The importance of Ramadan is emphasized in the Hadith. It is narrated on the authority of Abu Huraira that the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said:
“When the month of Ramadan comes, the gates of Heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 1894).
Ramadan is an important month in the Islamic calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. It is a time of spiritual renewal and increased devotion to God. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink from sunrise to sunset in order to focus on their faith and spirituality.
Fasting during Ramadan is a way to express gratitude to Allah and to practice self-discipline. It is also a time of spiritual reflection and prayer. Fasting during Ramadan is a way to cultivate patience, self-restraint, and appreciation for the blessings that Allah has bestowed upon us. Fasting is a way to draw closer to Allah and to become more mindful of our actions.
Muslims observe a 29–30-day fast; the exact number varies each year according to the lunar calendar. Ramadan starts when the new moon is visible and starts 10–11 days earlier each year. Because of the long, hot days, Ramadan will once again begin in the summer this year, which will present both obstacles and benefits
The Purpose of Fasting During Ramadan
The purpose of fasting during Ramadan is to focus on spiritual growth and renewal, as well as to develop a closer connection with God. Fasting is also a way to practice self-discipline and self-control, as well as to show gratitude to Allah for all his blessings. Muslims also believe that fasting helps to cleanse the soul of impurities and to gain a greater sense of empathy and understanding of those who are less fortunate.
Through Ramadan checklist individuals can stay organized during the holy month of Ramadan by providing a visual reminder of the various fasting and prayer times. Additionally, it can be helpful in setting goals and tracking progress throughout the month of Ramadan.allMasajid Ramadan Module provides a checklist that is easy to operate and helpful. Users can access this checklist to keep track of their Prayers and Fast.
What is Ramadan’s significance?
“Ramadan is an invitation to draw closer to Allah, to strengthen our faith and spirituality, and to become better Muslims.”
Are you familiar with Islam’s five pillars? These are the deeds that every Muslim must perform. There are situational considerations, but once those are met, all Muslims are required to perform these actions. Shahadat, Zakat, Hajj, Salah, and of course, fasting are some of these pillars. The importance of Ramadan is now more clear than ever. If one wants to be considered a sincere Muslim, one must fast. Muslims have been observing fasts for ages. It will undoubtedly continue to be used for generations to come. Why? the act’s legal obligations, of course! An essential component of Islam.
For Muslims, the month of Ramadan is significant because it is a time for introspection, growth, and greater worship. Muslims should concentrate on charitable giving and generosity throughout this time. Muslims fast from dawn till dusk and increase their prayers, Quran recitation, and charitable deeds throughout Ramadan. It is regarded as a period of spiritual rejuvenation and a means of strengthening one’s relationship with God.
What unique customs or traditions are practiced by Muslims during Ramadan?
Fasting: Muslims abstain from all food and drink during daylight hours for the entire month of Ramadan.
Tarawih: A special prayer performed by Muslims during Ramadan.
Zakat: A mandatory charity given to the poor and needy during Ramadan.
Nightly Prayers: Muslims perform special nightly prayers known as Taraweeh.
Laylat al-Qadr: The night of power, believed to be the night when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.
Eid al-Fitr: A festival celebrated at the end of Ramadan to mark the end of the fasting period.
Iftar: The breaking of the fast at sunset each night during Ramadan.
Suhoor: The pre-dawn meal eaten before the start of the daily fast.
Observing this Month Worldwide
Ramadan is an important religious observance for Muslims, and is observed in countries across the world. Communities come together in mosques, homes, and other places of worship to celebrate and observe the holy month. In many cities, special Ramadan events such as night markets, special dinners, and lectures take place.
In some parts of the world, Ramadan can be observed differently depending on the region.
For instance, in Saudi Arabia, the beginning and end of Ramadan are determined by a physical sighting of the new moon, while other countries use astronomical calculations to calculate the beginning and end of the month.
In areas where Ramadan is widely observed, businesses and schools may close for certain periods of the month. Additionally, many countries and cities offer public holiday days for Eid al-Fitr.
What marks the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan?
The history of Ramadan tells us that it has always been declared after sighting the crescent-shaped moon. This was a tradition of the times of the Prophet (PBUH) and is practiced to date. The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar phases and hence, moon sighting is a rather important ritual. Sometimes, it gets a little tricky because of the weather conditions. The crescent isn’t visible to the naked eye, and hence, the holy month begins one day later. It is a beautiful historical tradition which creates quite a buzz!
