Fasting is the fourth pillar of Islam, which Allah made obligatory on Muslims in the second year of the Prophet’s migration (Hijrah) to Madina with the statement:
“O you who believe, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, so that you may gain Taqwa (piety)” (2: 183)
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, the holy month of fasting for Muslims. The appearance of the new moon signals the beginning of Ramadan (after Shaban). The end of Ramadan is signaled by the sighting of the new moon of the next month, Shawwal.
According to the Quran, the sacred scripture of Islam, Allah requires the fast of Ramadan so that believers “may cultivate piety.” The month of Ramadan is particularly sacred to Muslims because the Quran was first revealed to Muhammad (PBUH), the prophet of Islam, during this month.
The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “He who fasts during Ramadan with faith and seeking reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.”(Bukhari) Ramadan is a unique opportunity for Muslims to seek forgiveness and repentance from Allah. It is also a month of opportunity for enormous reward. Allah says: “Fasting is for Me and I shall reward for it (as I wish).
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset every day. This means not consuming food and drinks, during the daylight hours. For married adults, it also includes refraining from marital relations during the hours of fasting. In the Arabic language, fasting is known as “sawm”. Muslims rise early in the morning during Ramadan to have a pre-dawn breakfast meal, known as “sehar or suhoor”. At the end of the day, the fast is completed by taking the “iftar” meal, which usually includes dates, fresh fruits, appetizers, beverages and dinner. Providing “iftar” to others, especially to the poor, is considered highly meritorious in Islam. Many Muslims have “iftar” in the neighborhood mosque and invite friends, relatives, and neighbors to join them.
Fasting is a shield. He who fasts has two joys: a joy when he breaks his fast and a joy when he meets his Lord. The change in the smell of the mouth of he who fasts is sweeter to Allah than the smell of musk.”
Ramadan is a month of worship, and fasting is a means of fostering piety. Muslims celebrate the glory of Allah during Ramadan and thank Him for revealing the Quran, which is considered a guide for humanity. Muslims emphasize the religious significance of fasting and its implications for self-purification and spiritual growth, rather than the outward observance of the many rules regarding the fast.
Later in the evening, Muslims attend special nightly prayers “Tarawih” at their local masjid. Each night during Ramadan, approximately 1/30th of the Quran is recited in the Tarawih prayers, so that the entire scripture is recited in the course of the 29 or 30 days of the month.
Ramadan is divided in three “Ashras” of 10 days each. “Ashra” is an Arabic word, which means “ten”. “Ashras” of Ramadan are known as:
1st Ten Days “Rahmat” (Mercy of Allah)
2nd Ten Days “Maghfirat” (Forgiveness of Allah)
3rd Ten Days “Najat” (Salvation)
Prayers and reciting of the Quran, especially becomes more rewarding during the last ten days of Ramadan.
Allah’s Messenger (peace be upon him) would engage in a greater deal of worship during the last ten days of Ramadan than the other days.
One of the best actions a Muslim can observe during these blessed days is to detach one’s self from worldly affairs by spending all their time in the mosque, engaging in the different forms of worship. This form of worship is known as “Itikaaf”.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to practice ‘Itikaaf in the last ten days of Ramadan until he died. (Bukhari)
Another reasons for this is because of Laylatul Qadar (The Eve of Decree), which falls on one of the evenings/nights of the odd days of the last ten days of Ramadan, but Muslims generally observe Laylatul Qadar (Night of Power, or Decree) on the 27th night of Ramadan. Muslims should increase their recitation of the Quran, night prayer, zikar (words of remembrance), charity, and other virtuous deeds. The reward on this night is especially great. The Quran describes the Laylatul Qadar as “better than a thousand months,” Spirits descend, by the order of their Allah, and it is peace till the rising of dawn.” Pious Muslims spend the whole night praying and reciting the Quran.
The Prophet (peace be upon him) taught us to say the following dua as much as possible, during this great night:
Allahumma innaka ‘Afuwwoon, tuhibbul ‘afwa f ‘afoo ‘annii.” This means “O Allah, You are forgiving; You love to forgive, so forgive me.” |
