Fasting in a blessed month of Ramadan

 Ramadan: A Blessed Holy Lunar Month

Ramadan is a blessed and holy lunar month for the Muslim community. During this month, Muslims observe fasting for the entire month. In a lunar calendar, a month can have either 29 or 30 days. There are 12 lunar months in the Islamic calendar. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, many Muslims follow the lunar months to perform their religious duties, such as fasting during Ramadan and celebrating Eid.

During Ramadan, the entire Muslim community makes special arrangements for Iftar, prayers, and charity.

Iftari

 

 How Ramadan Starts:

The month of Ramadan begins when the moon is sighted. This creates a sense of anticipation, especially on the 29th day of the month, when people eagerly look to the sky to see whether the new moon has been sighted. If the moon is not visible, the month continues for 30 days.

At home, people go to their rooftops to look for the moon in the direction of the sunset, which occurs in the west. Some use binoculars, while others are able to see the moon with the naked eye. In some countries, scholars and religious authorities use telescopes to confirm the sighting and then announce the news to the public. This announcement brings joy to Muslims, who then begin sending wishes of "Happy Ramadan" to their families, friends, neighbors, and community members.

How Muslims Prepare for Fasting:

Fasting in Ramadan requires abstaining from food, drink, and marital relations from before the first light of dawn until sunset. Muslims are required to fast for each of the 29 or 30 days of Ramadan. If someone is unable to fast due to illness or other valid reasons, they may compensate by giving charity or fasting on other days outside Ramadan.

A pre-dawn meal, known as Sehri, is highly recommended. Muslims wake up before dawn, usually around 3 AM or 4 AM, to prepare and eat their meal. Some eat milk and roti, others prefer paratha and tea, while some only eat dates and drink water. It is essential to eat something before beginning the fast. Muslims continue eating until Fajr, the dawn prayer, which marks the start of the fasting period. From that moment, they refrain from eating or drinking until sunset.

Preparing for Iftar:

Women in the Muslim community typically prepare Iftar, though men also help by setting the table, preparing fruit chaat, and making drinks like sherbet. At sunset, the whole family gathers to break their fast with dates, water, and a variety of foods. Many Muslims share dishes with their neighbors.

After Iftar , they perform the Maghrib prayer and then prepare for Tarawih prayers.

After Iftar:

In addition to the five daily prayers, a highly recommended practice during Ramadan is the Tarawih prayer, which is performed after the night prayer (Isha). This is a communal prayer where long portions of the Quran are recited each night throughout the month.

Ramadan and the Quran:

The Holy Quran was revealed in the month of Ramadan. Therefore, it is a Sunnah (highly recommended practice) for Muslims to complete the recitation of the Quran during this month. Many Muslims aim to recite all the Surah of the Quran within the month, especially those who are young and healthy. It is encouraged for Muslims to complete the Quran every lunar month. As mentioned in Quran:

In The Quran:

Allah recited the whole quran  through his angel Gabriel. It is mentioned in Surah Qiyamah of the Quran:

Do not rush your tongue trying to memorize ˹a revelation of˺ the Quran. 75:16

It is certainly upon Us to ˹make you˺ memorize and recite it.75:17

So once We have recited a revelation ˹through Gabriel˺, follow its recitation ˹closely˺. 75:18

Then it is surely upon Us to make it clear ˹to you˺.75:19.

 In The Hadith :

Abdullah ibn Amr says, Allah’s Messenger said to me, “Recite the whole Qur’an in a month.” I said, “But I have the power [to do more than that].” Allah’s Messenger said, “Then finish the recitation of the Qur’an in seven days, and do not finish it in less than this period.”

Source: Bukhari no. 5054 - [Sahih]

 

How to Recite the Quran:
We should recite the Quran in Arabic. If we don’t know Arabic, then we must learn it just as we learn English or other languages.

On the first day of Ramadan, we should first recite Surah Al-Fatiha, then Surah Al-Baqarah. On the second day, we should recite Surah Al-Fatiha followed by the entire Surah Aal-e-Imran. This pattern should be followed throughout the whole month of Ramadan.

If you want to learn more about how to complete the entire Quran in a month, then refer to this book The Quran and the Moon. This advice is especially for healthy young people and children.

If you find it difficult to recite a whole Surah, especially a long one, in a single day, then you should divide it into intervals—reciting half after Tarawih, another portion before Fajr, and the remaining part in the morning or during the day. However, it is necessary to complete it within one day, from one sunset to the next.

By following this method, you will be able to complete the entire Quran in a month.

Conclusion

Ramadan is a sacred month that holds immense spiritual, social, and communal significance for Muslims worldwide. It is a time of self-discipline, reflection, and devotion to God. Through fasting, prayers, charity, and Quran recitation, Muslims strengthen their faith and deepen their connection with Allah. The month not only purifies the soul but also fosters a sense of unity and generosity within the community.

As Ramadan comes to an end, Muslims eagerly await the joyous celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the completion of their spiritual journey. The lessons of patience, gratitude, and compassion learned during Ramadan should extend beyond the month, influencing daily life throughout the year. Ultimately, Ramadan serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, selflessness, and striving for righteousness in all aspects of life.