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What is Ramadan?

  • Published
  • By 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  With Ramadan fast approaching, one might wonder, "What is Ramadan?" What is the significance of this Muslim event? Background knowledge on this religious observance is essential to understanding both the importance and historical significance of Ramadan.

Ramadan is a religious observance during the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is believed to be the month in which the Qur'an (the Islamic Holy Book) began to be revealed.

"Ramadan" is taken from the name of this month; the word itself is derived from an Arabic word for intense heat, scorched ground, and shortness of rations. It is considered the most esteemed and blessed month of the Islamic year. Prayers, sawm (fasting), charity and self-accountability are especially stressed at this time.

During Ramadan, Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual activities during fasting hours are also forbidden.

Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) falls sometime during the last ten days of Ramadan. It commemorates the revelation of the first verses of the Qur'an and is considered the most holy night of the year.

The most prominent event of this month is the fasting practiced by the most observant Muslims. Every day during the month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world get up before dawn to eat the Suhoor meal (the pre dawn meal) and perform their fajr prayer. They break their fast when the fourth prayer of the day, Maghrib (sunset), is due.

Pregnant women, the elderly, the ill and children less than 12 years of age are all exempt from fasting as lack of food could damage health.

Intended to make Muslims more generous and charitable, the act of fasting allows Muslims to practice self-discipline, sacrifice and sympathy for those who are less fortunate.

The Islamic holiday of Eid ul-Fitr, which begins after another new moon has been sighted, marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and the first day of the following month. The Eid falls after 29 or 30 days of fasting, as per the lunar sighting. Eid ul-Fitr means the 'Festival of Breaking the Fast."

Food is donated to the poor, everyone puts on their best, preferably-new-clothes, and communal prayers are held in the early morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends.

The common Ramadan greeting in this part of the Arab and Muslim world during Ramadan is "Ramadan Kareem" which means "Blessed Ramadan."

(Information provided by www.allahsword.com)