What is Ramadan?

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Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset, with the purpose of increasing spiritual discipline, gratitude, and compassion for those who are less fortunate. Ramadan is considered one of the Five Pillars of Islam and is a time of increased devotion and worship, as well as spending time with family and friends and performing acts of charity. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims celebrate the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of the fast and the beginning of a new lunar month.

When was the first Ramadan?

Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam and has been observed by Muslims since the time of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. It is believed to have started in the year 610 CE, when the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations of the Quran from Allah through the Angel Gabriel. These revelations continued throughout the month of Ramadan, and it is for this reason that the month is considered particularly sacred to Muslims. Since then, Ramadan has been observed annually by Muslims all over the world as a time for spiritual reflection, fasting, and increased devotion to Allah.

What are the things you can and can't do during Ramadan?

During Ramadan, Muslims observe a fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs. Additionally, there are certain behaviors and activities that are encouraged or discouraged during this month:

Encouraged activities:

• Fasting: The most significant aspect of Ramadan is abstaining from food and drink from dawn until sunset.
• Prayer: Muslims are encouraged to perform additional prayers, known as Tarawih, during Ramadan.
• Quran recitation: Ramadan is also a time to increase one's recitation and understanding of the Quran.
• Charity: Ramadan is a time to give to those in need and increase acts of charity and generosity.
• Patience and self-discipline: Fasting and other acts of devotion during Ramadan are meant to help Muslims cultivate patience, self-discipline, and a stronger connection to Allah.

Discouraged activities:

• Gossiping or speaking ill of others: Ramadan is a time to focus on one's own behavior and to avoid negative or harmful speech.
• Anger or arguing: Ramadan is a time for self-reflection and peaceful behavior.
• Consuming food, drink, or tobacco in public during fasting hours: This is seen as a breach of the fast and is discouraged.

It's worth noting that while Ramadan is a time of increased devotion and worship, it is also a time of forgiveness and compassion. Muslims are encouraged to be kind, patient, and understanding with others, even if they are not observing the fast. Additionally, some individuals may not fast due to health reasons, and this is considered acceptable in Islam.

How do you greet people during Ramadan?

In Ramadan, Muslims often greet each other with a special phrase, which is "Ramadan Kareem." The phrase "Ramadan Kareem" is an Arabic expression that translates to "Generous Ramadan" or "Have a Generous Ramadan." This phrase is used to extend good wishes and well-wishes to others during the month of Ramadan, and is meant to express the hope that the person will experience generosity, blessings, and spiritual growth during this time.

Another common greeting during Ramadan is "Ramadan Mubarak," which means "Blessed Ramadan." This phrase is also used to extend good wishes to others during the month of Ramadan, and to express the hope that the person will experience blessings and spiritual fulfillment during this time.

In general, greetings during Ramadan are meant to convey a sense of community and solidarity, and to offer encouragement and support to those who are observing the fast. Whether you are greeting friends, family members, or strangers, a simple "Ramadan Kareem" or "Ramadan Mubarak" can go a long way in spreading good will and positivity during this special time of year.

What does Iftar mean?

Iftar is a meal that is eaten by Muslims to break the fast at sunset during the month of Ramadan. The word "Iftar" comes from the Arabic word "fatoor," which means "to break." Iftar is a time for families and communities to come together and share a meal after a day of fasting, and it is considered a time of spiritual reflection, gratitude, and increased devotion.

Traditionally, Iftar begins with dates and water, as these are believed to provide quick energy and help to rehydrate the body after a day of fasting. This is followed by a meal that may include a variety of dishes, such as soups, stews, kebabs, curries, and sweets. The Iftar meal is often a time for families and communities to come together, share stories, and reflect on their experiences during the day.

In many Muslim communities, Iftar is also a time of generosity and hospitality, with many individuals and organizations hosting communal Iftars to provide meals for those in need. During Ramadan, Iftar is an important time of reflection, devotion, and community, and is often considered one of the highlights of the month.

What is Sohour?

Sohour is the pre-dawn meal that is eaten by Muslims before the start of the daily fast during the month of Ramadan. The word "Sohour" comes from the Arabic word "suhur," which means "pre-dawn." It is the last meal that is consumed before the start of the daily fast and is meant to provide energy and sustenance for the day ahead.

Traditionally, Sohour is a light meal that might include foods like dates, yogurt, whole grains, and fruit. Some people may also drink coffee or tea to help them stay alert during the day. The meal is typically eaten in the early hours of the morning, just before the start of the daily fast, and is often accompanied by prayers and recitation of the Quran.

