Top 10 Facts you need to know about Ramadan
Ramadan is not a new thing to many of us who live in countries rich in diversity. We all know that the Muslims fast during this season and they celebrate at the end of the fast. But do we know the real reason why they do so? Are all Muslims fast during the Ramadan? How do they fast? There are many interesting facts about Ramadan that many would like to know.
Ramadan is the ninth month of Islamic calendar. It is the most secret month for Muslims. They go to their mosques more often and spend more time praying during this holy month. Ramadan is a month of fasting, worship, service, gatherings and spiritual development for the Muslims.
1. Meaning of the word Ramadan
The word Ramadan has derived from the Arabic word Ramidha meaning intense scorching heat. Muslims believe that their sins will be burnt as the blazing sun evaporates the water from the earth surface in Ramadan if followed properly.
2. Fasting during Ramadan
During Ramadan Muslims fast 29 to 30 days. They have to abstain from food, drink and sexual relations before the first light of dawn until the setting of the sun. Fasting in Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The pillars of Islam are the five obligations that a Muslim must fulfill to consider him/her as a believer.
Why it is important to fast during Ramadan
- It was one of the acts prescribed by Allah for the Muslims.
- To learn self-control and discipline.
- To learn patience, perseverance and spirituality.
- To practice sharing and giving for the less fortunate.
3. Who can avoid fasting?
During the month of Ramadan all Muslim adults should fast but there are few exceptions for those who are sick, travelling, pregnant or breastfeeding. If fasting is going to have a negative impact on your health you can stay away from it. Those who break the fast early or skip some days of fasting due to illnesses or any other unavoidable reason can make up for the missed days of fasting.
According to Islam no one has to suffer by fasting and it is important to care for their health. Those who are unable to fast during Ramadan there are several other things they can practice during this period to stay holy.
Children are also exempt from fasting however they can practice fasting within a few hours to half a day during Ramadan.
4. When is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the 9th month of Islamic calendar. It may consist of 29 to 20 days. The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle and Ramadan moves back around 10-11 days each year. Ramadan begins with the sighting of the crescent moon.
5. When can they eat?
Those who follow fasting have one meal before the sun rises and it is known as the “suhoor”. It is taken before the morning prayers and before starting the fast. Next meal will be taken after the sunset and it is called the “iftar”. This is the meal they end their daily fast. After the prayers the iftar is enjoyed with family and friends.
6. Dates become very popular during Ramadan
All Muslims end their daily fast with dates. If they cannot get any dates they can break their fast with water. Dates are considered as a fruit that contain high levels of carbohydrates and fiber. Dates are also rich in vitamins and minerals. So it is a good choice to break the fast with dates to regain the energy fast and stay healthy.
7. Benefits of fasting
Fasting can add many health benefits to the human body. Fasting not only improves our mental health but also helps the body to recover by itself or self-heal. It is one of the best ways to detox our bodies and it helps us to lose most of the unhealthy weight.
During the month of fasting the Muslims also practice donating food and money to the poor and get engaged in many charitable activities to refresh their mind and thoughts.
8. Observances during the Ramadan
Even though we all know that the Muslims fast during the Ramadan season there are many other activities they perform during their holy month. They stay away from gossiping, cursing, lying, arguing, etc.
They also recite the Quran and perform Salah (Namaz) during prayer times. It is a perfect time for them to improve their knowledge and understanding of their religion. It is a month of giving and generosity too.
9. Another significant importance
Ramadan is the month in which Allah revealed the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad in the .cave of Hira through Angel Jibreel Allah in the Holy Quran has said, “It was the month of Ramadan in which the Quran was first sent down as guidance for all people, having in it clear proofs of divine guidance and the criterion for right and wrong. So whoever among you bears witness to the month shall then fast it.” [Holy Quran, Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185]
According to Muslims, it was a night that fell during the last ten days of Ramadan when Allah revealed the Holy Quran to Prophet Muhammad. It is known as “Laylat al-Qadr” or the “Night of Power” and is considered the holiest night in Islam.
10. Eid – Ul – Fitr
The end of the holy month is celebrated with the occasion Eid-Ul- Fitr, a celebration which usually runs for three days where Muslims enjoy and celebrate the blessings from Allah. It begins with the siting of the 10th new moon. They wear new clothes, exchange gifts, donate to charity and enjoy many traditional meals specially prepared during this season. They also visit their friends and relatives and enjoy meals together.
Ramadan is a month that is very important to Muslims around the globe. For non-Muslims it may look like a month that Muslims fast each day from dawn to dusk. But the truth is there are many other activities they perform and observe during this season.
In some countries they decorate their homes or shop entrances with traditionally decorated lanterns called fanous. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to be together either with their families, relatives or friends. It is a time they break their fast together, pray together and spend time together.
According to the Islamic history the first ever fast during the month of Ramadan has begun in the year 624 CE. Ramadan fast helps your body to heal, boost your brain health and practice many good deeds.
That’s the top ten facts which we wanted to share with you all about the Blessed festival. With Teeparam Exchange you can enjoy best Sri Lanka exchange rate while sending money to Sri Lanka from UK. Hope you loved reading our blog. For more updates please stay tuned.