By Alhaji Alhasan Abdulai
From June 28 most Muslims throughout the world including Ghana have begun the annual month long Ramadan fast.? Every Muslim male and female?? above the puberty age is required to stay clear from food and drink and pleasures from dawn to dusk.? According to the Islamic law, Muslims are expected to fast for either 29 or 30 days depending of the sighting of the moon to mark the end of the days in the Ramadan month ??Earlier the Muslim leadership in Ghana had predicted that fasting will begin on June 28 or 29, depending on the sighting of the moon. True to this the moon was sighted on June 27th at Koforidua in the Eastern Region leading to the National Chief Imam Sheikh Dr Usman Nuhu Sharubutu to instruct Muslims to commence the fasting.
The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran; a guidance for mankind, ?and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful?. [Quran?2:185]
Thus, according to the Quran, Muhammad first received revelations in the lunar month of Ramadan. Therefore, the month of Ramadan is considered to be the most sacred month of the Islamic calendar, the recording of which began with the Hijra.
Origins
Ramadan, as the month is called, is of Muslim origin. However, prior to Islam’s exclusion of intercalary days from its calendar, the name of this month was N?tiq and, due to the intercalary days which always occurred in the warm season.
This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month whose commencement is based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths. The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root rami?a or ar-rama?, which means scorching heat or dryness.[9]
Fasting is fard (“obligatory”) for adult Muslims, except those who are ill, traveling, pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic or going through menstrual bleeding.[10] Fasting the month of Ramadan was made obligatory (w?jib) during the month of Sha’aban, in the second year after the Muslims migrated from Mecca to Medina.
While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims are to refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations; in some interpretations they also refrain from swearing. ?Food and drink is served daily, before sunrise and after sunset.?According to Islam, the thawab (rewards) of fasting are many, but in this month they are believed to be multiplied. Fasting for Muslims during Ramadan typically includes the increased offering of sallat (prayers) and recitation of the holy Quran
Ramadan, as a month name, is of Muslim origin. However, prior to Islam’s exclusion of intercalary days from its calendar, the name of this month was N?tiq and, due to the intercalary days added, always occurred in the warm season.[16]
It is believed that the first revelation to Muhammad was sent down during the month of Ramadan.[17] Furthermore, God proclaimed to Muhammad that fasting for His sake was not a new innovation in monotheism, but rather an obligation practiced by those truly devoted to the oneness of God.[18]
During the Jahiliyyah (i.e. pre-Islamic period), the Quraysh tribe and the Jews used to fast on the day of Ashura.[19][20][21] It marks two important events: the day Noah left the Ark and the day that Moses was saved from the Egyptians by God.[22] Ashura may or may not be referring to the Jewish practice of fasting on Yom Kippur.[23][24][25]
Abu Zanad, an Arabic writer from Iraq who lived after the founding of Islam around 747 CE, wrote that at least one Mandaean community located in al-Jazira (modern northern Iraq) observed Ramadan.[26]
Historically, Ramadan comes “from the strict Lenten discipline of the Syrian churches.”[27]
Important dates
The beginning and end of Ramadan are determined by the lunar Islamic calendar.
Hil?l (the crescent) is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon marks the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan. However, to many Muslims, this is not in accordance with authenticated Hadiths stating that visual confirmation per region is recommended. The consistent variations of a day have existed since the time of Muhammad.
Night of Power
Laylat al-Qadr, which in Arabic means “the night of power” or “the night of decree,” is considered the most holy night of the year. This is the night in which Muslims believe the first revelation of the Quran was sent down to Muhammad stating that this night was “better than one thousand months [of proper worship], as stated in Chapter 97:3 of the Qu’ran.
