Understanding the Importance of Fasting the Month of Ramadan

Over a quarter of the planet will be preparing themselves for the wonderful month of Ramadan. Muslims from all over the world will wait with anticipation for the spotting of the crescent moon to mark the beginning of a joyous month of fasting, the month of Ramadan.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. During this month all Muslims who are able to fast, with the exclusion of the sick, pregnant, or any other medical condition that is effected by the fast, will abstain from any food, drink, sexual intercourse, and bad habits from sun up to sun down.

Islam consists of five pillars: To testify that there is only One God, and that Muhammad is His slave and messenger, to pray the five daily prayers, to give charity, to fast the month of Ramadan, and to go on the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a person's life if they are able to. So it is mandatory upon every Muslim to commit to all five pillars of the religion in order to please God and get into Heaven. The believer must complete one full month of Ramadan every year after the age of puberty if they are able to do so. If they are not able to do so, they must feed the poor for everyday that they couldn't.

After a long day of fasting and abstaining from eating, drinking, and sexual intercourse, Muslims break their fasts by eating a meal called the iftar. Many Muslims go to the masjid to break their fast with other brothers and sisters and to all pray together. The Muslims are allowed to continue eating until sun up, which is when the fast will then resume.

According to the Qu'ran:

One may eat and drink at any time during the night, until you can plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread by the daylight; then keep the fast until night.

The morning meal is called the suhurr. This meal is somewhat like a breakfast, however, eating a simple bowl of cereal or a piece of toast can be enough but many Muslims cook a full meal (ie. Chicken, rice, veggies) and eat this before the sun rises. It is recommended to drink plenty of water at this time to keep the body hydrated during the day.

Ramadan is a time when Muslims spend many hours praying, reciting Qu'ran, and visiting with their brothers and sisters. During this month, Muslims pray a very special prayer called Taraweeh prayer or the Night Prayer. This is when long verses of the Qu'ran are recited during prayer. This prayer can last all night long depending on what Surahs from the Qu'ran is recited.

Laylat-al-Qadr or the Night of Power is celebrated around the 27^th evening of Ramadan. This is the night when Muhammad (peace be upon him) was given the first revelation of the Holy Qu'ran from the Angel Jibreel (PBUH) (Gabriel). Muslims believe that on this night all of the Angels descend to earth along with Jibreel (peace be upon him) and the night is considered very peaceful.

Muslims believe that during Ramadan, all of the devils are locked and chained up, and the gates of Hell are closed and the gates of Heaven are opened. This also helps Muslims refrain from temptation and focus on pleasing Allah (God).

When the fast is over at the end of the month, Muslims celebrate three days of a holiday called Id-al-Fitr (The feast of fast breaking). During this time, people are encouraged to feast with one another and exchange gifts. A large congregational prayer is also prayed on the first day of Id, usually outside, which is the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (PBHU). Fairs and other celebrations are often held during these three days also.

Ramadan is more than a month of not eating and drinking; it is a time for a person to reflect on the many things that are provided to us by God. Food and drinks are only some of the many things we would not be able to live without, so Muslims are grateful to Allah for His continuing to provide His creation with such bounties. Ramadan is also a time for people to reflect and feel what it is like to be hungry and thirsty, like some unfortunate people in the world who do not have food and drinks in abundance as we do. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to come together and share the best thing in their lives, faith in One Unique Incomparable God, Allah.