Sohour is considered an important part of the Ramadan experience, as it helps to prepare Muslims for the fast ahead and provides a sense of spiritual reflection and increased devotion. In many Muslim communities, families and friends may come together to share Sohour, creating a sense of community and solidarity during this time.

What is the Iftar Duaa?

The Iftar Duaa is a special prayer or supplication that is recited by Muslims at the time of breaking their fast during Ramadan. The purpose of this prayer is to express gratitude to Allah for the blessings of food and drink and to ask for continued guidance and blessings.

The Iftar Duaa can vary from person to person and from community to community, but it typically includes phrases such as "I seek refuge in Allah from Satan the accursed" and "In the name of Allah, with whose name there is protection against every kind of harm in the earth or in heaven. He is the Most Merciful, Most Compassionate."

After reciting these phrases, Muslims typically continue with a general supplication, asking Allah for forgiveness, blessings, and guidance. Some common phrases in the Iftar Duaa include "Oh Allah, I ask you for forgiveness," "Oh Allah, I ask you for sustenance,"

Ramadan is a time of fasting, but it is also a time of feasting and celebration. Each evening, after the fast has been broken, families and communities come together to share a meal and celebrate the end of another day of Ramadan. Here are some traditional foods that are often enjoyed during Ramadan:

• Dates: Dates are often the first food consumed to break the fast, as they are a traditional food in Islam and are believed to provide quick energy.
• Soup: A warm bowl of soup is a common first course during Ramadan, as it can help to rehydrate the body after a day of fasting.
• Main dishes: Depending on regional and cultural traditions, the main course during Ramadan might include dishes like kebabs, stews, curries, or rice dishes.
• Sweets: Ramadan is a time of celebration, and sweets like baklava, halva, and other dessert treats are often served after the main meal.

These are just a few examples of traditional foods that are enjoyed during Ramadan, and there is a great deal of regional and cultural diversity when it comes to the foods consumed during this time. Some communities may also host communal meals, known as Iftars, which allow individuals to come together and break the fast together.

Which country will fast the longest hours and shortest hours?

The length of the fast during Ramadan can vary depending on a number of factors, including location, time of year, and latitude. Generally speaking, countries that are closer to the equator have shorter fasting times than those that are located closer to the poles. This is due to the fact that the length of daylight hours changes throughout the year in response to the tilt of the Earth's axis.

In terms of the longest fasting hours, countries located near the poles, such as Norway or Iceland, can experience fasting periods of up to 22 hours or more during the summer months. On the other hand, countries closer to the equator, such as Indonesia or Malaysia, typically experience fasting periods of around 12 hours or less.

It's important to note that the length of the fast can also vary within countries depending on regional and local conditions. In areas that are located at higher altitudes, for example, the length of the fast may be shorter than in areas that are located closer to sea level. Additionally, the timing of Ramadan may also change from year to year, and this can affect the length of the fast as well.

At what age do Muslims start fasting?

In Islam, the age at which a person begins fasting during Ramadan is typically considered to be the age of puberty, which is around 14 years old for boys and 12 years old for girls. However, some children may begin fasting earlier, either with their parents' permission or as a way to gradually prepare themselves for the full fast.

Once a person has reached the age of puberty, they are considered responsible for following the fast during Ramadan, although there are some exceptions. For example, individuals who are pregnant, nursing, sick, or traveling may be exempt from the fast, and they may make up the missed days later or provide food for those in need as a form of compensation.

In general, the age at which a person begins fasting during Ramadan is considered a significant milestone in their spiritual development, and it is seen as a way to demonstrate their devotion and commitment to their faith. Whether someone begins fasting at a young age or later in life, the act of fasting during Ramadan is considered to be an important aspect of Islamic spiritual practice.

When does Ramadan start and how is it confirmed?

The start of Ramadan is based on the sighting of the moon, and the exact date can vary from year to year. In Islam, the lunar calendar is used to determine the dates of religious observances, including Ramadan. The lunar calendar is based on the cycles of the moon, with each month starting with the sighting of the new moon.

To confirm the start of Ramadan, sighting of the moon is traditionally done by local religious authorities, who use astronomical calculations and visual sightings to determine the exact date. In some cases, the sighting of the moon may also be confirmed through the testimony of multiple individuals.

Once the start of Ramadan has been confirmed, the news is typically disseminated through various channels, such as mosques, Islamic organizations, and social media. Muslims around the world then begin observing the fast and engaging in other Ramadan-related activities, such as increased prayer and charity.

It's worth noting that the exact date of the start of Ramadan can vary from country to country, and in some cases, different countries may observe the start of Ramadan on different dates. This is due to differences in the methods used to determine the start of Ramadan, as well as the varying visibility of the moon based on regional and local conditions.

This article was previously published on UAE Moments.To see the original article, click here