Ramazan is the ninth month in the Islamic Calendar Year, a month when the “Holy Koran or Quran” was revealed up from heaven by Allah for human beings in 615 AD,as a guidance and declaration. Ramazan begins after the month of Shaban, after the new moon has been sighted. In case new moon is not sighted then after 30 days of Shaban, Ramadan begins. The month of Ramazan lasts for 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the moon. If the moon is sighted on the night of 29th fast then the month of Shawwal begins from tomorrow and Ramadan is over. The 1st of Shawwal is the Eid also know as Eid-ul-fitr to distinguish it from Eid-ul-azha (Bakri Eid).
Ramzan (written as Ramadan) is derived from the Arabic root word ‘ramida’ or ‘arramad’ that means intense scorching heat and dryness, especially of the ground. Ramadan is so called to indicate the heating sensation in the stomach as a result of thirst. Others said it is so called because Ramadan scorches out the sins as it burns the ground. Some said it is so called because the hearts and souls are more readily receptive to the admonition and remembrance of Allah during Ramadan, as the sand and stones are receptive to the sun’s heat.
Islamic Calendar is based on the Lunar calendar (based on the moon and not the sun). The practice of fasting during Ramadan is called “Sawm”. To start fasting one has to sight the crescent of the new moon with ones’ naked eyes. It is a period of worship and contemplation. Muslims usually go to the Masjid and spend hours studying the Quran and recite a special prayer called the Taraweeh (Night Prayer) in addition to the 5 daily prayers.
Throughout the world, Muslims observe the Ramadan month by fasting(from sunrise to sunset), no food and no water. Smoking, drinking, meat and sexual relations are forbidden during fasting. However, children,elderly,pregnant women, soldiers and the incurable sick are exempted. Telling of lies, slander, false oath, betrayal are considered most offensive during Ramadan and can destroy the goodness of fasting.It is a period of worship and contemplation. On the 27th evening, Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr (Night of Power) with the belief that on this day in 610 AD, the Holy Quran was revealed providing guidance, teaching, direction to all and also judging between wrong and right. Moreover this day is believed to have influenced the course of the year.
Charity is one of the extremely recommended acts during fasting. Muslims are required to give minimum of 2.5% of their annual savings as charity to poor and needy people. Also there are various sayings of the prophet (pbuh) where he has said that any charity made in Ramadan is multiplied upto 70 times. If some people are poor and cannot afford to give money then even a smile is an act of charity.
