Ramadan is a holy month in the Muslim calendar, whereby Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for around 29-30 days. As well as fasting, Muslims are obliged to abstain from specific desires such as sexual intimacy. Ramadan is also one of the five pillars in Islam.
Suhoor refers to the meal eaten just before sunrise, before starting the fast. Iftar refers to the meal eaten at sunset when breaking the fast. Muslims are strongly advised to eat both of these meals.
Ramadan is a month of unity. Muslims across the globe fast in this month together. Ramadan also brings out a person's potential good, by displaying kind acts towards others. Through organising iftar gatherings, charity events and appeals, long night prayers in congregation and much more, this month helps to gather people from all walks of life.
Ramadan is also divided into three parts, which Muslims strive to take maximum benefit from. During the first ten days, there is a focus on asking for mercy from Allah (swt). The second ten days are focused on asking for forgiveness from Allah (swt). During the last ten days, Muslims focus on seeking refuge in Allah (swt) from the hellfire. Muslims look forward to these benefits, as it is a chance to spiritually cleanse themselves, making them spiritually pure with potentially fewer sins after they come out of Ramadan.
Additionally, Ramadan is seen as ‘the month of the Qur’an,’ which encourages Muslims to appreciate this Book more by reciting and deriving lessons from Allah (swt)’s noble words.
Ramadan changes a person for the better. Being unable to eat and drink during fasting hours allows us to appreciate what Allah (swt) blesses us with each and every day. This makes Muslims turn to Allah (swt) more, full of gratitude. The shaytaan are locked away in this month, which prevents their negative whispering to Muslims. Bad language, arguments and other negative actions are heavily discouraged in Ramadan too. In turn, the good in the fasting person is revealed in volumes and adds positively to the joyous, spiritual atmosphere.
In Ramadan, every good deed is multiplied between ten and seven hundred times. This is another reason why Muslims engross themselves into doing good to race for an increase in good deeds.
There is a chance for immense reward and forgiveness from Allah (swt) in this month, which makes Muslims work towards gaining these benefits. Giving to charity is one gateway that leads to great rewards. For this reason, you will find many Muslims immerse themselves in both giving to charity and encouraging others to donate. Since deeds are multiplied, Muslims acknowledge that every penny that they donate magnifies on their scale of good deeds.
Of course. As mentioned before, Ramadan is a time of unity, thus getting others involved helps achieve this aim. This is also a chance to exhibit Islam, displaying our peaceful religion and how we work and strive to worship Allah (swt) as one Ummah.
Inviting non-Muslims for an iftar meal will give them a chance to learn more about our religion. This will also help them feel special and included and will show non Muslims the beauty of Islam through manners.
Some Muslims feed the homeless as an act of charity during Ramadan. These homeless people can be non-Muslims, thus are appreciative and educated that Islam doesn’t restrict itself to just helping Muslims. Non-Muslims can also be invited to charity events to join in with the goodness of raising money for those most in need, acknowledging humanity and the precarious environment we inhabit.
Eid-al-Fitr is celebrated at the end of Ramadan upon the sighting of the new moon. This joyous festival lasts for three days.
During Eid-al-Fitr, in accordance to the Sunnah, Muslims wake up early, have a shower and wear their best clothes. They are then advised to eat a date (in odd numbers) and attend the mosque to perform the Eid prayer. Muslims also contribute towards charity on this day, as well as greeting one and another, ‘Eid Mubarak!’ This festival also encourages Muslims to unite by visiting family and friends and exchanging gifts.
As seen from the above, Ramadan isn’t solely focused on going hours without eating. The yearning one has for Ramadan to enter upon us is due to the unity, spiritual cleansing and immense reward this month has to offer.
