To know what is Ramadan? We must study the Islamic calendar. Muslims around the globe follow the Islamic calendar starting from Muharram and ending on zil-Hajj. In the Islamic calendar, Ramadan is the ninth month. In the Holy month Of Ramadan Muslims observe fasting. Every month starts with the appearance of the crescent moon. The Islamic calendar is not dependent on the solar system; it is followed by the lunar system. Ramadan is the very sacred month in Islam. You can perform Umrah in this month after booking the Umrah Packages. Umrah in the month of Ramadan is equivalent to the Hajj.

We must be acquainted with what is Ramadan and what is fasting; we must learn the teachings of the Quran and Hadith.

The other name of Ramadan is Ramzan in the holy month Muslims are commanded to observe fasting for 30 days. Fasting in Arabic is “al-Siyam”. It means to refrain. Muslims are commanded to follow some specific activities in the state of fasting. The activities are as follows: “abstention of food and water and from dusk till dawn, also to refrain from sexual relations. Obscene speech, falsehood in speech, slander, lying, and lustful looks are supposed as forbidden things”. These elements do not spoil the fast but abstention from them makes the fast more complete. Muslims must follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ to not to distress the essence of fasting and to know what is Ramadan.

What is Ramadan and how it is complementary to the other pillars of Islam?

The foundation of Islam is based on five pillars. Fasting during the month of Ramadan is known as the fourth Pillar of Islam. Fasting is an act of deep personal worship in which Muslims are supposed to seek a richer perception of ALLAH almighty, as predestined in the holy Quran. To recognize what is Ramadan and gain blessings of this month, we must observe the soul of Ramadan. It is a month of mercy and blessings.

What is Ramadan? What is the essence of fasting in Ramadan?

Fasting is an exercise which helps in self-control. It is a spiritual discipline. During Ramadan Muslims around the world follow the same timetable. At what time do eat, and at what time stop eating? It creates a sense of self-control and also develops a sense of patience. It is a great way to practice patience and stop illicit acts as well as restrict eating drinking and sexual activities for a certain period. Fasting is the best form of adoration which helps to seek the love and gratification of ALLAH. Comprehending what is Ramadan helps in boosting faith and dedication to worship ALLAH wholeheartedly.

Piety, how does it help in fasting?

Fasting is practised to achieve greater “Taqwa” or consciousness of God. To better understand the linguistic meaning of piety we should seek knowledge in the light of the Quran and Hadith. Piety means fear of ALLAH. It is a protective shield or a barrier. Taqwa helps to do what ALLAH has enjoined and avoid what is forbidden. One observer knows he is in the eyes of ALLAH all the time. Fasting is an exercise of Taqwa. Fasting through the day, our body urges us to eat or drink, but it is piety in the heart which helps to resist these temptations out of life and obedience to ALLAH. The interpretation of a verse of the Quran is the people who believe in the existence of ALLAH and follow his commands, follow the command of fasting when it was decreed upon them just as it was decreed upon those who were sent before. Consequently, you attain Taqwa.

Who can observe Fasting?

Fasting in the month of Ramadan is mandatory for every adult Muslim. Until Muslim children hit puberty they can observe fasting. Usually, girls reach puberty between the ages of 10 to 14, and boys at the age of 12 to 16. Once they reach a certain age of adulthood, parents should make sure to ask them to practice this divine command. Fasting is an essential form of worship which is among farz commands. Farz commands are compulsory commands which are not inexpiable.

Exemption of Fasting

Exempts are certain people who cannot observe fasting due to some valid reasons. The children have not hit puberty yet. The patients who require medicine during day time, the elderly, someone who is physically and mentally challenged. Women who are expecting, mothers who are breastfeeding and the ones who are travelling.

How fast is observed? The fasting window

·         There is a certain time in which Muslims take their meals. They are called Suhur and Iftar. Suhur: Suhur is also called sehri. It is a meal that Muslims consume early in the morning as a start of their fast, which happens before dawn. This meal should be eaten before Fajar Prayer.

·         Iftar: it is known as futoor. It is the meal with which Muslims break their fast and it ends their daily fast. This meal is taken after Maghrib prayer is called. Before leaving for Maghrib Salah Muslims consume food to break their fast.

Muslims must refrain from eating drinking and other forbidden commands from Suhur to Iftar. What is the difference between suhur and iftar?

Pre fast meal that is taken before sunrise is suhur.
Post fast meal that is taken after sunset is Iftar.

What are the three stages of Ramzan?

Ramzan is divided into three decades. Every decade has different characteristics hence they are named according to their individualities.

1.      The first decade is known as the days of Mercy (Rehmat)

2.      The second 10 days are known as the day’s forgiveness of ALLAH. (Maghfirah)

3.      The final decade is known for safety from Hellfire. (Nijat)

In the first decade, Muslims must seek the mercy of ALLAH.
In the second decade, Muslims must seek forgiveness.
In the last decade, Muslims must seek safety from hellfire.

Observing I’tikaf

Many Muslims observe i’tikaf in the last decade of Ramadan. I’tikaf is fetched by the Arabic language. It means a pledge to something. It marks an observer taking up residence in the mosque or at home in a particular way for a specified time. It is believed the one who observes will achieve the reward of two Hajj and two umrahs. You can perform Umrah by booking Umrah deal from any hajj umrah travel agency from your respected country.

Imposing of Ramadan

It is believed the Holy prophet Muhammad ﷺ observed fast in the month of Ramadan, during Medani Period. The command of fasting was revealed during the month of Shaban (a month before Ramadan). In the second year after the Muslims migrated from Makah to Medina. Fasting in the month of Ramadan was made mandatory in the month of Shaban. About 10 times the word Al-saym has been mentioned in the Holy Quran.