Ramadan
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
This article is about religious observances during the month of Ramadan. For the actual calendar month, see Ramadan (calendar month).
| Ramadan | |
|---|---|
 A crescent moon can be seen over palm trees at sunset marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Ramadan in that region | |
| Observed by | Muslims |
| Type | Muslim, cultural |
| Begins | 1 Ramadan |
| Ends | 29, or 30 Ramadan |
| Date | Variable (follows the Islamiclunar calendar) |
| 2011 date | 1–30 August |
| 2012 date | 20 or 21 July (varies per country anddenomination) |
| Celebrations | Communal Iftars |
| Observances | sawm (fasting), zakat &sadaqa (alms giving), tarawihprayer, salat (prayer), reading the Quran |
| Related to | Eid ul-Fitr, Laylat al-Qadr |
Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان Ramaḍān, IPA: [rɑmɑˈdˤɑːn]; Persian: Ramazān; Urdu:Ramzān; Turkish: Ramazan) is the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar, which lasts 29 or 30 days according to the visual sightings of the crescent moon according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in hadiths. The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root “ramida” or “ar-ramad,” which means scorching heat or dryness. It is the Muslim month of fasting, in which Muslims refrain from dawn until sunset from eating,drinking, and sexual relations.
In Islam, the thawab or sawab (rewards) of fasting are many, but in this month, they are believed to be multiplied. Muslims fast in this month to offer more prayers and Quran recitations.
In the Quran
Chapter 2, Revelation 185 of the Quran states:
The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran; a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful.
Thus, via the Quran, Muslims are informed that Muhammad, first received revelations in the lunar month of Ramadan. Therefore, the month of Ramadan is considered to be the most sacred month of the months of the lunar Islamic calendar, the recording of which began with the Hijra.
Beginning of Ramadan
Hilāl (the crescent) is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon indicates the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan. However, to many Muslims, this is not in accordance with authenticated Hadiths stating that visual confirmation per region is recommended. The consistent variations of a day have existed since the time of Muhammad.
Practices during Ramadan
Fasting
Main article: Sawm
In the Quran
The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Quran was sent down - right guidance to mankind, and clear signs of guidance and distinction of truth from falsehood. Those among you who witness it, let him fast therein. Whoever is sick or on a journey, then a number of other days. God desires ease for you, and desires not hardship. Thus may you fulfill the number of days assigned, magnify God for having guided you, and perhaps you will be thankful.
Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual intercourse among spouses is allowed after one has ended the daily fast. During fasting, intercourse is prohibited as well as eating and drinking, and resistance of all temptations is encouraged. Purity of both thoughts and actions is important. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the soul and free it from harmful impurities. Ramadan also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity (Zakat).