What is Ramadan for Muslims?

  •   Sun, Jul 31 2011
  •   By Faheem Jawaid

 August 1, 2011

Every year millions of Muslims observe Ramadan, (the ninth month of the lunar year) all over the world. How many non-Muslims know the significance of Ramadan for Muslims?

Muslims believe that all heavenly books were revealed upon various prophets, i-e., Abraham, David, Moses, Jesus, and finally Mohammed (peace be upon them); in the month of Ramadan.

“Fasting in Ramadan” is one of the five pillars of Islam. The others being i) the testimony of faith, ii) prayers, iii) giving Zakat (support of the needy), and iv) pilgrimage to Makkah.

Allah the Almighty says, “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you, that you may become righteous”, (Quran 2:183).

In the month of Ramadan all Muslims, irrespective of their status, fast from dawn to dusk refraining from food, drink and sexual relations. Although the fast is most favorable to health, it is regarded primarily as a source of self-purification. By disconnecting oneself from all worldly comforts, even for a short period, a fasting person attains true sympathy with those who go hungry, as well as growth in his or her spiritual life.

It is obligatory for all Muslims to fast in the whole month of Ramadan. However, those who cannot execute the Ramadan fast due to old age, permanent disability, fatal disease etc; have to offer Fidya (compensation) for each compulsory fast, not kept, as 2 Kg bread flour or its cash equivalent or feeding a poor person two full meal a day.
If a Muslim could not fast in Ramadan owing to Shariah (religious law of Islam) justification, the missed out fasts have to be completed as early as possible.

Prophet Mohammed (pbuh) said, “This (Ramadan) is the month of compassion”. Muslims give Zakat (another pillar of Islam) in this month. Giving Zakat means “giving a specified percentage on certain properties, to certain classes of needy people”. There are two ways of giving Zakat. 1. By showing others so that others can also follow the suit; and 2. By hiding from others, for Allah knows the hearts.

Allah says, “Do not invalidate your charities with reminders of it or injury as does one who spends his wealth only to be seen by the people” (Quran 2:264).

There are certain prioritisations considered while giving Zakat. The closer the relative, the neighbour, the friends and the others in that group of needy people the more right they deserve in receiving Zakat.

Fitrah is religious alms paid on the day when Muslims break the fasting period at the end of Ramadan. Giving of Fitrah is obligated to people who are obligated to give Zakat. Fitrah in the form of cash is more preferable than that of kind. This way the poor persons can make best use of it by meeting their needs.

Thus, Muslims put all efforts to accomplish righteousness in this month of Ramadan with an objective to continue doing so, for the rest of the year.

 

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By Faheem Jawaid
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Comment on this article

  • Mansour Liaqat, Abu Dhabi

    Mon, Aug 08 2011

    GOOD AND TIMELY ARTICLE FOR BOTH, MUSLIM AND NON-MUSLIM BROTHERS.
    RAMADAN MUBARAK TO ALL!

  • Mohammed Muzaffer Ahmed, Dammam

    Mon, Aug 08 2011

    Dear Fahim,really I missed you in ramzan, but,this article force me to feel, i am with you, and continue to distribute the light of Ramzan.

  • Abdul Latif Aziz, Hyderabad

    Mon, Aug 08 2011

    Very well written article on Ramadan. Keep it up Faheem Jawaid.

  • Charles D'Mello, Pangala

    Fri, Aug 05 2011

    MR. OLIVER SUTARI...Please let us all know how we can establish only Man (Is it human beings or only man..!!??) has got soul..!!!???? For your kind information none of the animals do sin other than human beings..!!!????

  • Rafi Kantawala, Pune / Dubai

    Fri, Aug 05 2011

    The write up is just remarkable. May I request Mr. Faheem Jawaid to write more on the subjects like Zakat and/or righteousness for the benefit of our non-muslim and muslim brothers. It will be quite relevant during this holy month of Ramadan. I am surely becoming an ardent fan of Daijiworld.

  • M. Shahid Akber, Mumbai - - Jeddah

    Fri, Aug 05 2011

    Excellent article, particularly for non-muslim brothers to understand the meaning of Ramadan, for Muslims. Good Work Daijiworld and Faheem Jawaid!! Ramadan Kareem to everybody!

