This March is the holy month for Muslims: Ramadan.
This year, Ramadan takes place from March 1 to March 29 or 30. It is one of the holiest months of the year for Muslims worldwide. This month, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset to better their relationship with God. Ramadan helps Muslims obtain self-discipline and show compassion towards others. It is a month that is heavily focused on a spiritual connection with God. By bettering their spiritual connection, Muslims concentrate on reading the Quran more and going to their local Mosque to pray after breaking their fast.
Ramadan takes place on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which is based on a 12-month lunar year of 354 days. Muslims, go according to when Saudi Arabia announces the last day of Ramadan during the last week of it because of where the Mekkah is located, which is the holiest place for Muslims. The Islamic calendar differs from the Gregorian calendar because it’s a lunar calendar that is based on the cycle of the moon. In contrast, the Gregorian calendar is solar and is based on the Earth’s orbit around the sun. This explains why Ramadan is set at a different time each year because the Islamic year is about 10-12 days shorter than the Gregorian year.
Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset for 29-30 days, depending on the month. For Muslims, Ramadan allows them to control themselves physically and mentally by limiting themselves from not eating. This seems broad to many, but it takes strength not to rely on food as a source of energy. The purpose behind fasting is still to gain greater God-consciousness, which means being aware of God’s presence. It’s because fasting is meant to develop one’s taqwa, which means being self-restrained and pious to what God has given them. From this, Muslims can gain self-discipline, patience, and respect towards those without access to food and water in their lives.
Muslims improve their relationships with God, family, and friends. By inviting each other to breakfast and to meet up at their local Mosques after Taraweeh prayer to break their fast as a community rather than alone. This helps improve their relationships because they are inclusive and treat each other like family despite their background.
What is Taraweeh? Taraweeh is a voluntary prayer performed by Muslims every night during Ramadan. Taraweeh plays a big role during Ramadan because it is a Sunnah Mu’akkadah, a strong sunnah (tradition). It is a highly awarded practice that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) used to do during Ramadan, and many Muslims try to follow in his footsteps to the best of their ability. This prayer only takes place during the Holy month and involves the Imam reading longer sections of the Quran.
Many questions surround who can fast during Ramadan. Muslims who have reached puberty are obligated to fast, but God eases the burden on those who struggle to fast. This means that God makes it easy on those who can’t successfully fast rather than making them suffer in pain. In some cases, those who are ill or nursing are not obligated to fast but eventually have to make up for their missed days before the next Ramadan. But for Muslims who have severe health issues and physically can’t fast ever, then they make it up by doubling their charity and trying to complete the Quran twice.
Many special activities take place during this month. Many Mosques host dinners where Muslims can break their fast as a whole. This helps grow the Muslim community closer because the Mosque doesn’t discriminate against anyone; whether you are poor, rich, black, or white, everyone is welcome to eat.
According to the Quran, Muslims must share Zakat. Zakat is a mandatory charitable donation in Islam; it’s one of the five pillars of Islam and a religious obligation. It serves as a deeply spiritual time that builds compassion for the less fortunate and helps motivate Muslims to better their acts of kindness. There is no particular emphasis on Zakat during this month. Again, it’s already something Muslims should be doing because it is said in the Quran that your good deeds are doubled during this month. It’s extra crucial for Muslims to be more charitable and considerate to those struggling because, again, Muslims fast to have a better feeling of what it’s like for those who are hungry and have no access to basic needs we take for granted.
Another special activity is called the Night of Power, which in Arabic is Laylat al-Qadar. It usually happens on one of the odd nights during the last ten days of Ramadan. This night is important because many Muslims are more careful with their intentions because of how blessed Lailat Al-Qadr is. The reason why it’s believed to be one of the most sacred nights in Ramadan is because it was the night when the Quran was first revealed to our beloved Prophet. That’s why it’s so important that Muslims complete the Quran before the month comes to an end, to show appreciation towards God for what was sent down from Him. To celebrate Laylat al-Qadr, Muslims come together to perform special prayers, read the Quran, and engage in charitable acts.
Lastly, after a month of facing hardship and not being at ease. Muslims celebrate one of the biggest holidays, Eid ul-Fitr, which translates to “Festival of the Breaking of the Fast.” Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated because it expresses gratitude to God for granting Muslims strength and patience during the month of fasting. It’s a time of forgiveness and mercy from God. Families dress up and receive money and gifts from other family members. Before going out with their family, Muslims attend a once-a-year special prayer, which is held during the morning on Eid at a Mosque. This day is filled with love and gratitude towards God and family and is one of the most special days for Muslims worldwide.
