Page 6 - Ramadan 2022

6 LG RAMADAN 2022

Ramadan the Holy Month of Islam

AMADAN is a holy
month of fasting, intro-
spection and prayer for
RMuslims, the followers of
Islam. It is celebrated as the month
during which Muhammad received
the initial revelations of the Quran,
the holy book for Muslims. Fast-
ing is one of the five fundamental
principles of Islam. Each day during
Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or
drink from dawn to sunset. They
are also supposed to avoid impure
thoughts and bad behavior.
Muslims break their daily fasts
by sharing meals with family and
friends, and the end of Ramadan is
celebrated with a three-day festival
known as Eid al-Fitr, one of Islam’s
major holidays. Ramadan always
falls on the ninth month of the
12-month Islamic calendar.

The History of Ramadan
Muslims believe that around 610
A.D. a man named Muhammad
(c.570-632) from the Arabian city of
Mecca started receiving revelations
from God, or Allah, via the angel Ga-
briel. The revelations were collected
into a 114-chapter holy book known
as the Quran (or Koran), which
Muslims believe contains the exact
words of God.
Muhammad is, according to Mus-
lims, the final prophet in a line of
prophets (including Adam, Abra-
ham, Moses and Jesus) who were
chosen by God to act as messengers
and teach mankind. Muslims believe
there is one all-knowing God, and
people can achieve salvation by
following his commandments. In
Arabic, Islam means “submission” or
“surrender” (to God).
A series of formal acts of worship,
known as the Five Pillars of Islam,
are fundamental to the lives of
Muslims. The pillars include shahada fast it.” exempt, although they are supposed ing, menstruating or travelling, very Pbuh – peace be upon him. Mus-
(a declaration of faith: “There is no THE RULES OF RAMADAN to make up for the missed fast days young or very old should not fast. lims say this after saying the Proph-
deity but God, and Muhammad During Ramadan, Muslims fast sometime in the future or help feed Is fasting good for the body? Fast- et’s name as a sign of respect.
is the messenger of God”); prayer from dawn to dusk each day. They are the poor. ing is not suitable for everyone, and Shahada – the declaration of faith;
(Muslims pray five times a day); supposed to avoid eating, drinking, The first pre-dawn meal of the day there will always be risks especially if ‘there is no God but Allah, and Mu-
zakat (charitable giving); fasting and smoking and sexual activity, as well during Ramadan is called “suhoor.” you are not having a proper suhoor. hammad is the messenger of Allah’.
pilgrimage (Muslims are supposed as unkind or impure thoughts and Each day’s fast is broken with a meal However, experts have found that Hajj – the Islamic pilgrimage to
to make a trip, or “hajj,” to the city of words and immoral behavior. known as “iftar.” Traditionally, a date fasting can prevent health issues such Mecca. Muslims are expected to
Mecca, Saudi Arabia, at least once in Ramadan is a time to practice is eaten to break the fast. Iftars are as high cholesterol, heart disease and make at least one pilgrimage in their
a lifetime if they are physically and often elaborate feasts celebrated with lifetime if they are able to do so.
financially able). self-restraint and self-reflection. family and friends. The types of foods obesity. It also removes toxins from Suhoor – the meal consumed by
Fasting is seen as a way to cleanse the served vary according to culture. the body as we give the digestive Muslims before the sun rises during
WHY IS RAMADAN soul and have empathy for those in system a rest. It has also found to Ramadan. This helps to maintain
CELEBRATED? the world who are hungry and less COMMON QUESTIONS improve mental wellbeing. their fast. Iftar – the meal Muslims
Ramadan is celebrated as the fortunate. Muslims go to work and The Holy month of Ramadan may What happens if you forget you’re eat to break their fast when the sun
month during which Muhammad re- school and take care of their usual leave many questions for those who fasting and you eat / drink? If it is a sets. Zakat – charitable giving.
ceived the initial revelations of what activities during Ramadan; however, have not taken part in it. I have set genuine mistake and the person had Eid al-Fitr – the celebration of the
became the Quran, the holy book for some also read the entire Quran, say out a list of questions I have received no intention of breaking their fast, end of the month of Ramadan. This
Muslims, from God. special prayers and attend mosques personally whilst fasting: you may continue fasting. It is only is separate to Eid al-Adha, which is
The Quran states: “The month of more frequently during this time. So, you can’t even drink water? Un- when you intentionally do it that you commonly known as the Festival
Ramadhan [is that] in which was re- All Muslims who have reached fortunately not. Muslims are required have broken your fast. of Sacrifice. Swt – this stands for
vealed the Qur’an, guidance for the puberty and are in good health are to fast completely, and so you are not subhanahu wa ta’ala in Arabic, which
people and clear proofs of guidance required to fast. The sick and elderly, allowed to eat or drink. DEFINITIONS OF COMMONLY translates to ‘the most glorified, the
and criterion. So whoever sights [the along with travelers, pregnant wom- Does every Muslim have to fast? USED WORDS most high’. Again, it is said as a sign
new moon of] the month, let him en and those who are nursing are Those who are ill, pregnant or nurs- Sawm – the act of fasting. of respect.