What is the holy month of Ramadan? Ramadan. Everything you need to know. Giving up needs to strengthen the human spirit
Ramadan is a holy month in Islam, in 2018 it begins on May 15 at sunset and ends on June 14 in the evening, after which the holiday of Eid al-Fitr (Turkic name “Eid al-Adha”) will begin.
Ramadan, a month of fasting and spiritual purification, can begin at different times in different Muslim countries - this depends on the method of astronomical calculation or direct observation of the phases of the Moon.
Muslims congratulate each other on the onset of Ramadan, since it was during this month that the Holy Quran was revealed, which plays a special role in the life of every believer.
The month of Ramadan, which Muslim believers consider their main duty of the year, is very important in Islam. This is a holy month of obligatory fasting and daily prayers - a time to earn eternal Paradise.
During the holy month of Ramadan, many deeds can earn great rewards: fasting, five daily prayers (namaz), Tarawih prayer, sincere du'a, evening (iftar) and pre-dawn meals (suhoor), as well as donations and many others good deeds and deeds.
The righteous believe that fasting helps a Muslim control negative emotions and qualities, such as anger, hatred, greed, and also fight the passions that overcome him.
In Islam, people hope to get closer to the Almighty through fasting. And since getting closer to Allah is the meaning of a believer’s life, fasting occupies an important place in Islam. First of all, fasting is intended to pacify the soul and body, as well as to accurately fulfill the instructions of Allah.
The holy fast of Ramadan begins at dawn and ends at sunset - during the daytime the faithful refuse to eat.
In Islam, during fasting, there are two night meals: Suhur - pre-dawn and Iftar - evening. It is advisable to complete the pre-dawn meal at least half an hour before dawn, and iftar should begin immediately after the evening prayer.
Compliance with these two meals is encouraged by an additional reward, although skipping is not a violation of the fast. According to the Koran, the best food for a night meal is water and dates.
The Prophet Muhammad also spoke about the importance of eating before dawn. He said: “Take food before dawn on fasting days! Truly, in suhoor is God’s grace (barakat)!”
Throughout Ramadan, Muslims eat their morning meal before dawn. They believe that Allah will greatly reward such an action. You should not overeat during Suhoor, but you should eat enough food - it gives you strength for the whole day.
The evening meal should be started immediately after sunset, that is, after the fourth, penultimate prayer of that day.
Isha - night prayer - the last of the five obligatory daily prayers, follows iftar. Doctors do not recommend skipping iftar, as this can have a bad effect on the body.
It is recommended to consume complex carbohydrates during Suhoor - vegetable salad, sprouted grain bread, cereal dishes. Complex carbohydrates provide the body with energy, despite the fact that they take a long time to digest. Dried fruits - dates, nuts - almonds and fruits - bananas are also suitable.
In the morning you should not eat protein foods - they load the liver, which works without interruption during fasting. At this time of day, you should not eat fried, fatty and smoked foods, as well as fish, as you will want to drink after eating it. You also need to give up coffee.
Meat and vegetable dishes can be eaten during iftar, as well as cereal dishes and sweets in small quantities. By the way, sweets can be replaced with dates or fruits. But you need to drink a lot of water. You can also drink compote, tea, fruit drink, juice and jelly.
It is not advisable to eat fatty and fried foods in the evening - they will cause heartburn and put on extra pounds. Instant foods - various cereals in packages - should also be excluded from the evening diet. Such dishes will not fill you up, and literally after an hour or two you will want to eat again, as they contain salt and other spices.
During the Ramadan fast, it is better to exclude sausages and frankfurters from the menu altogether. Sausages, which have a bad effect on the liver and kidneys and satisfy hunger only for a few hours, can develop thirst.
Every adult Muslim is required to fast during Ramadan. During fasting, everyone must adhere to the established rules - pray a lot and confirm daily their intention to participate in this holiday in the name of Allah.
During the month of Ramadan, during the daytime, Muslims, in order to atone for their sins, refuse not only to eat, but also to drink, smoke and have sex.
Ramadan is a holy month, which is intended to cleanse the soul and body, to rethink life in general. Therefore, Allah will not count the fulfillment of religious duty without daily prayers (namaz).
During this strict fast one should abstain from evil thoughts and intentions, perform prayers more often, and avoid defamatory actions and ungodly people.
Old people and warriors, sick people, travelers, pregnant and lactating women, as well as children are exempt from fasting during holy Ramadan. Compensation of the fast is obligatory in another, more favorable period.
The fast is broken during the holy month of Ramadan and the following actions require atonement (kaffara) - deliberate consumption of food, liquid, medicine and everything that is suitable for consumption, as well as smoking and marital intimacy.