  • Razzak Jaleel, MysoreChennai

    Thu, Aug 04 2011

    The salient important features of the concept of Ramadan has been covered wisely in the article, without getting into insignificant details. Kudos to the craftsmanship of Faheem Jawaid. Ramadan Mubarak to one and all!

  • Oliver Sutari, Manipal

    Thu, Aug 04 2011

    Dear Mr. Jawad,
    Your article is informative, but I would like to add whatever little I know. The holy month of Ramadan has been prescribed for a very important reason. Human beings are made up of two characteristics: one, that of someone who responds to certain basic instincts (hunger, thirst, etc.) as an animal would do and second, that of someone who has a soul(the spirit that God breathed into man after he was moulded from the earth). While for the rest of the months most people are busy satisfying their basic instincts and desires (which hardly bring us lasting happiness), the soul (which separates us from all other living creatures and which is connected to the Creator) is neglected. If left neglected for long, it can lead a human being to only respond to instinct, making him no better than any other animal. The fasting month is the cleanser. Only human beings are endowed with a will – to say “yes” or “no”. Fasting, when done correctly and from the heart, slowly helps us build a defense against temptations – helping us to say “no” to certain sinful desires, eventually helping us come closer to God. It is like building a shield that could help us for the following eleven months. In individuals where pragmatism gains more credence over spiritual beliefs, all issues are dealt with human beings as if they were only physiological in nature. As one Imam has rightly said: ultimately only the word of God has the power to heal from within. Ramadan Kareem.

  • Mohamad Saifuddin, Subedari, Warangal.

    Wed, Aug 03 2011

    My Dear Faheem
    you have so much deep knowledge of Islam, I am knowing you little by little through your literary work. God bless you and write more in a simple but covincing way about RAMADAN which is may be your habit.

  • Ashraf Ali Saif, Mumbai - Westminster

    Wed, Aug 03 2011

    Very good article Faheem Jawaid! Need more and more such informative stuff in future too.
    Happy Ramadan to all!

  • JAVEED, HYD/RIYADH

    Wed, Aug 03 2011

    The way you have constructed your article is indeed superb. You have covered almost each & every aspect related to this holy month with intensity.This has opened revision of learning for us Muslms an well as thought-provoking for our non-muslim brothers. Jaza'aak Allah Khair.

  • Ajmal Hussain, Warangal

    Wed, Aug 03 2011

    Ramadan for muslimsis in fact a month of training relating to way of living in accordance to the will of the God till the last breath. The article by Mr. Jawaid though not very comprehensive and explicit,but illustrious,knowledgeable and appreciable contribution.

  • Sangeeta Sen Gupta, Kolkata / Bangaluru

    Tue, Aug 02 2011

    This made a good read indeed. I spent 3 years in Saudi Arabia and noticed and experienced this spirit and soul of Ramadan personally. Wish every Muslim a happy Ramadan!

  • bushra khanam, warnagal

    Tue, Aug 02 2011

    MASHAALLAH very informative and indeed pure...

  • Abdul Ahad, New Delhi

    Tue, Aug 02 2011

    The article is unique. I did not see articles on Ramadan covering Fidya, Fitrah and Zakat, the manner you did. Your quotes and referrences from Quran and Hadith are much appropriate and proper. May Allah bless all humanity and show us all the right path enriching us with peace and harmony. Amin!

  • Hisham Ahmed, Mangalore

    Tue, Aug 02 2011

    Thanks brother, your article short sweet and to the point, people normally do not get time to read lengthy stuff. Thanks for enlightening DW readers, good timing.
    May this blessed month guide all of us.

  • M. A. Kareem, Kadapa A.P.

    Tue, Aug 02 2011

    Sir,
    Your article is short but provides with plentiful information on the actual spirit of Ramadan Kareem.

    Daijiworld is always first in publishing the adequate stuff at the right time. Keep it up!

  • irene , derebail/tracy CA

    Mon, Aug 01 2011

    RAMADAN KHAREEM to all Muslim brothers & sisters. May Almighty Allah accept your fast/sacrifices during this month of Ramadan. Good article at right time. Thank you Faheem.

  • Irenehilda, Bejai, bejai

    Mon, Aug 01 2011

    Thank you very much, for the article, may we learn to respect each other, love each other, regardless who we are.
    Ramadan is the month of prayers,sacrifice, forgiveness,repentance and penance. Let there be peace and happiness amongst us.God bless you.

