What Is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, it’s a holy time for Muslims. In Islam, it has a unique meaning. Mosalman supposes that it was during this month that the Prophet Muhammad received revelations that included the opening lines of the Quran, which is regarded as the holy book of Islam.
During the Islamic holy month, devotees all across the world focused on their spiritual lives and how they could be applied to their daily lives. Muslims are urged to fast, give to charities, practice patience and kindness, and deepen their spiritual connection with God during this time.
The act of fasting allows the individual to understand the pain and suffering of millions around the world who live their lives in poverty and famine. Eid is a great time of feasting and celebration for Mosalman , with gifts exchanged between loved ones.
Muslims will now challenge themselves for the next 30 days to be better people physically, mentally, and spiritually. In 2024, it is projected that Ramadan will last thirty days, with the fasting season starting on Monday, March 11, and concluding on Tuesday, April 9.
First Night Of Ramadan
The holy month of Ramadan returns at a time when many Muslim Americans carry heavy hearts over the war in the Middle East, and its impact in Gaza. In the upcoming month, a lot of people will strive to read the Quran in their spare time. They also seek to grow in their faith and look for opportunities to help others. “It helps us reset like a hard drive you just reformat your hard drive and take out all the bugs… and that’s what’s special about Ramadan and Islam is you get the chance to do that,”
Chicago resident Yousuf Sayeed said. During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink during daylight hours.
This fast, called “sawm,” and is one of the five pillars of Islam. Muslims frequently wake up early to have a meal known as suhur before daybreak to survive a long day without nourishment. Iftar, or evening meal, is served to break the fast after sundown. Because Ramadan fasting is physically demanding, young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with medical issues are excluded. “God gave this blessed month to return to God.. to become closer to God,” Downtown Islamic Executive Director, Salman Azam said.
Ramadan 2024 Don’ts
Firstly, all Muslims who are participating in the fast during Ramadan should abstain from eating and drinking after sunrise and before sunset.
- Furthermore, while practicing fast during Ramadan, smoking anything is not allowed.
- Listening to music is unacceptable during the fast in Ramadan.
- Maintaining positive emotions is crucial, as any feelings of hatred or bitterness can potentially nullify the fast, emphasizing the importance of focusing on positive thoughts.
- People who fast are supposed to abstain from all unlawful activity, mentally as well as physically.
- Arguments and conflicts during the fast of Ramadan should be avoided, as it can break someone’s fast and bad intentions are punished by Allah.
- Remember not to break a fast without a right, justifiable reason, as it is a punishable offense.
Courtesy of Maryland GovPics’ Flickr (CC0) - One cannot engage in sexual activities even with a partner during fasting time.
- Don’t cheat or harm anyone while doing the fast of Ramadan.
- Drinking is also strictly forbidden.
Ramadan 2024 DOs
- The Islamic holy month calls for practitioners to extend kindness and charity to people who are underserved and underprivileged. During Ramadan, all practicing Muslims are obliged to take part in charity and sharing of their wealth with underprivileged people. This generosity and kindness towards the less privileged never go unnoticed by Allah. He doesn’t overlook the spread of kindness and will justly reward those who extend their generosity.
- Due to Ramadan being closely linked to the Islamic holy book, Muslims are expected to recite and reread their Quran during Ramadan.
- Practicing dhikr is also expected. This is done by praying to Allah and letting be known your gratitude.
- When praying Muslims should pray for the wellbeing of friends and loved ones alike.
- Another thing to practice during the time of Ramadan is pure and clean thoughts.
- During Ramadan, it is important that one eats food rich in carbohydrates during Sehri.
- If someone asks for assistance during the holy month, be quick to extend a helping hand
- During Ramadan, remember to respect the elders as well as those younger as well.
- You should also share meals with family members in order not to participate in Sehri alone.
Written by Dijana Reedfields.
Sources:
ABC 7 – Chicago Muslim Americans observe 1st night of Ramadan, prepare for 30 days of fasting
BBC – What is Ramadan, how long does it last and why do Muslims fast?
Britannica – Celebrating Ramadan
Y20 India – Ramadan 2024: Dos and Don’ts Guide for a Successful Holy Month of Ramadan Fasting
Muslim Hands – What is Ramadan?
Top And Featured Image Courtesy of Maryland GovPics Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of Maryland GovPics Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