The following circumstances that violate the fast also require compensation: use of an enema; ingestion of drugs into the body through the nose and ears; water entering the nasopharynx during ablution; deliberately inducing vomiting; the beginning of menstruation or the postpartum period.
A Muslim who breaks his fast must pay a certain amount of money or food to the needy, thus making up for the fast.
Entering into intimate relationships is one of the most serious violations. For this violation, a Muslim must either feed 60 poor people or observe 60 days of continuous strict fasting.
The last ten days of fasting are especially strict and responsible, since the most important night of the year for every Muslim - Laylat al-Qadr or the Night of Power and Predestination - falls on one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan.
According to legend, it was at this time that the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations from the Archangel Jebrail - he went down to the praying prophet and gave him the Koran. Although, some sources indicate that the Night of Power and Predestination falls on the 27th of Ramadan
An entire sura is dedicated to this Night in the Holy Koran - “Inna anzalnagu”. It says that the Night of Power is better than a thousand months without it.
Moscow Cathedral Mosque during the Muslim holiday of Ramadan
It is believed that the fate of every person - his life path, the difficulties and trials that must be passed through - is predetermined in heaven in Laylat al-Qadr, reports the Rosregister website. And if a true believer spends this night in prayer, in understanding his actions and possible mistakes, then Allah will be merciful and forgive him his sins. Therefore, Muslims try to pray with great zeal during the holy month of Ramadan and adhere to the instructions of Allah. It is believed that for the good deeds performed during Ramadan, Allah rewards believers a hundredfold, bestowing them with prosperity, health and good luck.
Throughout Ramadan, Muslims must read the Koran, devote their time to pious thoughts and actions, work and charity. In addition, to the usual five prayers a day, one more is added - “tarawih”.
"Taraweeh" means voluntary prayer, which is performed in the holy month of Ramadan after the night prayer (Isha). Tarawih is an obligatory sunnah (sunnah muakkyada) for both men and women.
The Prophet Muhammad performed this prayer on the 23rd, 25th and 27th nights of the month of Ramadan together with his companions in the mosque. And so that people would not perceive this prayer as obligatory, the prophet did not offer it every day.
After every four rakyaats (the order of words and actions that make up the Muslim prayer), following the example of the companions of the prophet, it is advisable to take a short break. At this time, it is recommended to indulge in reflection about God, praise and remember the Almighty, or listen to a short sermon.
The holy month of Ramadan ends with the second most important holiday - Eid al-Fitr or the so-called Feast of Breaking the Fast. The holiday begins after sunset on the last day of Ramadan.
At this time, Muslims should indulge in reflection on spiritual values and rethink life during the period of fasting. Eid al-Fitr is considered a holiday of salvation from hell - a day of love, reconciliation and friendly handshakes. On the holiday, it is customary to visit the disadvantaged and care for the elderly.
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Suhur
Suhur is the meal before the morning Fajr prayer. Suhur is a sunnah (desirable action) and must be completed before the true dawn:
“Eat and drink until you can distinguish the white thread of dawn from the black, then fast until nightfall” (Quran 2:187).
Suhur is the mercy and grace of the Almighty, so you need to wake up on time and eat slowly.
After completing Suhur, the believer states his intention to fast and begins morning prayer.
Iftar
Iftar is a meal in the evening after sunset (Maghreb). Immediately after the adhan for the evening prayer with the name of Allah ﷻ and a prayer for accepting the fast, the first part of the iftar begins. Foods include dates or other foods that quickly saturate the blood with glucose, such as baked goods, fresh or dry fruits, and a glass of water. Prophet Mohammad ﷺ said:
“When one of you breaks his fast, let him break his fast with dates, and if he does not find dates, let him break his fast with water, for truly it purifies” (Abu Dawud, 2355, at-Tirmidhi, 658, Ibn Majah, 1699)
For Muslims, the arrival of Ramadan is a source of joy and celebration, but the way we spend this month may seem strange to people unfamiliar with the principles of Islam. Ramadan is not a month of partying and socializing, it is a month of worship. Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam.
Muslims express gratitude and love for the One True God by obeying and worshiping Him. We worship according to His guidance in the Quran and through the authentic traditions of the Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan is special. This is a month of fasting, reading and seeking to understand the Qur'an and special additional prayers. Mosques come alive in the evening when Muslims gather to break their fast and pray together. The rich sound of Qur'anic recitation can be heard throughout the long nights as Muslims stand shoulder to shoulder, praying and praising God.
