to the Gregorian calendar year, Ramadan starts 10–12 days earlier each year, allowing it to occur in every season over a 33-year cycle. Islamic tradition holds that during Ramadan, on the “Night of Power” (Laylat al-Qadr)—commemorated on one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, typically the 27th night—God revealed the Qurʾān to the Prophet Muhammad as “a guidance for the people.” For Muslims, Ramadan is a time of introspection, communal prayer (ṣalāt) in the mosque, and reading the Qurʾān.
God forgives the past sins of those who observe the holy month with fasting, prayer, and sincere intention. However, Ramadan is less about atonement and more about practicing self-restraint, in line with ṣawm (Arabic for “to refrain”), one of the pillars of Islam (the five fundamental tenets of the Muslim faith). While ṣawm is commonly understood as the obligation to fast during Ramadan, it broadly encompasses the duty to refrain from food, drink, sexual activity, and all forms of immoral behavior, including impure or unkind thoughts, from dawn to dusk. Thus, false words or bad deeds or intentions can invalidate a fast just as much as eating or drinking can.
Overview Of Ramadan Celebrated
| Aspect | Description |
| What is Ramadan? | Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a time of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. |
| Purpose of Fasting | Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, intended to promote self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and spiritual growth. |
| Timing of Fasting | Muslims fast from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib) each day during Ramadan, refraining from consuming food, liquids, smoking, and marital relations. |
| Pre-Dawn Meal (Suhoor) | Suhoor is the meal eaten before dawn to begin the fast. It typically consists of simple and nutritious foods to sustain individuals throughout the day. |
| Breaking the Fast (Iftar) | Iftar is the meal consumed at sunset to break the fast. It often starts with dates and water, followed by a larger meal shared with family and friends. |
| Spiritual Practices | In addition to fasting, Muslims engage in increased prayer, recitation of the Qur’an, acts of charity (Zakat), and seeking forgiveness during Ramadan. |
| Charitable Giving | Charity, known as Zakat al-Fitr, is a significant aspect of Ramadan, with Muslims encouraged to give generously to those in need within their communities. |
| Celebration of Eid al-Fitr | Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated with communal prayers, feasting, and social gatherings, symbolizing joy, gratitude, and spiritual growth. |
| Duration of Ramadan | Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the moon. The end of Ramadan is marked by the sighting of the new moon. |
| Category | Trending |
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History Of Ramadan
Fasting during Ramadan holds deep historical significance within Islam. It traces back to the year 610 AD when the Islamic Prophet Muhammad received divine revelations that eventually formed the holy book of Islam, the Quran Sharif. Since then, the month of Ramadan has held paramount importance in the Islamic faith, revered as a sacred period. Central to its sanctity is the belief that during Ramadan, Muhammad was chosen by Allah as His messenger, thus elevating this month to a special status within the Muslim community. Fasting, mandatory for all adherents, symbolizes spiritual discipline and serves as a time for reflection, purification, and devotion among Muslims worldwide.
Why is Ramadan celebrated in Islam?
In Islam, Ramadan is revered as a month of self-discipline and moderation. Hence, the primary purpose of fasting during Ramadan for the Muslim community is to empathize with the plight of the impoverished. According to Islamic doctrine, fasting during Ramadan allows individuals to empathize with the suffering of the less fortunate worldwide. Exercising restraint during fasting entails controlling one’s senses—sight, smell, hearing, and speech.
During fasting, individuals refrain from witnessing, hearing, speaking, or harboring negativity. Consequently, Ramadan fasting instills in the Muslim community the virtues of self-discipline alongside their religious devotion, facilitating the abandonment of detrimental behaviors. Additionally, it is believed that fasting during the summer months purifies the mind and expels negative thoughts, as sins are believed to be purged in the spiritual fire of devotion.
The Beginning of Islam
To understand how Ramadan became such an essential part of Islam, we need to go back to the very beginning—610 A.D., to be precise. During this year, an Arabian man named Muhammad (PBUH) was meditating in the cave of Hira, located in the Jabal an-Nour mountain near Mecca. While meditating, Muhammad (PBUH) was visited by the angel Jibril, who revealed the first words of what would later become known as the Qur’an. The angel informed Muhammad (PBUH) that these words were directly from Allah (SWT) and that He is the one and only God. At that time in Arabia, people commonly worshipped multiple gods, but the angel emphasized that Allah (SWT) was the sole, all-knowing true God.
