Islam has a very ancient tradition of fasting throughout the month of Ramadan. Islamic beliefs state that the month of Ramadan has been regarded as the most significant month in the Islamic faith ever since Mohammed Saheb (the Islamic Prophet) acquired knowledge of the sacred book of Islam, the Quran Sharif, in 610 AD.
It was first observed as a holy month. The Prophet was selected by Allah to be his messenger, according to the Quran, which is one of the primary reasons this month is holy for Muslims.
As a result, this month is unique and holy for every member of the Muslim community, where it is expected of them all to fast.
As one of the five pillars of Islam, Ramadan is linked to the values of giving, doing good actions, and being kind.
The five other pillars of Islam include doing the Hajj, giving alms, having a sincere belief in religion, and conducting namaz.
The Significance of Ramadan:
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar, which is based on a 12-month lunar year of approximately 354 days. Because the lunar year is 11 days shorter than the solar year, each lunar month moves 11 days earlier each year.
It takes 33 solar years for the lunar months to complete a full cycle and return to the same season. The month traditionally begins and ends based on the sighting of the new moon.
Muslims fast from pre-dawn to sunset, a fast of between 11-16 hours depending on the time of year for a period of 29-30 days. Ramadan entails forgoing food and drink, and if married, abstaining from sex during sunlit hours.
For Muslims, Ramadan is a time to train themselves both physically and spiritually by avoiding any negative acts such as gossiping, backbiting, lying, or arguing. Muslims welcome Ramadan as an opportunity for self-reflection and spiritual improvement, and as a means to grow in moral excellence. Ramadan is also a highly social time as Muslims invite each other to breakfast together and meet for prayers at the mosque.
