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Different cultures have different traditions during Ramadan [Amr Abdallah Dalsh/ Reuters]
by Al Jazeera Staff Ramadan is the holiest month for Muslims. Every year, Muslims around the world fast during daylight hours, but what is it really about? What is Ramadan? Ramadan is the ninth month in the Muslim lunar calendar. Healthy adult Muslims fast in Ramadan from dawn until dusk. This includes abstaining from drinking, eating, immoral acts and anger. Other acts of worship such as prayer, reading the Quran and charity are also encouraged during Ramadan. Muslims also believe that the Quran was revealed in Ramadan. During the holy month, Muslims would wake up early to eat a pre-dawn meal called suhoor, and they break their fast with a meal referred to as iftar. It is common for mosques to host large iftars, especially for the poor and needy. Nightly prayers called Tarawih are also held in mosques after iftar. Different cultures have different traditions during Ramadan, whether it is a special food they must cook, or eating iftar with the extended family. Islamic tenets, such as generosity, inspired most of these traditions, such as sharing food and inviting guests over for iftar. We encourage all organizations & entities to adopt such initiatives which in turn contributes in reducing #FoodWaste during #Ramadan 11:26 AM - 22 May 2017 Don't take it for granted that your wife/mother is bound to do all the cooking this Ramadan! Help them in the kitchen as much as you can! When is Ramadan? Since Ramadan is part of a lunar calendar, its date annually changes on the Gregorian calendar. Muslims tend to wait for the new month's moon to appear before they announce the first day of Ramadan. However, they can still estimate the day beforehand. This year, Ramadan will probably begin on May 27 or 28. Other than fasting during Ramadan, Muslims also read the Quran, pray and give to charity, among other acts of worhsip [Suhaib Salem/Reuters] How long is Ramadan? Lunar months last between 29 to 30 days depending on when the new moon is sighted. If the moon is not seen on the night of the 29th, then Ramadan lasts for the full 30 days. The Eid al-fitr celebration marks the end of the month, when Muslims celebrate a successful month of fasting and worship. Al Jazeera English ✔@AJEnglish How long is the world fasting this ramadan? We break it down for you: http://aje.io/b8mg 2:44 AM - 13 May 2017 Why do Muslims fast in Ramadan? Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. There is also a verse in the Quran that prescribes fasting for all Muslims who are mature and healthy enough to fast for the full day. So, Muslims fast as an act of worship, a chance to get closer to God and a way to become more compassionate to those in need. Fasting is also seen as a way to learn patience and break bad habits. |
Zul-Hijjah
Twelfth and last month of the Islamic Calendar. Meaning: The month of "Hajj" (Pilgrimage). This is the last sacred month in which fighting was forbidden. Blessings: The fifth pillar of Islam "Hajj" is performed in this sacred month. The first ten days of Zul-Hijjah are the most virtuous days in this whole month, Hajj is performed amongst these ten days. Hadhrat Abu Haraira (R.A) reports from the Holy Prophet : "Amongst all days there are none better to engage in sole worship of Allah than in the ten days of Zul-Hijjah, To observe a fast on any of these days is equivalent to fasting throughout the year, to actively engage in prayer and worship throughout any of these nights holds such rewarding values leveling with "night of power" (Laylatul-Qadr) "Tirmizi" It has been stated in the Holy Qur'an, "By the dawn; By the ten nights (ie. the first ten days of the month of Zul-Hijjah), and by the even and the odd (of all the creations of Allah) and by night when it departs. There is indeed in them (the above oaths) sufficient proofs for men of understanding. (and that they should avoid all kinds of sins and disbelief)" Hadhrat Abi Qataadah (R.A) reports in a part narration from the Holy Prophet concerning the fast observed on the day of Arafaat: "I have full confidence in Allah for the one who observes a fast on the day of Arafaat that his previous year's sins and the proceeding year's sins are forgiven." (Muslim) Events: 1. The Prophet performed the farewell Hajj and gave the historic sermon known as the "Farewell Sermon" 2. Egypt was conquered by the army sent by Hadhart Umar (R.A.) 3. Uthmaan (R.A.) was appointed the third Caliph 4. "Bay'ate-Aqabah"5. Hadhrat Fatimah (R.A.) was married in this holy month to the fourth Caliph Hadhrat Ali (R.A.) |