RAMADAN - A HOLY MONTH
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, can be 29 or 30 days long. An Islamic month begins with the sighting of the new crescent in the western horizon, immediately after sunset. Muslims look towards the western horizon for the new moon on the 29th day of Shaban, the eighth month. If the new moon is sighted, Ramadan has begun with the sunset but fasting begins with the next dawn. If the new moon is not sighted then Muslims complete 30 days of Shaban and Ramadan begins the following day.
It is during this month that Muslims fast. Ramadan is the time when Muslims concentrate on their faith and spend less time on the concerns of their everyday lives. It is a time of worship and contemplation. It is believed that during this month Prophet Mohammed received the first words of Allah, the Qur’an.
Through fasting one demonstrates the highest degree of obedience by willfully submitting to abstaining from lawful food, drink and sexual relations from sunrise to sunset while striving to avoid all evil speeches or any bad thoughts or actions for one month every year. It is believed that fasting in the month of Ramadan purifies the soul and prayers after fasting save one from going to hell and opens the doors of heaven. So during this month they lead a pure and holy life. They observe fasts, offer regular prayers in the form of ‘Namaz’, read the holy Qur’an, feed the hungry and give alms to the poor. Charity is the greatest virtue to be practiced during this month.
Iftar – a fast breaking meal – is a daily ritual during the holy month of Ramadan at sunset. It is a time when families and friends come together to break their fasts. It increases the bond between families and is a fun and fulfilling experience both emotionally and spiritually.
The month of Ramadan comes to an end when the new moon of Eid is sighted. The sight of the new moon is considered very pious and holy by the Muslims. It is a signal for the celebration of Eid on the next day.
Eid is the most important festival of the Muslims. All over the world, Muslims celebrate it with great pomp and show, zeal and gusto. On Eid, Muslims wake up early in the morning, take bath and put on their best dresses. They visit mosques and offer prayers in the form of ‘Namaz’. They embrace and greet one another. Sweets are distributed, gifts are given and delicious dishes are prepared at home. Friends and relatives are invited to feasts. ‘Sweet noodles’ is the most popular dish cooked on this day. At some places, Eid fairs are also held.
It is a festival of love and goodwill. It gives us a message to love all and hate none. It exhorts us to bid goodbye to hatred, jealousy and enmity and bring in an era of love, sympathy and brotherhood.
- By Irma Jamal