Also, generally, Laylat al-Qadr is believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan, i.e., the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th. The Dawoodi Bohra Community believes that 23rd night is laylat al Qadr.[32] [33]
End
The holiday of Eid al-Fitr , “festivity of breaking the fast” marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the next lunar month, Shawwal. This first day of the following month is declared after another crescent new moon has been sighted or the completion of 30 days of fasting if no visual sighting is possible due to weather conditions. This first day of Shawwal is called Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr may also be a reference towards the festive nature of having endured the month of fasting successfully and returning to the more natural disposition (fitra) of being able to eat, drink and resume intimacy with spouses during the day.[citation needed]
Religious practices
The predominant practice in Ramadan is fasting from dawn to sunset. The pre-dawn meal before the fast is called the suhoor, while the meal at sunset that breaks the fast is the iftar. Considering the high diversity of the global Muslim population, it is impossible to describe typical suhoor or iftar meals.
Muslims also engage in increased prayer and charity during Ramadan.
Fastiing
Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. The fast (sawm) begins at dawn and ends at sunset. In addition to abstaining from eating and drinking, Muslims also increase restraint, such as abstaining from sexual relations and generally sinful speech and behavior. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the soul by freeing it from harmful impurities. Ramadan also teaches Muslims how to better practice self-discipline, self-control,[34] sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity (zakat).[35]
It becomes compulsory for Muslims to start fasting when they reach puberty, so long as they are healthy and sane, and have no disabilities or illnesses. Many children who are encouraged to fast endeavor to complete the ?fasts many times over ?as much as ?possible as practice for later life.
As said earlier, exemptions to fasting are travel, menstruation, severe illness, pregnancy, and breast-feeding. However, many Muslims with medical conditions insist on fasting to satisfy their spiritual needs, although it is not recommended by the hadith. Professionals should closely monitor individuals who decide to persist with fasting.[36] Those that were unable to fast still must make up the days missed later.[37]? ???Those not allowed to?? fast under Islamic law ?would have to feed the poor or get some people to fast for them
Each day before dawn, many Muslims observe a pre-fast meal called suhoor. After stopping a short time before dawn, Muslims begin the first prayer of the day, Fajr.[38][39] At sunset, families hasten for the fast-breaking meal known as iftar.
?In the evening, dates are usually the first food to break the fast; according to tradition, Muhammad broke fast with three dates. In non muslim nations it is not obligatory for people to break their fast with dates if they cannot get them to buy.? After breaking their fast, Muslims generally adjourn for the Maghreb prayer, the fourth of the five daily prayers, after which the main meal is served.[40]
Social gatherings, in a buffet style, at iftar are frequent, and traditional dishes are often served the most , including traditional desserts, especially those made only during Ramadan. Water is usually the beverage of choice, but juice and milk are also consumed. Soft drinks and caffeinated beverages are consumed to a lesser extent.[36]
In the Middle East, the iftar meal consists of water, juices, dates, salads and appetizers, one or more main dishes, and various kinds of desserts. Usually, the dessert is the most important part during iftar. Typical main dishes are lamb stewed with wheat berries, lamb kebabs with grilled vegetables, or roast chicken served with chickpea-studded rice pilaf. A rich dessert such as luqaimat, baklava or kunafeh (a buttery, syrup-sweetened kadaifi noodle pastry filled with cheese) concludes the meal.[41]
Over time, iftar has grown into banquet festivals. This is a time of fellowship with families, friends and surrounding communities, but may also occupy larger spaces at masjid or banquet halls for 100 or more diners.[42]
Charity
Charity is very important in Islam, and even more so during Ramadan. Zak?t, often translated as “the poor-rate,” is obligatory as one of the pillars of Islam; a fixed percentage of the person’s savings is required to be given to the poor. Sadaqah is voluntary charity in giving above and beyond what is required from the obligation of zak?t. In Islam all good deeds are more handsomely rewarded in Ramadan than in any other month of the year. Consequently, many will choose this time to give a larger portion, if not all, of the zak?t which they are obligated to give. In addition, many will also use this time to give a larger portion of sadaqah in order to maximize the reward that will await them at the Last Judgment.
In many Muslim countries, it is a common sight to see people giving more food to the poor and the homeless, and even to see large public areas for the poor to come and break their fast. It is said that if a person helps a fasting person to break their fast, then they receive a reward for that fast, without diminishing the reward that the fasting person got for their fast.[citation needed]
Nightly prayers
Recitation of the Quran
In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Quran. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Quran by means of special prayers, called Tarawih. These voluntary prayers are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Quran (juz’, which is 1/30 of the Quran) is recited. Therefore, the entire Quran would be completed at the end of the month. Although it is not required to read the whole Quran in the Tarawih prayers, it is common.
