Why are Muslims so devoted to Ramadan?
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.
رَّبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَأَنتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِين
Oh Everliving, The Everlasting, I seek Your help through Your mercy
Second Ashra Dua
2nd Ashra Dua, is a Supplication which many Muslims recite during the middle 10 days of Ramadan.
اَسْتَغْفِرُ اللہَ رَبِّی مِنْ کُلِّ زَنْبٍ وَّ اَتُوْبُ اِلَیْہِ
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 last 10 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.’