Who is Excluded from the Ramadan Fast?
The month of Ramadan requires all adults to fast from dawn to dusk. However, there are a few exceptions in this regard. But the interesting thing about Ramadan is if you are extremely ill, you can fast later when you get better. Also exempted from fasting are travelers, pregnant or breastfeeding women, diabetic patients, and menstruating women.
Advantages and Health Effects
1-Weight loss is this month’s most obvious health perk. Fasting helps people consume fewer calories, which eventually results in weight loss.
2-Fasting can lower inflammation and help blood sugar levels.
3-Fasting can help you feel less stressed and concentrate better.
4-As people take the opportunity to connect with their faith, it may be a time for introspection and spiritual development. Ramadan fasting is an excellent opportunity to foster community. Folks frequently come together for evening meals or monthly prayers.
ZIKR IN HOLY MONTH
Azkaar (supplications) are an important part of Ramadan. Azkaar are prayers and invocations said by Muslims throughout the entire year, but especially during the month of Ramadan. Azkaar can help Muslims remember and stay focused on the purpose of Ramadan, which is to seek closeness to Allah and to purify one’s soul. allMasajid azkar feature can be a very helpful tool to assist Muslims in their spiritual journey during Ramadan. Azkaar can help Muslims to easily access and memorize different Azkaar to recite during Ramadan.
DUAS FOR THREE ASHRA OF RAMADAN
First Ashra Dua
First Ashra Dua (during first 10 days of Ramadan), is a Dua for the first 10 days of Ramadan and many Muslims around the world recite this 1st ashra Dua during the entire first 10 days of Ramadan.
I seek forgiveness from Allah for all my sins and turn to Him.
Third Ashra Dua
Third Ashra Dua is a Dua for the last 10 days of Ramadan and many Muslims around the world recite this during the last10 days of Ramadan.
اَللَّهُمَّ أَجِرْنِي مِنَ النَّارِ
O Allah, save me from the fire Jahannam
The Prophet (S.A.W.) used to strive hard in worship during the last 10 days of Ramadan as he never did at any other time.
Lailatul Qadr is one of the odd nights of the last 10 days of Ramadan and doing good deeds during this night is better than a thousand months (Surah Al-Qadr 97:3).
Narrated by Aisha (R.A.), who said: ‘I asked the Messenger of Allah: ‘O Messenger of Allah, if I know what night is the night of Qadr, what should I say during it?’ Prophet (S.A.W.) recited the following Dua.’
The Month of Shaban
Flanked By Rajab and Ramadan, the month of Sha’ban is often overlooked. This month is filled with important events such as the splitting of the moon and changing of the Qibla and is also packed with blessings and rewards that every Muslim should be aware of.
Except for the final few days of the month, it is said that Prophet Muhammad (SAW) used to fast most frequently in Shaban. The month of Shaban is the one that precedes the month of Ramadan. Between Rajab and Ramadan, two auspicious and revered months, Shaban serves as a bridge.
However, Sha’ban is packed with opportunities to maximize our good deeds and draw closer to the Prophet (saw) by sending Salawat (blessings) upon him. Historically, momentous events also took place during Sha’ban which deserves to be commemorated.
Our beloved Prophet (SAW) used to fast repeatedly in this month. Aisha (RA) said that: “I never saw the Messenger of Allah fast for a complete month except for Ramadan, and I never saw him do more fasting in any month than he did in Sha`ban” (Al-Bukhari).
When compared to other months, the Prophet (s.a.w.) intensified his acts of worship by fasting more in Sha’ban (other than Ramadan)
The Qiblah was changed on the 15th of Sha’ban
In addition, Al-Imam Ibn Kathir in Al-Bidayah Wan-Nihayah, mentioned the majority of scholars are inclined to the view that the 15th of Sha’ban is also the date when the changing of the Qiblah (direction of prayer) took place
The Revelation of the Ayah to Send Blessings on the Prophet
The famous verse commanding people to send blessings upon the Prophet was revealed in Sha’ban. It’s only right that such a verse is revealed in a month known as the month of the Prophet:
Most importantly, the significance of the 15th Shaban (Shab-e-Barat) rests in the belief that Allah (SWT) raises the deeds of his servants on this day. The 15th Sha’ban is also an opportunity to seek Allah’s mercy and be forgiven for past and future sins, as well as one’s need being fulfilled if one turns to Allah.
