Ramadan Mubarak 2015

Front of the Quran
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Ramadan Mubarak to all!

(Forgive my mistakes and stay blessed!)

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 (of 5) 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.) Ramadan commemorates on the night of 'Laylat Al Qadr', the time that the Qur'an was revealed to Prophet Mohammed (PBUH).

Because it is observed by the luna calendar -and the cycle of the lunar calendar does not match the solar calendar- the dates of Ramadan shift by approximately 11 days each year. (This year that is June 18th.) Those exempt are: pregnant or menstruating women, the old or infirm, and children before the onset of puberty.

"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."

<from: http://www.ramadantimetable.co.uk/ramadan-for-dummies/what-is-ramadan>

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.

English: Eid Ul-Fitr meal
(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

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.