Muslims all over the world love the month of Ramadan and look forward to it with anticipation and excitement. In the weeks leading up to Ramadan, life is carefully planned and worship plans for the month are made. The countdown begins and with it the talk about how many weeks are left until this blessed month begins. Perhaps non-Muslims will wonder why we look forward to days of fasting and sleepless nights. Ramadan offers a chance for redemption and great reward. This month is unlike any other. A month of spiritual reflection and prayer. Hearts are directed away from worldly activities and move closer to God.
Why do Muslims love Ramadan? Survey (video)
During the month of Ramadan, all physically mature and healthy Muslims are required to fast: abstain from all food, drinks, chewing gum, any type of tobacco and any type of sexual contact from dawn to dusk. However, this is only the physical aspect. In addition, there are spiritual qualities, which include the rejection of gossip, lies, slander and all bad character traits. Unholy sights and sounds that may interfere with the purification of thoughts and actions should be avoided. Fasting is also a way to feel hunger and learn to empathize with the less fortunate, as well as learn gratitude and appreciation to the Almighty for all His bounties.
God said:
“O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, just as it was prescribed for your predecessors, so perhaps you will be afraid.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:183)
Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) also reminded us that fasting is not only abstaining from food and drink, but there is another dimension to it. He said:
“If someone does not refrain from using obscene language and acts indecently (during the period of fasting), then God no longer needs what he does not eat or drink.” (Al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Ramadan is also the month when Muslims try to establish or restore a relationship with the Qur'an. It must be said that the words of God are a guiding light and mercy. The Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadan. Ramadan and the Quran are inextricably intertwined. Staying with the Qur'an, reading, memorizing, reading the Qur'an out loud and meditating on its meaning is spiritually uplifting, comforting and provides a source of strength.
Reading at night is especially useful, since all distractions during the day disappear and closeness to God is felt in the silence of the night. During Ramadan, special night prayers are held during which parts of the Koran are read. These prayers are called tarawih. Every night one-thirtieth part of the Qur'an is recited so that by the end of the month the entire Qur'an is completed.
One of the last odd nights of the month is Laylatul-Qadr, “Night of Power.” This night of the holy month is also called the “Night of Predestination.” Muslims believe that on this night God began to reveal the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) through the angel Jibril. For the time spent in sincere prayer on this night, Allah gives great rewards and blessings. The Qur'an says that praying for this one night is better than a thousand months spent in prayer. No one knows what night it is, since this is one of the mysteries of God.
Ramadan is also the month of good deeds and charity. Muslims strive to give alms and increase their good deeds. Giving can be as simple as smiling—there is no need for ostentatious generosity. Charity given without demonstration is more positive for both the recipient and the giver. Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) was always a generous man and never owned more than could cover his basic needs. He generously distributed any surplus to those around him, but he was most generous in the month of Ramadan.
The question may arise: if the qualities and virtues of a Muslim are genuine and the believer is devoted to God, then he should demonstrate these qualities in any month and this is indeed the case. However, as human beings, we are all prone to commit sins and make mistakes. Sometimes the nature of life makes us forget our real purpose. Our purpose is to worship God, so God in His infinite wisdom and mercy gave us Ramadan so that we remember our purpose.
A wisely spent month of Ramadan will help to “charge” our spiritual and physical “battery”. This month is filled with mercy and forgiveness, God makes it easy for us to overcome our shortcomings and to reward us abundantly. He is our Creator, who understands that we are still far from perfect. When we go to God, He immediately meets us, but when we remove our hands, He reaches us and grants us forgiveness.
Muslims love Ramadan. This is a lifeline for us. We stand shoulder to shoulder and bow our heads in worship. Ramadan is spreading throughout the world: Muslims begin and break the fast together, as a single organism, a single people. Ramadan comes and all our good deeds are elevated to God. The month of Ramadan is a joy and a gift beyond comparison. Even before the end of the month is over, Muslims begin to feel sad that this blessed month is ending and try to extend the time by arriving with the Quran and worshiping God in the best possible way.
Aisha Stacys
Australian writer,
who converted to Islam
Ramadan (Ramadan) is the holy month of Muslims, the ninth according to the lunar calendar. This year it will start in July.
This is a special time. It is believed that it was in this month that the Prophet Muhammad, in the Hira cave near Mecca, received verses of the Holy Quran from the angel Gabriel. That is why Ramadan is considered a blessed month, when every Muslim must renounce earthly goods and vanities, devoting himself to serving Allah. And the main condition for humility and purification is considered to be a special fast unique to this time. During Ramadan, the entire way of life in Muslim countries changes - something that even tourists have to put up with (for example, during Ramadan, all cafes and restaurants open only after sunset). Followers of Islam in other countries also try to fulfill the conditions of the holy fast, although this is not so easy to do in a country where Muslim culture does not predominate.