  • A. S. Mathew, U.S.A.

    Mon, Aug 01 2011

    Very good article touching all the
    important aspects of Ramadan perhaps the most important religious ceremony of the MUSLIMS.

    It doesn't matter, whatever religion we belong if those
    spiritual directions are applied
    in our lives, it will spiritually
    inspire and uplift us.

    We will understand the pain of
    hunger-good for getting into a
    spiritual atmosphere by discarding
    the physical funs of life- and
    finally by sharing our material
    things with the hurting people around us will bring spiritual joy
    in our lives. Human nature is to
    find the zenith of pleasure and
    joy by having more rich food and holding on to our wealth, but the
    divine truth is telling very openly that self-denial and
    charity are the best avenues to be
    be happy in life.

    WISH ALL THE MUSLIM FRIENDS A GREAT
    AND DELIGHTFUL RAMADAN.



  • Kurt Waschnig, Oldenburg Germany

    Mon, Aug 01 2011

    Dear Mr. Faheem Jawaid your article is very interesting to read and you give readers of Daijiworld a profound knowledge of Ramadan.
    It is a time to fast, to pray and worship to help the needy and to reflect.
    It is a special time for Muslims to strengthen their meaning of life.

    Religions offer human being so much. One can receive a meaning of life.
    That is very important in our gloabalised world.
    I wish all Muslims a wonderful Ramadan and their meaning of life shall give them joy, happiness and the determination to help the needy.

  • Naziya,UAE, Mangalore

    Mon, Aug 01 2011

    Excellent article,though short but its very informative for non muslims also.May allah make this Ramadhan easy for us.

  • Zahoor Ahmed, Karkala / Dammam

    Mon, Aug 01 2011

    thanks for informative article

  • G. Harinath, Hanamkonda

    Mon, Aug 01 2011

    It is quite informative for non-muslims to learn the real significance of Ramadan. Thanks Daiji and Faheem Jawaid for the short and crisp article. Happy Ramadan to all!

  • T. S. Kavita, Mysore

    Mon, Aug 01 2011

    The article is just superb, though small but conveyed the actual concept of Ramadan. The last sentence of your article is the KEY. Happy Ramadan to all. Thanks to Daiji and Faheem Jawaid.

  • Syed Talha Hussain, Hyderabad

    Mon, Aug 01 2011

    A very concise article covering the basic tenets of the Holy month and enlightening us on what to do and what not to do. Reading this article made me compare this to a hot and tasty soup that acts as an appetiser before the sumptuous meal. In a way how a soup before a meal stimulates the desire to eat, this article stimulates the desire to learn more about Ramadan. Eager to see much more articles from you.

  • Sheema Sadia, Warangal / Hyderabad

    Mon, Aug 01 2011

    Dear Sir, A million thanks for providing us with useful and appropriate information about the concept of Ramadan. Ramadan Kareem ! to the entire humanity !

  • Joviel D'Cruz, Udupi

    Mon, Aug 01 2011

    Very good and informative article. If everybody follow the teachings of the great Prophets and respect the religious values and love the fellow human beings...this world could be the Heaven !
    Ramadan Kareem.

  • Max and Jessie Rasquinha, Mangalore, Houston/Dallas

    Sun, Jul 31 2011

    Thank you very much, Mr.Faheem Jawaid for sharing with us some of the values and sentiments attached to the month of Ramadhan. Having lived in the Arab world for nearly 25 years, we have cherished great respect and admiration for the month of Ramadhan and all prayerful feelings that each one of us have attained.

    Month of Ramadhan is also a period of penance, repentance,sacrifices, forgiveness and also love for one another thru mutual respect for each other regaredless who we are and where we have come from.

    May the holy month of Ramadhan therefore bring additional values amongst all of us when the world is going thru so many tensions, uncertainties and suspense due to so many reasons beyond our control.

    May the month of Ramadhan also bring lots of mutual respects regardless whether we are Hindus, Jews, Moslems or Chrstians in this "small world - a beautiful world". Ramadhan Khareem and Qudha Afeiz.

  • gausiya mp, uppala

    Sun, Jul 31 2011

    first of all ramzan kareem faheem sir.i really liked your article.


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