Why Muslims Love the Month of Ramadan?
- Categories: Fiqh of Fasting -
Islam uses a lunar calendar-that is, each month begins with the
sighting of the new moon, therefore because the lunar calendar is
about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar, Islamic months
"move" each year. This year (2008) the Islamic month of Ramadan
coincides almost exactly with the month of September. For Muslims
the coming of Ramadan is a source of joy and celebration; however,
we celebrate in a way that may seem strange to people unfamiliar
with the tenets of Islam. Ramadan is not a month of parties and
socialising, it is a month of worship. To fast the month of Ramadan
is one of the pillars of Islam.
Muslims express gratitude and love for the One True God by obeying
and worshipping Him. We worship according to His guidance revealed
in the Quran and through the authentic traditions of Prophet
Muhammad. Ramadan is special. It is a month of fasting, reading and
coming to understand Quran and special extra prayers. The mosques
come alive at night when Muslims gather to break their fast
together and pray. The smooth rich sound of Quran recitation is
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 mounting excitement. In the weeks preceding
Ramadan lives are scrutinised, and plans are made for a month of
serious worship and supplication. The countdown begins and
conversations start with how many weeks it is until the blessed
month arrives. Perhaps non-Muslims wonder why we look forward to
fasting days and sleepless nights. Ramadan offers the chance of
redemption and great rewards. It is a month like no other. A month
of spiritual reflection and prayer. Hearts are directed away from
worldly activities and towards God.
In the month Ramadan, all physically mature and healthy Muslims are
required to fast: to abstain from all food, drink, gum chewing, any
kind of tobacco use and any kind of sexual contact between dawn and
sunset. Nevertheless, this is only the physical aspect there are
also the spiritual characteristics, which include refraining from
gossiping, lying, slandering and all traits of bad character. All
obscene and impious sights and sounds are avoided as a way of
purifying thoughts and actions. Fasting is also a way of
experiencing hunger and developing sympathy for the less fortunate
and learning thankfulness and appreciation for all of God's
bounties.
God said,
{O you who believe! Observing the fast
is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you,
that you may become pious.} [Quran 2:183]
{يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا كُتِبَ
عَلَيْكُمُ الصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ
لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ} [البقرة:١٨٣]
The Prophet Muhammad also reminded us that fasting is not just
abstaining from food and drink but there is a further dimension. He
said, «He who does not desist from
obscene language and acting obscenely (during the period of
fasting), God has no need that he didn't eat or drink.»
[1]
Ramadan is also the month when Muslims try to establish or re
establish a relationship with the Quran. Although this may sound
like a strange thing to say, the words of God are a guiding light
and a mercy. Nobody reads Quran except that it changes his or her
life in some way. The Quran was sent down in this month of Ramadan.
The two, Ramadan and Quran are inextricably entwined. Being with
the Quran, reading, memorising, reciting it or pondering its
meanings is spiritually uplifting comforting and a source of
strength. Recitation in the night is particularly beneficial, the
distractions of the day have faded away and closeness of God is
palpable in the stillness of the night. Special evening prayers are
conducted during which portions of the Qur'an are recited. These
prayers are known as Taraweeh. One thirtieth of the Qur'an is read
on successive evenings, so that by the end of the month the entire
Qur'an has been completed.
One of the last few odd-numbered nights of the month is Laylat
ul-Qadr, the "Night of Power" or "Night of
Destiny." It is the holiest night of the holiest month; it is
believed to be the night on which God first began revealing the
Quran to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. This is a
time for especially fervent and devoted prayer, and the rewards and
blessings associated with such are many. Muslims are told in the
Qur'an that praying throughout this one night is better than a
thousand months of prayer. No one knows exactly which night it is;
it is one of God's mysteries.
Ramadan is also the month of good deeds and charity. Muslims try to
give generously and increase their good deeds. Charity can be as
simple as a smile; there is no need for lavish displays. Charity
given quietly is better for the recipient and one who gives. The
Prophet Muhammad was always a generous person, never owning more
than just enough to cover his immediate needs. Any extra, he gave
generously to those around him, however he was most generous in
Ramadan.
You may be beginning to wonder if these are not qualities and
virtues a Muslim truly devoted to God, should display in any month,
and you would be correct. They most certainly are. However, as
human beings we all fall short, commit sins and make mistakes.
Sometimes the nature of life causes us to forget our real purpose.
Our purpose is to worship God and God in his infinite wisdom and
mercy has given us Ramadan. It is a month, which if used wisely,
can recharge our spiritual and physical batteries. It is a month
full of mercy and forgiveness when God makes it easy for us to
overcome our shortcomings, when He rewards us in abundance. He is
our Creator, who understands that we are far from perfect. When we
walk towards God, he meets us running, when we hold out our hand He
reaches for us and bestows his forgiveness on us. Muslims love
Ramadan, it is a lifeline. They stand shoulder to shoulder and bow
their heads in submission. Ramadan spreads across the world as
Muslims begin and break their fast together, one body, one people,
and one nation. Ramadan arrives softly and her deeds ascend gently
towards God. Far from being a trial of deprivation, the month of
Ramadan is a joy and a gift beyond compare. Even before the month
is finished Muslims begin to mourn the passing of this blessed
month and try to extend the time by being with the Quran and
worshipping God in the best way possible.
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Footnotes:
[1] Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim.
By Aisha Stacey
IslamReligion.com