What is the meaning of Ramadan?
Ramadan is considered a time of purification. Undoubtedly, fasting is an important part of it. But not the only one. First of all, the fast itself and any other actions at this time should serve one purpose - cleansing. It is believed that all the dark thoughts and desires that overwhelm a person during Lent come not from evil forces, but from the person himself. It is during this month that a person should especially concentrate on freeing himself even from bad intentions. At this time, a Muslim should spend time in labor, constant prayers and especially reading the Koran. It is believed that reading the entire Quran during Ramadan is a particularly godly deed. Another important point is charity. Any good deed performed at this time should be marked by a special command of the soul, since only nominal fulfillment of the injunctions of Islam will not bring goodness. Any action and even fasting itself must come from inner intention.
Refusal of food occurs within the framework of “nafs” - the time of curbing human passions. Even on the hottest and most exhausting days, a Muslim must be firm in his intention to renounce carnal pleasures and desires. An important point of Ramadan is the refusal of any entertainment, including music, loud conversations and immodest behavior. This is not a time for smiles, but for serious reflection, good thoughts and spiritual aspirations towards Allah.
Ramadan is a time of discipline and steadfastness of faith. It is believed that often a person who has left Islam returns to it precisely in Ramadan, imbued with the seriousness and special importance of this time. This is a time of strengthening the faith and unity of all Muslims.
Fasting in Ramadan
The basics of fasting are simple to understand: during Ramadan, a Muslim should not eat food, drink water or drinks from sunrise to sunset. During this month, any cafes, restaurants and other catering establishments are closed until sunset. And only after dark can you take some food.
No matter how strict fasting is, it has its “contraindications.” Thus, during Ramadan, fasting is not observed by people with mental disabilities, those who are unable to realize their actions, children under 7 years of age, the seriously ill, and people on the move, who are not only not recommended, but also prohibited from fasting if it threatens their health. Pregnant and lactating women are also “exempt” from fasting, as well as all the fairer sex during menstruation. Old people and chronically ill people also do not have to observe Ramadan, but for each missed day such a Muslim must feed a poor person.
You can’t “break” during Ramadan. Any violation of the fast outside of the above situations is considered to be an interruption and “cancels” the entire fast. However, a Muslim must make up for each missed day: feed 60 beggars a decent dinner, or fast for six days for each missed day. In some cases, they fast for another month after Ramadan.
What are Suhur and Iftar?
The day starts normally suhoor- breakfast before dawn. It is not obligatory, but since during Ramadan you will have to abstain from food and drink for most of the day, gaining strength is simply necessary. During Suhoor, a variety of cereal porridges are very useful - they are satiating, healthy and do not overload the stomach. At the same time, they cook quickly - which means your morning meal will be healthy and timely.
When sunset is announced from the minarets, it is time to eat. At this time, Muslims sit down to eat, and tables are also set at mosques for the poor. This moment is called iftar or breaking the fast. It is believed that nutrition at this moment should be very modest and restrained. The meal is started with a few dates and milk, and then all those gathered pray. It is this moment that is considered especially important, because after a hungry day you have to demonstrate special fortitude by showing modesty in food, delaying the moment of eating. And only after prayer can you start eating.
At Iftar, as at other times, you cannot eat pork or drink alcohol. The meat must be halal. Food should be light and not burdensome. Often prepared for iftar, vegetable salad and bread are served as a snack. Very often they also eat lentil soup (merji soup), dolma, dovga (fermented milk soup with rice), chicken with a side dish of buckwheat or rice, and in general many different cereal dishes. It must be remembered that at this time they do not overeat - food is not for pleasure, but for satiety. In addition, at this time you need to talk about Islam and the Koran, but not about vain things. In order not to distract those sitting at the table from an important conversation, it is best to prepare ordinary food, one that is prepared every day, but not food delights.
It is believed that feeding the poor at Iftar is a charitable deed, so all women during Ramadan try to prepare food not only for the family, but also to donate to the mosque for the poor. Iftar is also a time of special hospitality. At this time, the guest will definitely be invited to the table and will try to treat him especially well. Sharing our daily bread is one of the main ideas of Ramadan. That is why donations are usually generously distributed during this month: Sadaqa is voluntary alms and Zakat is obligatory alms, which is often paid not with money, but with good and selfless deeds. Zakat is a very important point in Islam, which is obligatory even for children and the infirm, for whom it is paid by relatives and friends.