Ramadan in the Old City of Jerusalem
In some Muslim countries today lights are strung up in public squares, and across city streets, to add to the festivities of the month. Lanterns have become symbolic decorations welcoming the month of Ramadan. In a growing number of countries, they are hung on city streets.[43][44][45] The tradition of lanterns as a decoration becoming associated with Ramadan is believed to have originated during the Fatimid Caliphate primarily centered in Egypt, where Caliph al-Mu’izz li-Din Allah was greeted by people holding lanterns to celebrate his ruling. From that time lanterns were used to light mosques and houses throughout the capital city of Cairo. Shopping malls, places of business, and people’s homes can be seen with stars and crescents and various lighting effects, as well.
In some Muslim countries, failing to fast or the open flouting of such behavior during Ramadan is considered a crime and is prosecuted as such. For instance, in Algeria, in October 2008 the court of Biskra condemned six people to four years in prison and heavy fines.[46]
In Kuwait, according to law number 44 of 1968 the penalty is a fine of no more than 100 Kuwaiti dinars, or jail for no more than one month, or both penalties, for those seen eating, drinking or smoking during Ramadan daytime.[47][48] In the U.A.E., eating or drinking during the daytime of Ramadan is considered a minor offence and would be punished by up to 240 hours of community service.[49]
In Egypt, alcohol sales are banned during Ramadan.[50]
Some countries have laws that amend work schedules in Ramadan. Under U.A.E. labor law, the maximum working hours are to be 6 hours per day and 36 hours per week. Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait have similar laws.[51]
Health concerns
Ramadan alters the circadian rhythm and the necessary water supply for humans.[52][53][54] An updated review of the literature by an Iranian group suggested fasting during Ramadan might be injurious for patients with moderate or worse kidney disease, but was not injurious to renal transplant patients with good function or most stone forming patients
?SOME IMPORTANT FACTS ?AND ?INSTRUCTIONS ?ON ?FASTING
Each year, Muslims throughout the world observe the holy month of Ramadan on different dates for a reason.. Since Ramadan is marked by the emergence of the new moon during this period, Muslims in varying parts of the world may begin to observe the holiday at slightly different times. For instance, those who observe Ramadan in the Middle East usually begin a day before those in North America. However, all will observe the practice of siyyam or sawm, a period of fasting that promotes dedication to prayer and to God.
1.?? Learn How to Observe Ramadan
o??? 1
Recognize that Ramadan commemorates the month in which the Qur’an, the word of God (or Allah), was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. The Qur’an, which literally translates to “the recitation” in Arabic, is believed to be divine communication directly from God that was delivered to Muhammad over a period of 23 years.
o??? 2
Discover that Ramadan embraces the fourth of the five pillars or religious duties of the Muslim faith. As such, it is characterized by a period of fasting as a means toward self-purification of mind, body and spirit.
o??? 3
Understand that fasting during Ramadan means more than abstaining from food and drink. During Ramadan, one must also avoid sexual activity, arguing, gossip, expressions of anger and envy. The purpose of these restrictions is to encourage self-discipline and devotion to prayer, elevating attunement with the divine.
o??? 4
Expect the practice of fasting from food and drink (even water) during Ramadan to be observed every day of the month from dawn until sundown. The fast may be broken when it is time to perform Maghrib, the fourth daily prayer at dusk.
o??? 5
Know that Muslims strive to read the Qur’an in its entirety during the month of Ramadan. Sunni Muslims hold to nightly recitations of “Tarawih” (extra prayers) with sections of the Qur’an being read each night for 30 days. The Shiite Muslims practice a nightly prayer, known as “Salat al-Layl,” and encourage independent study of the Qur’an.
o??? 6
Be aware that the rising of the next new moon ushers in Eid ul-Fitr, the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” and signals the end of Ramadan
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