Ramadan is the holiest month of the year in Islamic culture. For Muslims, this is a time of reflection and spiritual growth, helping those in need and spending time with loved ones. Reciting Quran daily is very important, especially when you have access to an online Quran teacher. For Muslims worldwide, this is also the time of daytime fasting during Ramadan. Learn more about Ramadan traditions and customs and why it is essential to the Muslim faith.

What is the month of Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. Muslims celebrate the holy month of Ramadan in honour of Allah, who sent an angel to the Prophet Muhammad in AD 610 to reveal Islam’s holy book, the Qur’an. This revelation is known in Arabic as the Night of Power or Laylat Al-Qadar.

• Muslims get up early during the holy month to eat the pre-dawn meal “Suhur” and break the fast with a dinner called “Iftar.”
• It is common to hold large iftar ceremonies in mosques, especially for the poor and needy. After Eid, the mosque also has evening prayers called Tarawih.
• During Ramadan, different cultures have different traditions, such as preparing unique dishes and eating Iftar with extended families. Many of these traditions are inspired by Islamic principles such as generosity, such as sharing food and inviting guests to Eid al-Fitr.

However, with the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, Ramadan is sure to be lacklustre this year, as all countries, including Muslim ones, have taken precautionary measures to limit the spread of the virus, such as banning or restricting social gatherings and closing mosques.

Following the Islamic and lunar cycles, Ramadan’s start and end times vary from year to year. The beginning of Ramadan is determined by the religious leaders’ observation of the new moon. Muslims must wait for the new moon before proclaiming the first day of Ramadan, but the new moon’s arrival is predictable. This year (2021), Ramadan is expected to begin on April 12 and end on May 12, when Eid al-Fitr will be celebrated. Ramadan usually lasts 29 to 30 days, depending on when the new moon is observed.

The Real Meaning of Ramadan

Ramadan is the most precious month in the Islamic calendar (Hijri), and Muslims are obliged to fast during Ramadan. Here are some interesting facts that illustrate the importance of Ramadan in Islam.

• The Holy Quran was first revealed during Ramadan.
• Fasting during Ramadan is the fourth of the five pillars of Islam.
• Fasting helps achieve Taqwa (avoiding actions that please and displease Allah).
• As you know, Ramadan is the month of the Quran. It is highly recommended that you read and study the Quran during Ramadan and share it with others.
• This month’s holy night or night of power (Laylat al-Qadr) is better than a thousand other months.
• During this holy month, the gates of heaven are opened, the gates of hell are closed, and the devil is imprisoned.
• The Umrah (short/minor pilgrimage) of Ramadan is equivalent to the Hajj (long voyage).
• Muslims perform i’tikaf (prayer in a mosque) during Ramadan, especially during the last ten days of this holy month.
• Offering Iftar (sunset meal after fasting) to those fasting during Ramadan is beneficial.
• Zakat (mandatory taxation and donation – 2.5% of the property) and Sadaqah (voluntary charity) are also strongly encouraged during Ramadan.

According to the authentic hadith of the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), if a person fasts sincerely during Ramadan with devotion and anticipation of the return, all past sins will be forgiven unless he has committed grave sins.

What is the primary purpose of Ramadan?

During Ramadan, Muslims want to grow spiritually and become closer to Allah and their loved ones. They do this by fasting and quitting smoking, drinking, and having sex every day from sunrise to sunset. Ramadan is also a time of spiritual unity and reflection, with Muslims praying, reciting the Quran, and doing good deeds. They donate to charities, spend time with loved ones, and avoid lies, gossip and arguments.

Read the Quran as much as you can in Ramadan.

Make it a habit to read the Quran every day. With Ramadan approaching, you need to be prepared to read the Quran within a month, so practice is necessary. In addition, reading the Quran always calms the mind and increases good deeds. There are multiple online Quran academies where you can get Quran tutors online, and they even provide online Quran classes on skype. Getting help from an online Quran teacher is as easy as using your phone now. So why don’t we take advantage of it? 

Fasting is highly recommended, especially during the first half of the month. However, the second half of the month before Ramadan should be combined with fasting.

Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?

Ramadan fasting is essential because it allows Muslims to focus on their faith, get closer to Allah, and learn patience and compassion. It’s about nourishing the soul, not just focusing on the body. It is also one of the five pillars of Islam and is the foundation of the Muslim way of life (the others are faith, prayer, charity, and the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca).

All Muslims generally fast except those who are sick, pregnant, breastfeeding, menstruating, elderly, or travelling. If you miss a day of fasting, you can make it up throughout the year.

Can I drink water during Ramadan?

Fasting is performed between sunrise and sunset. During this time, people of Islam are not allowed to drink water. Muslims usually get up before dawn and eat a simple meal called Suhoor. At this time, they drink plenty of water to get through the day. After the sun has completely set, they usually break the fast with water and date palms, then pray and eat a meal called “iftar.”

Conclusion.

Ramadan can focus on devotion to the faith through prayer, gratitude, asking for forgiveness, and helping those in need. Ramadan, for example, is important for many reasons, as it unites Muslims when they go to mosques to do tarawih prayers together after Iftar. Ramadan makes Muslims grateful for food, for all that Allah has given them, and brings them closer to each other and those around them. Ramadan is a jihad-like struggle where Muslims fight hunger while fasting. Fasting during Ramadan also makes Muslims stronger against sin and more loving others.