As it is believed that all sins will be forgiven except those who have grudges or hatred in their hearts towards other Muslims. Therefore the night of the 15th Sha’ban is a good opportunity for communities to come together, ask forgiveness from one another and strengthen the ties of kinship.
“O ALLAH I SEEK REFUGE IN YOUR PLEASURE FROM YOU ANGER, AND IN YOUR FORGIVENESS FROM YOUR PUNISHMENT, AND I SEEK REFUGE IN YOU FROM YOU. I CANNOT PRAISE YOU ENOUGH. YOU ARE AS YOU HAVE PRAISED YOURSELF”.
The Month Of Rajab
Rajab is the seventh month of the Islamic calendar. It is one of the four sacred months designated by Allah (SWT), making it of special significance along with Dhul-Qadah, Dhul Hijjah, and Muharram. There are many blessings to be sought in Rajab, but it is an incredibly religious time as several key events took place during this month, too.
Rajab Mean
When translated to English from Arabic, ‘Rajab’ means ‘to respect’. There are several variations of the name of the month of Rajab, including Rajab al-Murajjab which means ‘extraordinary honor’. It is also sometimes called Rajab al-Asamm which means ‘deafening and silent’, relating to the fact that warfare and fighting were banned during this time.
Another name the month often goes by is Rajab the Separate One. This is because Rajab does not fall next to the other three sacred months – it is on its own.
Rajab Month Significance
Rajab is a significant Islamic month since Allah (SWT) selected it as one of the four designated times when violence and warfare are categorically prohibited. The Hajj is surrounded by the other three holy months, which occur one after the other.
Allah (SWT) made Dhul al-Qadah and Dhul Hijjah sacred so that Muslims might perform their religious obligation of performing the Hajj without fear of assault. He also made Muharram sacred so that Muslims could return home in safety after performing the Hajj.
Rajab doesn’t fall close to Hajj, but it was dedicated as a sacred month so that Muslims can carry out Umrah (the smaller, non-obligatory pilgrimage to Mecca), in safety. Like the other three sacred months, both good and bad deeds are judged and rewarded/punished more severely during Rajab, highlighting the religious importance of the month.
The Prophet (PBUH) said Rajab is the month of Allah (SWT). He recited: “Rajab is the month of Allah, Sha‘ban is my month and Ramadan is the month of my Ummah.” [Suyuti]
Rajab and its virtues
Being a sacred month, committing a sin therein is much more severely punished. On the other hand, we are taught that the reward for acts of obedience performed in this month is greater than in other months.
Divine mercy, blessings, and rewards are at their peak during the sacred months; we must therefore invest our time in increased acts of ibadah, we should increase our recitation of the Quran, and our dhikr, should help others and give more charity.
Rajab is a month of cultivation, so plant your seeds
Abu Bakr b. al-Warraq al-Balkhi used to say: “In the month of Rajab, you sow the seeds, in Sha`ban, you irrigate them, and in Ramadan, you reap the harvest.”
We hope you can use this sacred month to increase your good deeds, draw closer to Allah, His Messenger and the Muslims, and plant the seeds for a fruitful Ramadan.
Oh Allah! Grant us Barakah (Blessing) during (the months of) Rajab and Sha’ban, and allow us to reach Ramadan.
Making the Most of Rajab
A month of miracles and peace, there are many ways you can make the most of Rajab. Fasting in the month of Rajab is one of the ways many people choose to get closer to Allah (SWT), but there is no specific guidance on which days are preferable.
Another way Muslims can make the most of Rajab is to make dua. “There are five nights in which a du’a is not rejected: Thursday night, the first night of Rajab, the night of mid-Sha’ban (15th night), the night of Eid al-Fit,r and the night of Eid al-Adha.” [Shu’b al-Iman]
Giving to charity is a good way to get closer to Allah (SWT) and make good with the Creator. We have a number of appeals that you may donate to in Rajab, all of which will cleanse your soul and for which God will duly reward you. Please give what you can this Rajab and help someone in need while cementing your faith in Allah (SWT).
“Charity extinguishes sins just as water extinguishes fire.” [Ibn Majah]
Rabi-al-Awwal
After Muharram and Safar, Rabi al-Awwal is the third month in the Islamic calendar.
Birth of the final Messenger, Prophet Muhammad (saw), to whom the Qur’an was revealed.
The Prophet’s (saw) Hijrah, during which he moved from Makkah to Madinah. From this occasion, the Islamic calendar is calculated.
The Prophet’s (saw) passing away on 12 Rabi al-Awwal, the eleventh year of Islam.
