It is widely known that this year's Ramadan is starting on the 23rd of April, all other things been equal. Thought it might change probably plus or minus a day depending on when the moon has been sighted and depending on when Shaaban complete 30days. May Allah see us through it.
But before we enter the month of Ramadan, I want us to know the meaning and the virtues embedded in the Holy month of Ramadan as one of the best month according to the Holy Qur’an.
Below are some clarifications about what Ramadan entails.
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar which is a lunar calendar based on the cycles of the moon. It is the most sacred month of the year in Islamic culture. Traditionally, people searched for the slight crescent using the naked eye, which has led to the declaration of different starting times for Ramadan, due to weather or geography. However, in many parts of the world, Ramadan still does not begin until religious leaders announce that they have personally seen the crescent moon.
Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, self-improvement, and heightened devotion and worship. Observances begin the morning after the crescent moon is visibly sighted, marking the beginning of the new month and the fasting also ends by the same scenario. During this month, All Muslims, from the age of puberty, who are physically and mentally well, should observe fasting. Fasting involves abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual relations from dawn to sunset for 29 or 30 days of Ramadan in the hopes that it will lead to greater "taqwa" (consciousness of God).
"It is also known as intermittent fasting."
What are the Purposes and objectives of fasting in the month of Ramadan?
The main reason behind fasting is to attain piety and to testifies to total submission and obedience to the will of the Almighty.
Meanwhile , exemptions to fasting include;
travel,
menstruation,
severe illness, pregnancy,
and breastfeeding.
These categories of people may postpone it:
The very old and permanently ill are excused from fasting. They feed a poor person for every day of Ramadan.
The usual activities of Ramadan which are common to all Muslims individual include the following:
* fasting during the same month.
* waiting for the time to break the fast in the evening,
* congregational Tarawih Prayers observed in the mosque after breaking the fast.
* the Night of Power (Laylat al-Qadr).
* The Eid celebration (Eid al-Fitr) at the end of Ramadan strengthen the social ties among believers.
Hadith;
Allah’s Messenger says: “The similitude of believers in regard to mutual love, affection, and fellow-feeling is that of one body; when any limb aches, the whole body aches because of sleeplessness and fever.”
What are the religious rules governing fasting in this holly month?
Muslims are expected to fast from all (Halal) foods and drinks, including water, from dawn until sunset each day during Ramadan.
No to drinking of any kind during the fasting daylight hours, practicing Muslims are not permitted to consume water. Instead, it's recommended that anyone fasting drink as much water as possible in the early morning ( at Sahuur) to ward off thirst during the day.
More also,
The following actions can led to the breaking of your fast during Ramadan:
*Drinking or eating while fasting.
* Brushing the teeth and gargling (Beyond limitations)
* Health-related issues.
* Applying lipstick, nail polish and perfumes for women.
* Cursing, speaking evils, lying, telling tales, falsely testifying, listening to unnecessary music, watching pornography movies.
* Intimacy between married couples.
* Taking a dip in a swimming pool or a shower. (Unnecessarily placing of head in water for a period of long time)
The best time to make supplications during Ramadan are:
1.during all nights of Ramadan
2.During the night of Majesty or night of decree
3.when opening a fast at dusk
Prayers when Opening a fast at dusk:
It is mentioned in a Hadith that at the time of opening the fast, the person is permitted to make a dua whose acceptance is promised.
It is mentioned in a Hadith that when food is presented to you at the time of iftaar, then prior to opening your fast you should recite the following dua,
“Allahumo laka sumtu wa alaa rizqika aftortu fataqobalahu minniy”
Translation: "In the name of Allah. All praise is due to Allah. O Allah! I have fasted for Your pleasure, it is with Your sustenance that I am opening my fast, and I have placed complete trust in You Accept this fast from me.
The other Virtues of Ramadan, its benefits and Laylatul Quadri will be discussed in our next post. Stay tuned and endeavour to share this to Muslims throughout the universe. I pray we witness this year's Ramadan and subsequent ones In Sha Allah.
Salam aleykum warahmotullah Wabarakatu.
Written by :
Uztadh Ayinde Khaleed Ademola
Hod IjuOkoOba,
Dawah Secretary NYW Lagos Zone2
The National HODS PRS.
Barakalahu feeh ustadh
ReplyDeleteRamadan kareem