Ramadan

 Islam is quite a simple religion to follow. There is one prominent time of the year when Muslims from all over unite and put aside their worldly issues to become one with God. This time is during the holy month of Ramadan. Muslims around the globe fast, pray, give charity, and engage in spiritual connection with God. At the end of this auspicious month, a celebration is held called Eid-Ul Fitr. This “Holiday” consists of a few main aspects that Muslims concentrate on sighting of the moon, indulging in worship, and last but not least, fasting.

         The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, this is why the commencement of Ramadan is with the sighting of the moon and it also ends with the sighting of the moon. This is why there is no specific date set for Ramadan to start. Muslims start Ramadan by sighting the new moon which is an event on its own. The night the moon is to be seen there are literally large groups of people that go out to elevations or where there are clear skies, to sight the moon. The groups need to be very attentive and focused because the moon is there for only a little bit before it disappears in a matter of minutes. The person or people who sight the moon are obligated by Islamic law to take an oath of allegiance to an Islamic scholar of that town. There has to be two or more people who go for the sighting of the moon. There are certain characteristics that the person who is in charge of sighting the moon, must possess. He or she must be trustworthy, not a known liar, and they have to be religiously inclined. This tradition of starting this Muslim holiday has been practiced for over 1400 years. If no one sights the moon or is unable to by the end of the month, Ramadan automatically ends on the thirtieth day. The sighting of the moon at the beginning and end of Ramadan is of high importance in Islamic law. This is why there are so many restrictions involved.

     A big part of this month is fasting, which starts before sunrise and ends at sunset. During this period a person is not allowed to eat or drink at all. It is considered a sin if one breaks his or her fast intentionally without a valid excuse such as illness. Having a cold glass of water without realizing he or she broke their fast is not considered as a sin, forgetfulness is not something that can be controlled. A Muslim believer is to not only fast from food and beverages but accordingly abstain from forbidden actions such as lying, cheating, backbiting, shouting, swearing, or fighting of any type. All these actions if done intentionally will void one’s fast. He or she may as well start eating because the person has stopped attaining reward from God. On the other hand, if one asks forgiveness after committing these actions, he or she may be forgiven, depending on the person’s sincerity. The bottom line is to work even harder to abstain from all the vices that the religion requires its followers to abstain from.

      Another thing that makes the month of Ramadan is that the holy book the Qur’an, was revealed to the prophet Mohammed in this month. As Muslims, we are required to read or hear the Qur’an in its entirety during this month. Every night of this month, an Imam (preacher) recites the Qur’an by heart (memorization) in prayer. The Qur’an has 30 chapters with 25 pages in each chapter all written in the Arabic language. Listening to the recitation of the Qur’an and standing in prayer is considered worship. As a Muslim we believe in life after death and all rewards that we accumulate with good deeds will be given to us in the hereafter. During the month of Ramadan all rewards are multiplied by thousands compared to rewards given for good deeds during other months. So a people try to worship as much as they can to get the utmost benefit of this month.

     On the morning of Eid there is a flurry of activity in each household. all Muslims get dolled up in the best clothes that they own, favorably traditional clothes. On that morning we eat something sweet then head off to the prayer hall with family and friends. At the hall a speech is given then everyone prays together. Afterwards everyone greets and meets each other. After that family and friends go out together to have brunch. The whole day is spent meeting people, going to their homes, exchanging gifts, having picnics, and presents are given to children. It is a joyful day for people of all ages. This day is not restricted to Muslims only, people of all faiths are welcome to join in. It is just a wonderful celebration to get together in peace and harmony.

                                                                                                    Amir Amirun Bin Mohamad