Special blessings or benefits
The Prophet (saw) was sent into the world on Rabi al-Awwal, and he was returned to Allah on that day.
The birth of the Prophet (saw) in this month brought blessings to humanity. He (saw) that he would eventually lead the world out of ignorance and oppression and into the light of Tawhid, which would usher in real justice and peace, starting with the Arabs, Persians, and Romans. His birth was ‘a mercy to the worlds’ [The Noble Qur’an, 21:107], and Allah chose Rabi al-Awwal to illuminate us with this mercy.
Though many narrations disagree on the precise day, the Prophet (saw) was born in Makkah on a Monday in the month of Rabi al-Awwal. Many narrations say the 12th, but others have mentioned different dates between the 8th and the 17th. Nevertheless, he (saw) was definitely born on a Monday.
Because so many important things happened in the Prophet’s life during this time, Rabi-ul-Awwal considered a good month. To maximise this period of time.
Muslims around the world should perform the following acts:
During Rabi ul-Awwal, Muslims should increase their salutation upon the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Doing so will earn them blessings from the Prophet and the favour of Allah as the Prophet once said that whoever sends good wishes for me, Allah will send tenfold blessings upon him.
Mawlid is an excellent occasion to learn more about the life and deeds of the Prophet.
The Hijrah, when the Prophet (PBUH) and Abu Bakr travelled from Mecca to Medina, is the occasion from which we date the Islamic calendar.
In the eleventh year of Islam, on Monday, Rabi al-Awwal, the Prophet (PBUH) passed away. His family and closest friends had come to understand that he would soon be going back to Allah because he had been ill in the days preceding his death.
During this time, Muslims should perform more acts of Sunnah and inculcate them in their way of life
Unlike some of the other significant months in the Islamic calendar, there are no recommendations to fast, pray, or make dua during Rabi al-Awwal. Despite this, it is always a good idea to start practicing Prophetic habits, such as visiting the sick and elderly, feeding the poor, and smiling often; this will revitalise or reinforce your connection with the Prophet (PBUH)..
You can learn from the Prophet’s (PBUH) merciful nature .
The allMasajid team wishes you a very happy Rabi al-Awwal Mubarak!
Top 10 mosques in the World
A mosque is a place that is the most blessed, peaceful, and calming. People come to mosques to offer prayers and to listen to sermons of Islam. A mosque is an Islamic house of worship, the place where Muslims offer five times daily prayers and they can also say their prayers at home.
The list of the Top 10 mosques in the World is given below.
al-Haram Mosque
The Great Mosque of Mecca, also known as the Sacred Mosque and al-Haram Mosque, is the largest mosque in the world. Located in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, it surrounds Islam’s most sacred site—the Kaaba. Muslims believe that this was where Abraham built his original house of worship around 3100 BCE.
The current building was constructed by Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan and designed by Umayyad architect Al-Hajjaj ibn Yusuf during their reign from 685 to 715 CE. It has two minarets (pylons) on its eastern corners and a large courtyard with a total area of 356,800 square feet (33,000 square meters). The courtyard can accommodate 1 million worshippers at once; however, only around 100 million people are allowed entrance into the temple each year due to safety concerns related to crowd control issues such as stampedes or fires breaking out inside due to overcrowding during Hajj season which takes place annually between August 20 through September 10 every year!
Sultan Ahmed Mosque
Built in 1609, this is one of the oldest and largest mosques in India.
It’s also the largest mosque in the world by area. The space for worshippers can accommodate about 40,000 people at once.
It’s also the largest mosque by capacity—more than 80,000 people can pray here at once!
This huge building has a massive dome that is 66 feet (20 meters) high and 350 feet (106 meters) across. The dome is supported by four minarets that each measure more than 150 feet (46 meters).
Badshahi Mosque
The Badshahi Mosque, also known as the “Royal Mosque of Lahore,” is one of Pakistan’s most famous. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1671 and has been a popular attraction since then. The mosque is located in Lahore, Pakistan, just north of the Walled City area and across from Minar-e-Pakistan. The Badshahi Mosque has a capacity of 25,000 people when all its sections are open at once; however, this large space can be divided into smaller sections for certain services or special events if needed. If you visit this mosque during Ramadan (the month when Muslims fast during daylight hours), you will see many people praying inside its large courtyard space or under one of its pavilions or domes—or even on top if they choose!
