Ramazan is a sacred month for Muslims. Ramazan or Saum is the third pillar of the five basic principles of Islam and is better known for its fasting during the entire month every year, and it is also the month in which the holy Quran was revealed. Al Quran sura Al Baqarah verse 2:183. O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious . Now fasting is obligatory upon every Muslim, male and female who is healthy and mature.
by M. M. Afzal Cader
(August 28, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Ramazan is a sacred month for Muslims. Ramazan or Saum is the third pillar of the five basic principles of Islam and is better known for its fasting during the entire month every year, and it is also the month in which the holy Quran was revealed.
Al Quran sura Al Baqarah verse 2:183. O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious . Now fasting is obligatory upon every Muslim, male and female who is healthy and mature.
The fast begins just before dawn (Sahar) and ends at sunset (Magrib), and this does not mean to remain hungry but to restrain oneself from all evils and also to restrain ones’s eye’s, tongue,and ears and all other senses of the body from lust and passionate activities. The purpose of fasting is to teach self-discipline and is needed to prepare for the suffering that Muslims may have to face in the course of obeying ALLAH.
According to our Prophet PBUH , fasting is a shield to protect oneself from all kinds of evils and though food and water are with him, he does not take them, because he believes that he has to obey the commandments of ALLAH and also he believes that ALLAH is with him and sees him.
The month Ramazan Kareem is very dear to ALLAH Almighty and it is one of the most important months in the Islamic calendar.
The Holy Quran also says the month of Ramazan is that in which the Quran was revealed, guidance to men and clear proofs of guidance and destinations, therefore, whoever of you witness the coming of this month, he shall fast therein.
The day the first verses of the Quran were revealed and received by the Holy Prophet Muhammad PBUH through angel Gabriel is known as Lailathul Qadr, The Night of Destiny or the Night of Power.
Al Quran sura Al Qadr verse 97: says Qadr is the Night of Power and it is better than a Thousand months.
One should recite the Quran constantly during this month and seek ALLAH ‘S blessings. And should also offer gifts and help the poor and take special care of the orphans, widows and try to provide them with food at Sahar (the commencement of fast) and during breakfast (Ifthar).One should also participate in the late night Tharaweeh prayer with humility and devotion. This prayer is performed at every Masjid (Mosque), and a large gathering of people mostly males take part .
During the month of Ramazan Almighty ALLAH has also made the fourth pillar of Islam Zakath obligatory .
Zakath is calculated from a persons annual cash savings , other valuables like gold or silver which he or she is having in excess. The amount calculated for cash savings is 2.5 per cent.
Zakath should be distributed among the poor and needy during the month of Ramazan.The month long Ramazan fast ends when the new moon of shawaal is sighted, the celebration of Eid ul fitr- Ramazan festival begins, this occasion is celebrated throughout the world with early morning prayers conducted at every Masjid (Mosque), and later people visiting relatives and exchanging gifts etc.
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