The month of Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar but because Islam follows a lunar calendar rather than the Gregorian one, the dates change every year. The observance of fasting from dawn to dusk during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all adult Muslims except those who are ill, traveling, breastfeeding, pregnant, diabetic or menstruating. While fasting from dawn to sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food or drink, smoking, sex and in some cases, swearing. Food and drink is served before sunrise (suhoor) and after sunset (Iftar) and varies from place to place on what is served. In Islam the reward for fasting is great but during this month the rewards are multiplied, and fasting often includes an increase in salat (prayers) and reading/reciting the Qur'an.
The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Qur'an; 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. (Qur'an, 2: 185) It is believed that the first revelation to Muhammad was sent down during the month of Ramadan. Furthermore, Allaah 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.
Ramadan a time of spiritual reflection, improvement and increased devotion and worship and Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. 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, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and compulsory charity called zakat.
Hilāl, or 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.
While the entire month is holy, there are a couple of days (or sets of days) in particular that are given particular significance. 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 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.
In all, the month of Ramadan is important for many reasons and there are a lot of things that go on and I would like to take this opportunity to invite all non-Muslims to attend a Friday service and prayer or an Iftar dinner during this most holy of months. Go with an open mind, an open heart and a willingness to learn something new about the beautiful religion of Islaam and in shaa Allaah be able to pass along the knowledge to someone else.
Ya Allaah make what is difficult easy and what is easy keep it easy. May we be granted many blessings of Allaah, Most Merciful, Most High, Most Generous, during this holy month of Ramadan and may we live to see many more in sha Allaah.
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