The centerpiece of this historic building is its gold-plated dome that shines brightly against blue skies during sunny days; it stands out even more so against gray clouds on rainy days!
Nasir Al Mulk Mosque
Nasir Al Mulk Mosque, Agra, India: This mosque is a perfect example of Indo-Islamic architecture and was built by Akbar in 1648-50. It has a blend of Persian and Indian styles with red sandstone used for construction. The building is 53 m high and 55 m wide.
Sheikh Zayed Mosque
The Sheikh Zayed Mosque is located in Abu Dhabi, the capital city of the United Arab Emirates. The mosque is the third largest in the world and also the largest mosque in all of the UAE. It was designed by Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, who was also its founder, and took over ten years to build from 1996 to 2007. The site covers an area of 488,000 square meters (564 acres) and can hold up to 40,000 worshippers at any given time. With its capacity for so many people and its iconic architecture, it’s no wonder that this mosque is considered one of the most famous structures on Earth—it attracts about 3 million visitors every year!
Putrajaya mosque
Putrajaya mosque is the main mosque in Putrajaya, Malaysia. It was built to commemorate the establishment of the Federal Territory of Putrajaya and officially opened on 21st May 2001. The construction started in 1993 and was completed in 1999. It is now the largest mosque in Malaysia with an area of 10,350 square meters which can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers at a time.
Qolsharif Mosque (Kazan Kremlin)
The Qolsharif Mosque, located in Kazan, Tatarstan, Russia. It was built by Qolsharif Yassawi (1417–1470) in 1461–1472 as part of the Kazan Kremlin.
The mosque is the largest and most important mosque in Kazan.[1] It is a large domed building that has lost its original ornamental tile decoration but has retained its basic layout and features intact. The unique feature of this mosque is its central dome which allows for light to enter from above through a large opening at the top of the dome called an oculus (opening).
Faisal Mosque
Faisal Mosque is the largest mosque in Pakistan. It was built in 1986 and named after King Faisal bin Abdulaziz Al Saud. The mosque is located in Islamabad, Pakistan’s capital city. Designed by Turkish architect Vedat Dalokay, the mosque was built in a desert flower shape with marble and granite from Turkey.
Djinguereber Mosque, Mali
Djinguereber is a mosque located in the city of Timbuktu in Mali. This mosque was built in 1327 and is located on the west side of Djinguereber Square, which has one of the most important markets in town. This mosque is made out of mud, wood, and stone.
The Djinguereber Mosque was designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO on December 2nd, 1988 because it is considered to be “one of Africa’s finest architectural treasures”.
It took 110 years to complete this masterpiece due to constant wars during its construction period but every inch was worth it!
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque)
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi (The Prophet’s Mosque) is the second most important mosque in Islam. Located in Medina, Saudi Arabia, it is believed that Muhammad prayed here when he first arrived in the city. The mosque has been built upon the location where Muhammad was buried after his death and is considered to be the oldest mosque on earth.
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi is also known as “The Prophet’s Mosque” because it was built by Muhammad himself before his death. It remains one of the largest mosques in the world today with a capacity for more than 2 million people who visit each year from all over the world
the most beautiful and famous mosque in the world.
The Great Mosque of Xi’an
The Great Mosque of Xi’an, also known as the Friday Mosque, is located in the city of Xi’an, China. It was established during the Tang Dynasty and has since undergone several renovations and extensions. The original building covers an area of 11 hectares (27 acres), making it one of the largest mosques in China and indeed in all Asia. It is also recognized as one of the oldest mosques in existence, with some sources claiming that it dates back to 651 CE – making it over 1,200 years old!
Ibn Tulun Mosque
Located on Sayyidna al-Hussein Square in Cairo’s historic Islamic district Darb Al Asfar (the Street of Colors), this mosque was built between 876-883 CE under Caliph Ahmad ibn Tulun as part of his palace complex; construction was completed within three years by over 3,000 artisans working on site daily plus countless other laborers who supplied materials and equipment needed for construction efforts; today it stands at 91 meters high with six minarets each rising 77 meters into sky above ground level while second floor balcony offers excellent views both inside courtyard itself but also out onto surrounding area
Conclusion
The most important thing to remember is that your journey is just beginning. These are the top ten mosques in the world, but there are so many more. There’s no right or wrong way to discover them—it could be by reading this list again and again like I did as a kid, or it could be through some other medium entirely (like listening to podcasts!). But my hope is that at least one of these mosques will inspire you to travel and explore the world with open eyes.
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