What is Ramadan and Why Do Muslims Fast All Day?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and holds great significance for Muslims worldwide.

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Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer, self-reflection, and increased devotion. Muslims observe fasting during daylight hours, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and intimate relations from dawn until sunset.

The primary reason Muslims fast during Ramadan is to fulfill one of the Five Pillars of Islam.

Fasting is an act of worship and a means of attaining spiritual purification, self-discipline, and empathy for those less fortunate.

It is a time of increased devotion, seeking closeness to Allah, and reflecting on one's relationship with Him.

Let's dive into Ramadan and explore its significance, rules, and practices.

Why is Ramadan Important?

Ramadan is considered a blessed month as it is believed that the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) during this time. It is an opportunity for Muslims to deepen their faith, seek forgiveness, and strengthen their connection with Allah.

What are the Rules for Ramadan?

Intention

Muslims must have the intention to fast from the night before starting the fast until sunset.

Start of Fast

Fasting begins at dawn (Fajr) when the first light of day is visible, and it continues until sunset (Maghrib) when the sun has set below the horizon.

Niyyah (Intention)

It is recommended to have the intention to fast before dawn. The intention can be made in the heart and does not need to be verbalized.

Abstaining from Invalidating Acts

During the fasting hours, Muslims must abstain from eating, drinking, intimate relations, and any other actions that invalidate the fast.

Pre-dawn Meal (Suhoor)

It is recommended to have a pre-dawn meal (suhoor) before the start of the fasting hours. Suhoor provides sustenance and energy for the day of fasting.

Breaking the Fast (Iftar)

Muslims break their fast at sunset with dates and water or any permissible food and drink. It is recommended to break the fast as soon as possible after sunset.

What is Taraweeh?

Taraweeh refers to the additional night prayers performed in congregation during Ramadan. It is a recommended prayer consisting of multiple units (rak'ahs) and is conducted after the evening prayer (Isha).

Local mosques will typically offer Taraweeh prayers in congregation, and it is encouraged for Muslims to attend.

Taraweeh prayers provide an opportunity to recite and reflect on a significant portion of the Quran throughout the month.

What is Eid Al-Fitr?

The fasting month of Ramadan is completed after the sighting of the new moon of the following month, Shawwal. This marks the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, which is a joyful occasion to mark the end of Ramadan.

In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to engage in additional acts of worship, such as performing extra prayers, reading the Quran, giving charity, and engaging in acts of kindness and selflessness.

Who is Exempt From Fasting During Ramadan?

Fasting is not an obligation for everyone. There are certain groups of people who are exempt from fasting during Ramadan.

Children

Pre-pubescent children are not required to fast. However, if they wish, they may be encouraged to participate in fasting for a few hours or a portion of the day to gradually build their stamina and familiarity with the practice.

Elderly and Chronically Ill

Allah has mercy on His community. Those who are elderly or suffer from chronic illnesses that may worsen or pose health risks due to fasting are exempt.

It is recommended for them to consult with their healthcare providers and religious scholars to determine the best course of action.

Pregnant and Nursing Women

Pregnant and nursing women may be exempt from fasting if there is a concern for their health or the health of their baby. They have the option to make up the missed fasts at a later time when their condition allows.

Menstruating Women

Women who are menstruating are exempt from fasting during their menstrual period. They are required to make up the missed fasts after their menstruation ends.

Travelers

Those who are on a journey and meet specific criteria for travel distance and duration are permitted to break their fast. They have the option to either fast or make up the missed fasts at a later time.

When does Ramadan start?

The start of Ramadan is determined by the sighting of the new moon, and it may vary from year to year based on the lunar calendar. Muslims rely on local moon sighting or the announcement from reputable Islamic authorities to determine the exact beginning of Ramadan.

Though moon sighting is the traditional method of determining the start of Ramadan, some Muslims rely on astronomical calculations to determine the start of the month. There is hadith that supports this view. As usual, it is best to follow your local mosque or Islamic center.

Do not fast till you see the new moon, and do not break fast till you see it; but if the weather is cloudy calculate about it. Sahih Muslim 1080a.

With today's astronomical calculations, we can predict the new moon with great accuracy. These calculations can be used to determine the start of Ramadan, and they are used by many Islamic organizations and mosques around the world.

What is the meaning of Ramadan Kareem or Ramadan Mubarak?

Generous Ramadan.

Blessed Ramadan.

These greetings are commonly used during Ramadan to convey well wishes. Ramadan Kareem means Generous Ramadan, while Ramadan Mubarak means Blessed Ramadan. They are expressions of goodwill and blessings for the month.

What is Laylat al-Qadr?

Laylat al-Qadr, also known as the Night of Power, is a significant night in the last ten days of Ramadan. It is believed to be the night when the first verses of the Quran were revealed. Muslims engage in worship, prayer, and seeking blessings on this night, as it is considered a night of immense spiritual reward.

Laylat al-Qadr, also known as the Night of Power, holds great significance in Islam. It is mentioned in both the Quran and the Sunnah (teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad, ﷺ).

Indeed, We sent the Quran down during the Night of Glory. And what can make you know what is the Night of Glory? The Night of Glory is better than a thousand months. Quran, Surah Al-Qadr (97:1-3).

This Quranic verse highlights the greatness and importance of Laylat al-Qadr, describing it as a night of immense blessings and spiritual significance. It is a night when the Quran was revealed and angels descend to the earthly realm.

In the Sunnah, the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) provided additional guidance and teachings regarding Laylat al-Qadr. He encouraged Muslims to seek this blessed night in the last ten nights of Ramadan, specifically in the odd-numbered nights such as the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, or 29th night. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

Look for the Night of Qadr in the last ten nights of the month of Ramadan. Sahih al-Bukhari 2020.

The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) also emphasized the importance of devotion and worship during this night. Muslims are encouraged to engage in prayer, recitation of the Quran, supplication (dua), and seeking forgiveness. The Prophet (ﷺ) said:

It is a blessed night of immense spiritual reward, and Muslims are encouraged to seek it, engage in acts of worship, and seek closeness to Allah during this special night in the last ten nights of Ramadan.

Conclusion

Ramadan is a month of immense spiritual growth, self-discipline, and reflection for Muslims. It serves as an opportunity to strengthen one's relationship with Allah, seek forgiveness, and increase acts of worship and kindness. By adhering to the rules and embracing the spirit of Ramadan, Muslims aim to purify their hearts and attain closeness to Allah.

Aman Azad

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