Days of Ramadan
Every day of Ramadan is filled with meaning. But it is the last ten days of this month that are considered especially sacred. It is during this time that people devote themselves especially diligently to prayer, and some even go to the mosque to stay there for the entire ten days without leaving anywhere.
One of the last nights of the month is the Night of Destiny Laylat-Al-Qadr, one of the most blessed nights. This night of praising Allah is worth a thousand nights of prayer.
Ramadan will be replaced by the month of Shawwal, the first day of which is considered a great holiday - Eid Al-Fitr. This is the celebration of the end of fasting and the holy month, which begins with the appearance of the new moon in the sky. For Muslims, this day is like our new year - it brings together families, friends and is celebrated on a special scale.
The Almighty said: “In the month of Ramadan, the Qur'an was revealed - a true guide for people, clear evidence of right guidance and discernment. Whoever this month finds among you must fast.”(Surah Baqarah, verse 185).
Zamakhshari said this: “Ramad is a hot stone. Hence the name of the month of Ramadan, since it coincided with a very hot season. On these hot days, people observed fasting when the stones were hot from the heat.”
Hazrati Anas (r.g.) narrated the following narration from the Messenger (peace be upon him): “Rasulullah asked: “Do you know why this month is called Ramadan?” The Sahabah said: “Allah and His Messenger know best.” The Messenger (peace be upon him) said: “In that month, the Almighty burns away the sins of a person who fasts, which is why the month is called Ramadan.”
The mufassirs said: “Allah offered Ramadan to all the former communities. However, none of them began to comply with it. This blessed ummah has been honored with Ramadan.”
Abu Dharr (r.g.) narrated the following hadith from the Messenger (peace be upon him): “Scrolls were revealed to Ibrahim on the third night of Ramadan. The Taurat was revealed to Musa on the sixth night of Ramadan. The Injil was revealed to Isa on the thirteenth night of Ramadan. According to some, the night of Predestination falls on the twenty-seventh night of this month.”
Abu Hurayrah (r.g.) narrated the following hadith from the Messenger (peace be upon him): “When the first night of Ramadan arrives, the angels bind Satan and the jinn, lock the gates of Hell and open the gates of Heaven. One angel proclaims: “If anyone has done good, let them come. Those who have done evil, let them go.” Allah Almighty has slaves who will be saved from the fire of Hell this month. So they will be called up until the end of this month.”
Ibn Masud (r.g.) conveyed the following words of Rasulullah (peace be upon him): “If the slaves knew the virtues of Ramadan, they would ask the Almighty to make it Ramadan every day.” The Sahabah asked: “O Messenger of Allah! What is his greatness and dignity?
The Messenger (peace be upon him) replied: “Ramadan purifies a person until next year.” When the first night of Ramadan arrives, the wind will blow from under the Arsh and shake all the leaves in Paradise. The Gurias will look and say: “Ya Rabbi! Make us the wives of those who fast this month.
Among those observing fasting in Ramadan, there is no one to whom the Almighty will not give one houri. In akhirat he will be awarded this houria. She will wear seventy multi-colored elegant robes. Each houri has a throne made of red ruby. On each throne are seventy feather beds woven from light.”
On the Day of Judgment of the month of Ramadan, he will prostrate himself before Allah in a beautiful form. The Almighty will tell him: “What do you wish for those to whom you should stay?” The month of Ramadan will say: “My Allah! I ask for the crown of sedateness." The Almighty will put a crown on him, and he will intercede for seventy thousand sinners who have committed great sins. After this, everyone will be given a thousand houris.
Then the Almighty will ask: “Do you have any other wish?” Ramadan will ask: “Make me a neighbor of the Messenger.” Allah will send him to the gardens of Firdaus and say: “Ask Me for anything you want.” Ramadan will say: “Ya Rabbi! You fulfilled all my wishes. And what reward awaits those who fast in Ramadan?”
Allah will grant to those who fast, for their patience, a city in Paradise made of ruby and emerald. No wonder He promised:
“Indeed, those who are patient will receive their reward completely without any account.”(Surah Crowds, verse 10).
From the adabs of Ramadan:
In this month, you cannot tell lies, commit sins, scold people, make false oaths, eat haram and look at haram.
Abu Hurayrah said: “After the first night of Ramadan, Allah takes care of His slaves and does not punish them.”
For every day of Ramadan, the Almighty frees a thousand of His slaves from Hell. And when the twenty-ninth night of Ramadan arrives, Allah frees as many slaves as he freed during all the other days of this month.
From the book "Anvarul-ashikyn"