The Traditions of Ramadan

Ramadan is the holy month of Muslims around the world in which (adult) Muslims fast for the whole month from dawn to sunset. It is the ninth lunar month of the Islamic calendar also called Hijri Calendar.

Fasting is one of the five basic pillars of Islam and is compulsory for all Muslims men, women and grown ups who possess health and steady physical condition.

Significance of Ramadan for Muslims:

For many of the reasons this month is considered sanctified and full of Allah's Blessings as mentioned in Holy Quran that Holy Quran was revealed in this month, Allah has veiled Laylat-alQadar (The night of decree) in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan (Holy Quran: Surah 97, Al-Qadar), Sharing of Zakat to the poor and needy people and the event of Eid ul Fitr at the end of the Ramadan which is considered as the most festive celebration for all Muslims.

For Muslims Ramadan is a way of showing their devotion to ALLAH by leaving all the physical and worldly requirements which attract one's spirit. Muslims part them selves from water, food, smoking and going near to their spouses from the dawn (Fajr) till sunset (Maghrib) and spend more and more time in offering prayers. The meal before the sunrise is called 'suhoor' and the meal had after the sunset is called 'Iftar'. Those who do not observe fasting, honor the ones who do, by not eating or drinking in their presence

Customs and Traditions:

The traditions of Ramadan vary as per the vast geographical division of the Muslims across the world but the basic customs are practiced in similar ways.

The traditions begins with the first moon of the Ramadan where Muslims all over the world wait anxiously for the month of Shawal (8^th month of Islamic Calendar) to be over and families gather on roof tops and open areas for the pencil thin moon of Ramadan to appear. Upon citing of the moon special supplication (Dua) are recited and night prayers of Tarawih starts. These prayers are different and much longer than the other times consisting twenty units (Rakaats) daily. All of the Quran is read in Tarawih till the end of the month after the night prayer (Ishaa).

House women start the preparation for the Seher meal mostly from night. And the activities begin by the rising of families early for Suhoor and being accompanied by all family members the meal is taken before the announcement of Fajr time. Special arrangements are done for the meal to be made wholesome and nutritious enough to support the persons till the whole day. Ingredients like milk, yogurt, eggs, wheat and fruits are often used. Special attention is being given on proper intake of water especially by the younger ones. Then everyone offer prayers for Fajr and start daily routines.

Throughout the day a conscious effort is made to be refrained from food, water or temptations that are detrimental to self-discipline. Everyone attempts to offer prayers with punctuality and recite Quran avoiding anger, lies and other pessimistic attributes.

When the time to break the fast approaches towards the sun set, everyone make an attempt to be with their families or in a mosque with a group or team up with some. A prayer call signifies time to break the fast.

It is tradition as per the saying of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) to start the Iftar by dates and water. Afterwards everyone enjoys delicious and hearty meals along with tea or juices.

Asper the believe of Muslims Allah has veiled Laylat-alQadar (The night of decree) in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan. Muslims believe that this is better than a thousand nights. Laylat al-Qadr is the night in which the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) and offering prayers in this night has much greater rewards (Sawab),( As per holy Quran 97-Sura Qadar Ayah 1-5). Muslims all over the world spent these nights in special praying seeking Allah's forgiveness of their sins.

At the end of 29th or 30th day, depending on the moon sighting, the fasting would come to an end with the celebration. In the night grand preparations for the Eid days begins as every one get busy in arranging new clothes and plan their activities for the day. It is also called Chaand Raat in some places. Houses are kept cleaned and decorated and special dishes are made expecting guests and visitors on the Eid day. It is a major occasion and Muslims gather in a large groups space do their thanksgiving prayer. After the prayers all Muslims hug each other three times in the traditional way and say traditional greetings "Eid Mubarak".

Charity (Fitrah) is distributed in the poor and needy after the prayers so as to include them also in the celebrations.

On this day one formally forgives and gets forgiven and starts the year with good will. The oldest one in the family passes on gifts and cash to younger members of the family to spend as they wish. Families, friends and relatives visit each other's houses for gatherings.

Ramadan is also a time to share one's wealth with the needy called Zakat. Every family takes out 2.5% of the value of their valuables and passes on to the destitute usually through various authentic mediums. It is considered an important deed to maintain the balance of the wealth in the society.

The month of Ramadan is the source for Muslims to purify their souls of the sins and wrong deeds. Fasting is not only beneficial for the mind but also for the body. Ramadan spreads a message of self discipline, harmony and blessings and forgiveness of Allah for all Muslims as per the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him) the gates of heaven (Jannah) are opened and the gates of hell (Jahannum) are closed in this holy month.

References:

1- Quran
We have indeed revealed this (Message) in the Night of Power:
And what will explain to thee what the night of power is?
The Night of Power is better than a thousand months.
Therein come down the angels and the Spirit by Allah's permission, on every errand:
Peace!...This until the rise of morn! -Sura 97 (Al-Qadr), āyāt 1-5

2 - The month of Ramadan is the one in which the Qur'an was sent down - right Guidance to mankind, and clear signs of Guidance and Distinction of truth from falsehood. Those among you who witness it, let him fast therein. Whoever is sick or on a journey, then a number of other days. God desires ease for you, and desires not hardship. Thus may you fulfil the number of days assigned, magnify God for having guided you, and perhaps you will be thankful.Ayah 185, Sura 2 (Al-Baqara), translation by Tarif Khalidi