Ramadan Introduction

The word Ramadan comes from the noun Ramad, which refers to "the Heat of the Stones arising from the intense Heat of the Sun."

The 9th Month was named 'Ramadan' because when the Arabs changed the names of the Months from the Ancient Language, they named them according to the Seasons in which they happen to fall.

The '4th Pillar of Islam is Fasting'. Allah prescribes Fasting for all Able, Adult Muslims during the whole of the Month of Ramadan, the 9th Month of the Lunar Calendar, beginning with the sighting of the New Moon.

- Exempted from the Fasting are the 'Very Old and the Insane'.

 - On the 'Physical side', Fasting is from dawn until sunset, abstaining from Food, Drink, and Sexual relations.

 - On the 'Moral and Behavioural side', one must abstain from Lying, Malicious gossip, and Quarrelling and Trivial nonsense.

- Those who are Sick, or on a Journey and Women who are Menstruating, Pregnant or Nursing are permitted to break the Fast, but must Make up an equal number of days later in the year. If physically unable to do so, they must feed a needy person for each day missed. Children begin to Fast (and to observe the prayers) from puberty.

- In addition to the fasting, one is encouraged to Read the entire Quran, special prayers, called 'Tarawi' are held in the Masjid every night of the Holy Month, during which a section of the Quran (Juz) is Recited, so that by the end of the month the entire Quran has been completed.

- During the last 10 Days - though the exact Day is never known and may not even be the same every Year - occurs the 'Night of Power' (Laylat-al-Qadr). To spend that Night in Worship is equivalent to a 1000 Months of Worship.

- On completion of the Holy Month of Ramadan, a special celebration is made called 'Eid al-Fitr'. A quantity of staple food is donated to the poor (Zakat-al-Fitr), everyone has bathed and put on their best, clothes, and Eid prayers are held in the early Morning, followed by Feasting and visiting Relatives and Friends.

Note: Fasting on the 2 Festival days, Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, is Strictly Forbidden.

QURANIC VERSUS ON RAMADAN

- O You Who Believe! Fasting is enjoined upon you, as it was enjoined upon those before you, that you become God-fearing. [Holy Quran-2:183]

- Fasting is for a 'fixed number of days'; if one is 'ill or Traveling', an equal number of other days may be substituted. Those who can fast, but with great difficulty, may 'substitute feeding one poor person' for each day of breaking the fast. If one volunteers (more Righteous works), it is better. But 'Fasting is the Best for you', if you only knew. [Holy Quran-2:184]

- Ramadan is a month in which the Quran was sent down as a 'Guidance for Mankind' and as clear signs that show the 'Right way' and distinguish between Right and Wrong. So whoever of you witnesses this month, should fast. But if anyone is ill or on a journey, he should make up for those days. 'GOD wishes for you convenience', not hardship, that you may fulfill your Obligations, and to 'Glorify GOD for Guiding you', and to express your appreciation. [Holy Quran-2:185]

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