After revealing the first words of Allah (SWT), the angel commanded Muhammad (PBUH) to recite what he had been shown. Despite being unable to read or write, Muhammad (PBUH) recited the words perfectly. It was explained to him that he was the final prophet sent by Allah (SWT) to spread the teachings of Islam. Other prophets sent by Allah (SWT) also feature in Judaism and Christianity, including Nuh (Noah), Ibrahim (Abraham), Musa (Moses), and Isa (Jesus).
The night the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) first saw the angel Jibril is known as Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power). Many Muslims believe this night occurred on the 27th night of the lunar year (which the Islamic calendar is based on), though some believe it occurred on any of the other odd nights in the final 10 days of the month.
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The Revelations
While some believe that all of Allah’s (SWT) teachings were revealed on Laylat al-Qadr, many believe that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) continued to receive revelations for a further 23 years following Laylat al-Qadr.
Regardless of the belief you follow, the principle behind the revelations remains the same. Allah (SWT) laid out five core principles to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), which He said are the values all Muslims (followers of Allah) must live by.
The Five Pillars of Islam
- Shahada: This is the first and arguably most important pillar, representing the declaration of belief in the one true God, Allah (SWT).
- Salat: Followers of Islam must strive to pray five times daily to solidify their dedication to Allah (SWT) and strengthen their bond with Him.
- Zakat: One of Allah’s (SWT) key teachings is the importance of giving charity to those less fortunate, as encapsulated in the third pillar, Zakat.
- Sawm: This pillar, from which Ramadan is derived, means ‘to fast’. Muslims observe Ramadan to fulfill this pillar.
- Hajj: All able-bodied Muslims are expected to make at least one pilgrimage to Mecca, the location where the first words of Allah (SWT) were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
The Origin of Ramadan
The perspective you follow regarding the length of the revelations will influence your view on when Ramadan started in history. Those who believe the revelations occurred over 23 years assert that the teachings of Sawm (and thus Ramadan) were revealed in the latter half of that period, around 622 A.D. During this time, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers resided in Medina after facing severe persecution in Mecca for spreading Allah’s (SWT) words.
The name Ramadan, meaning ‘burning heat’, reflects the time of year it was first revealed, coinciding with Laylat al-Qadr, which happened approximately 12 years earlier.
The Teachings of Ramadan
Ramadan is observed to honor the fourth pillar of Islam, Sawm. Several reasons why Muslims must observe Sawm include:
- Demonstrating self-control and restraint
- Cleansing their bodies
- Being reminded of the hunger experienced by those without food
- Cultivating compassion and gratitude
- Strengthening their bond with Allah (SWT)
Time spent not eating during Ramadan should be dedicated to reciting the Qur’an and praying. By following these teachings, individuals can become better Muslims and contribute positively to their communities.
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Ramadan Requirements
While Ramadan is a crucial part of Islam, health is paramount. Therefore, not everyone can abstain from eating and drinking during the day. Those exempt include pre-pubescent children, the elderly, the sick, pregnant or breastfeeding women, menstruating women, and travelers. They must pay Fidyah instead but must adhere to other Ramadan requirements.
In addition to fasting, Muslims must avoid impure thoughts and activities, including swearing, gossiping, arguing, fighting, and sexual contact. Moreover, Muslims with excess food are required to make a charitable payment called Fitrana. Historically, this involved donating a unit of staple foods called ‘Sa’, roughly equivalent to 3 kg of wheat, to those in need. Today, most Muslims make monetary donations to charities that distribute food to the hungry. This modern practice still aligns with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) by aiding the less fortunate.
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Ramadan Customs
It is traditional for Muslims to break their fast during Suhoor, Iftar, and Eid ul-Fitr celebrations by eating dates, a custom tracing back to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), who ate dates before breaking his fast. While customary, it is not a requirement.
FAQ’S
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is considered the holiest month for Muslims worldwide. It is a period of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community for Muslims.
Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is obligatory for adult Muslims, with exceptions for certain groups such as the sick, elderly, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. The primary purpose of fasting is to develop self-discipline, empathy for the less fortunate, and to strengthen one's relationship with Allah.
What are the timings of fasting during Ramadan?
Muslims fast from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib) each day during Ramadan. They refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in marital relations during these hours.
What are the spiritual practices during Ramadan?
Aside from fasting, Muslims engage in increased prayer, recitation of the Qur'an, acts of charity (Zakat), and seeking forgiveness during Ramadan. The Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr) during the last ten days of Ramadan is believed to be particularly auspicious for worship and supplication.
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