Ramadan 2012
Ramadan 2012 |
"Whenever you sight the new moon observe fast, and when you sight it break it and if the sky is cloudy for you, then observe fast for thirty days."
Ramadan is a holy month for Islam - probably the holiest. It is a time when Muslims 'Sawm' (fast) for 30 days and nights.
Sawm is considered the third pillar of Islam and is believed to be the duty of all Muslims in good health and of age.
It was during Ramadan that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) received the final testament; the Qur'an is the last and final messenger to mankind.
"Fasting during the month of Ramadan is rewarded immensely as Muslims remind themselves of the revelation when the Qur'an was sent down to them from heaven. During Ramadan Muslims pray each night for 30 days, reciting different chapters each day until the end of Ramadan when the Qur'an is completed. This is the Taraweeh prayer which is prayed after reading the evening prayer of 'Esha' and concluded with the last prayer of the night named Witr. Whoever performs the Taraweeh prayer with the remembrance of Allah his past sins will be forgiven."
Ramadan offers Muslims a chance to reflect their behaviour and attitudes towards others around them. It reminds them to do good deeds 'even after' Ramadan. And it allows the body and soul to purify, to resist bad cravings and temptations to receive the blessings from Allah.
The Sawm (fasting) is observed from dawn till dusk each of the 30 days. This is the time for Muslims to devoted themselves to Allah. They are to read the Qur'an to soften their hearts and give in charity, and forgive others.
It begins before dawn with a delaying of the 'Suhoor' (the predawn breakfast that is classed as important) and the performing of the Fajr (or Morning Prayer) - to be performed before sunrise. It is left up to the individual to break their fast by eat healthily, but the recommendation is dates and milk and a remembrance of Allah by reciting (the Du'a) prayers. Eid-ul-Fitr concludes the end of the holy month, Ramadan, and marks the beginning of Shawwal.
A happy Ramadan Mubarak to all!
Forgive my mistakes and stay blessed!
Cyberpunk65
Related Stories:
Faith: Placing the Mitre on Female Heads? - When it comes to women bishops in roles within the church, the men of god seem hell-bent on shooting themselves in the foot.Faith: What is Wicca Today?
Thank you very much for remembering and mentioning Ramadan.It's beautiful.
ReplyDeleteIt means a lot and I greatly appreciate it.
Selma
http://meteobeauty.blogspot.com/
Years ago -when I began my search for spiritual enlightenment- I took a course on Islam and found it a very open religion (not anything like I'd been led to believe). I made several friend in the Muslim community when I worked for a charity around the same time.
DeleteWhat I learnt then and have continued to find is that there are good and bad in all communities. So I longer judge until I get to know people. An open mind removes barriers :-D
Thank you for your kind comments.