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Ramadan brings us closer to God

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Umair Shafiq Khanday
Ramadan, the ninth month of the holy Islamic calendar, is the time of the year when Muslims around the world observe fast from dawn to dusk. A single sip of water is enough to invalidate the fast. Ramadan (also referred to as Ramzan or Ramadhan), is considered as a period of fasting, prayer, charity and self-accountability. Along with serving as a means for deeper self- scrutiny, fasting represents one of the five pillars of Islam, a set of practices every Muslim must follow.
Fasting in Islam does not just merely consist of refraining from eating and drinking, but from every kind of selfish desire. The fast is not merely of the body, but essentially that of the spirit as well as it involves perseverance, patience and willful surrender to the Almighty.
The physical fast is merely a symbol of the real, inner fast, intended to bring the faithful closer to God. Ramadan is a time to detach from worldly pleasures and focus on one’s inner self. Ramadan is not simply about fasting; it also entails regular recitation of Quran by the faithful, taking the Taraweeh prayers, Zakat (showing generosity towards the poor – a wealth purifying tax), I’tikaf or Seclusion (faithful in I’tikaf spend their time in various forms of Dhikr (remembrance of Allah), doing extra salah, recitation and study of the Quran, study of the Hadith), Sadaqat al-Fitr (help extended to the poor) and finally Eid-al-FItr (the end of the fasting month is celebrated on the first of Shawwal). Some also perform Umrah or minor Hajj during the holy month of Ramadan.
Why Ramadan is the most sacred month in Islamic culture
Every year Muslims around the world anticipate the sighting of the new crescent moon that signifies the official first day of Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the most sacred month in Islamic culture.
The start of Ramadan fluctuates each year because the lunar Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon. The beginning and end of Ramadan are determined by a moon sighting committee in Saudi Arabia. It begins the day after the committee spots the new crescent moon, which can be tricky since it’s quite faint and can be seen for only about 20 minutes. If the moon isn’t visible to the naked eye because of haze or clouds, lunar calculations are used to predict whether it’s in the sky. This year Ramadan is predicted to begin on April 24, and to end May 24 with Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
● What is Ramadan actually about?
Ramadan is the most sacred month of the year for Muslims — the Prophet Mohammed reportedly said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed and the devils are chained.”
Muslims believe it was during this month that God revealed the first verses of the Quran, Islam’s sacred text, to Mohammed, on a night known as “The Night of Power” (or Laylat al-Qadr in Arabic).
What Are the Exact Dates of Ramadan?
There are no specific dates when Ramadan starts and ends. The Islamic lunar calendar does not match the solar calendar. Therefore, the dates keep shifting by about 11 days every year.
● What Is The Main Purpose Of Ramadan?
Ramadan purifies one from impure thoughts, deeds, and material desires. This allows Muslims to fully concentrate on their faith through prayers, seeking forgiveness and being there for the needy.
● Can Non-Muslims Fast During Ramadan?
Non-Muslims are free to fast and pray with their Muslim friends during Ramadan. If not willing to participate as a Non-Muslim you can greet those fasting with Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem which translates to ‘Have a blessed or generous Ramadan.’
● Who Should Fast During Ramadan?
Generally, everyone who has passed puberty should take part in Ramadan fasting. There are however exceptions like pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, the elderly, diabetic patients and those with disabilities and special medical conditions. Although children are not supposed to fast, you can make Ramadan for kids interesting. Read to them books about Ramadan, teach them the appropriate Ramadan greetings, involve them in preparing Iftar dinners and when the holy month ends, celebrate the Eid-al-Fitr together.
Objectives of Ramadan
● The Act of Fasting
● Multiplication of Rewards
● Forgiveness of Sins
● Door of Rayyan opens
● Pre-dawn Meal (Sahur)
● Breaking of Fast (Iftar)
● Recitation of the Quran
● Laylatul Qadr (The Night of Power)
The Benefits of Fasting
Aside from the religious obligations upon Muslims during the Holy month of Ramadan, fasting has countless health benefits, too. From improved weight management and healthier blood cell regeneration through to better heart function and vascular wellbeing, fasting has become quite the go-to method of keeping young, fit and healthy.
However, if you are unaware of the numerous benefits that fasting can bring, take a look at some of them below:
● Detoxifying
● Appetite Suppressant
● Weight Loss
● Boost Immune System
● Maintain Blood Pressure
● Improved Cardiovascular Function
● Healthier Brain and Cognitive Function
(The author is a student pursuing Nursing in Udaipur Rajasthan)

 


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