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Writer: Iris Selb
Ramadan: Significance and History!
Ramadan, one of the most sacred Muslim holidays, happened from February 28th-March 29 this year. Observed in the ninth month of the lunar calendar, Ramadan is a month-long celebration of personal faith. This is when Muslims are meant to use the month to grow closer to Allah (God). By removing material desires and temptation, it gives people the opportunity to grow closer to Allah.
Ramadan dates back to the early days of Islam, with the first celebration being held in 624 CE in Medina. This was also the first Islamic state and Muslim community (ummah). The holy month was established after the Quran, which is Islam’s religious text. It was revealed to Prophet Muhammad on Laylatul-Qadr, or “the night of power” in 610 CE. The word “Ramadan” itself roughly translates to “intense heat”, referring to the hot desert climate of Medina where Prophet Muhammad and his followers were living at the time.
Ramadan is more than just a holiday to Muslims, as it upholds one of the five pillars of Islam (the religious principles that Muslims follow). The holiday upholds the fourth pillar, Sawm, which is the Arabic word used to describe fasting. During Ramadan, Muslims avoid eating, drinking, alcohol, smoking, and sexual activity from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib). Fasting helps muslim be pious, restrain from worldly pleasures so they can focus on spiritual growth, and be grateful that they can eat. Along with physical actions, people also avoid gossiping, jealousy and anger during Ramadan. Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan, around twenty-nine to thirty days after the beginning of the month. Fasting is not permitted on Eid al-Fitr because it's a day of celebration and feasting, as they celebrate the self-control and discipline that comes from fasting.
A woman buys decorations to mark the beginning of Ramadan in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Muslims begin every day during Ramadan with a pre-dawn meal called “Suhur”, typically eaten before the Fajr prayer. Prayers are done five times a day, but many do additional nightly Tarawih prayers during Ramadan. “Tarawih” means rest or relaxation. While voluntary, it is highly encouraged and can be done at the mosque or at home.
Most prayers consist of the same actions, such as reciting verses of the Quran, standing, bowing (ruku), prostrating (sujud), and sitting. At sunset, the fast is broken with the iftar meal, which is traditionally started by eating dates, just as the Prophet Muhammad did. Before eating, many muslims recite a supplication, or dua:
"اللهم إني لك صمت، وبك آمنت، وعليك توكلت، وبك اعتصمت"
This roughly translates to,
"O Allah! I fasted for You, and I believe in You, and I put my trust in You, and with Your sustenance, I break my fast."
Ramadan marks when Muslims believe the first verses of the holy Quran were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The next time Ramadan is observed, remember that it is not just a holiday to fast, and that it shouldn’t be judged for not being what’s traditionally done in Western cultures. It's a month deeply rooted in people's beliefs, a time of spiritual reflection and community.
Muslim Scout Association members hold up decorations in a rally to welcome Ramadan, in Sidon, Lebanon.
Ramadan brings people together through acts of zakat (charity), daily prayer, and even a simple iftar with friends and family. It is a required zakat that all eligible persons donate 2.5% of their wealth to help the needy in their community once a year. Even if you're not Muslim, you can wish people who do celebrate a happy Ramadan by saying: “Ramadan Mubarak” (blessed Ramadan) or “Ramadan Kareem” (have a noble Ramadan).
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