Ramadan: Difference between revisions
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{{Otheruses4| religious observances during the month of Ramadan|the actual calendar month|Ramadan (calendar month)}} |
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{{Infobox Holiday |
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|holiday_name = Ramadan |
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|type = [[Muslims]], cutural |
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|image = Eidulfitr_meal.jpg |
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|caption = Eid ul-Fitr meal, Malaysia |
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|official_name = |
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|nickname = |
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|observedby = |
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|begins = |
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|ends = |
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|date =Varies according to the [[Hijri]]. (Islamic [[Lunar Calendar]]). |
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|date2009 = August 22 |
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|date2010 = August 12 |
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|celebrations = 28-30 days fasting and final day of celebration |
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|observances = Festival, Feasting, and parades |
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|relatedto = |
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}} |
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{{Islamic Culture}} |
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'''Ramadan''' ({{lang-ar|<big>رمضان</big>}} ''Ramaḍān'', {{IPA-ar|rɑmɑd̪ˤɑːn}}) (also written ''Ramazan'', ''Ramzan'', ''Ramadhan'', ''Ramdan'', ''Ramadaan'') is the ninth month of the [[Islamic calendar]]. It is the Islamic month of [[sawm|fasting]], in which participating [[Muslim]]s refrain from eating, drinking, smoking, and indulging in anything that is in excess or ill-natured; from [[dawn]] until [[sunset]].<ref> [http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2005/09/27/idiots_guide_to_ramadhan_faith_feature.shtml An Idiot's Guide to Ramadan]; ''[[BBC]]'', 03 October 2005</ref> Fasting is meant to teach the Muslim patience, modesty and spirituality. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of [[God in Islam|God]] ({{lang-ar|الله}}) and to offer more prayer than usual. During Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds. As compared to the [[solar calendar]], the dates of Ramadan vary, moving forward about ten days each year as it is a moving holiday [[Lunar calendar|depending on the moon]]. Ramadan was the month in which the first verses of the [[Qur'an]] were said to be revealed to the [[Prophets of Islam|Islamic Prophet]] [[Muhammad]].<ref>{{cite quran|2|185|s=nosup}}</ref> |
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== Origins of Ramadan == |
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The name "Ramadan" had been the name of the ninth month in [[Arab culture|Arabian culture]] long before the arrival of [[Islam]]; the word itself derived from an [[Semitic root|Arabic root]] {{Unicode|rmḍ}}, as in words like "{{Unicode|ramiḍa}}" or "{{Unicode|ar-ramaḍ}}" denoting intense heat,<ref>[http://ramadan.com.au/ramadan-faq Ramadan FAQ] </ref> scorched ground and shortness of rations. In the Qu'ran, [[God]] proclaims that "fasting has been written down (as obligatory) upon you, as it was upon those before you". According to the earliest [[hadith]], this refers to the [[Judaism|Jewish practice]] of fasting on [[Yom Kippur]].<ref>[[Sunan al-Tirmidhi]] I.145.</ref><ref>{{Cite book | last = Goyṭayn | first = Šelomo D. | title = Studies in Islamic history and institutions | publisher = E. J. Brill | date = 1966 | location = Leiden, NL | pages = 95–96 | doi = | id = | isbn = 9004030069}}</ref> |
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Sometimes referred to as "the night of decree or measures", ''[[Laylat al-Qadr]]'' is considered the most holy night of the year, as it is the night in which the Qur'an was revealed to Muhammad.<ref name=Robinson>{{Cite book |
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| last = Robinson | first = Neal | title = Islam: A Concise Introduction | publisher = Georgetown University Press | date = 1999 | location = Washington | pages = <!-- 216 dumb me; this is the total in the book --> | doi = | id = | isbn = 0878402241}}</ref> Muslims believe it to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan, either the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th (in [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] thought) or the 19th, 21st or 23rd (in [[Shia Islam|Shi'a]] thought). Ramadan ends with ''[[Eid ul-Fitr]]'' on the 1 of [[Shawwal]], with much celebration and feasting. During the month following Ramadan, called ''Shawwal'', Muslims are encouraged to fast for a further six days, known as ''as-Sitta al-Bīḍ'', or "the white six." When fasting is over, Muslims go to [[mosque]]s in nice clothes to pray the first Eid prayer. They give out presents to the young ones and greet their friends and families. They then thank God for what he has given them.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}} |
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==Practices during Ramadan== |
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===Fasting=== |
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{{Main|Sawm}} |
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The most prominent event of this month is fasting. Every day during the month of Ramadan, Muslims around the world get up before dawn to eat ''[[Sahur]] ''or ''Sehri'' or ''Sahari'' (meaning "something we eat at Sahar"), then they perform the ''[[fajr]]'' (or Sobh) prayer. They have to stop eating and drinking before [[adhan|the call for prayer]] starts until the fourth prayer of the day, ''[[Maghrib]]''. Muslims break their fast at Magrib (at sunset) prayer time with a meal called [[Iftar]]. Muslims may continue to eat and drink after the sun has set until the next morning's ''fajr'' prayer call. Then the process starts all over. |
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Ramadan is a time of reflecting and worshiping God. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual activities during fasting hours are also forbidden.<ref>{{cite quran|2|187|s=nosup}}</ref> Purity of both thoughts and actions is important. The fast is intended to be an exacting act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised awareness of closeness to God. |
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The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It also allows Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control,<ref>[http://www.bbc.co.uk/birmingham/content/articles/2008/08/29/ramadhan_2008_feature.shtml Why Ramadan brings us together]; ''[[BBC]]'', 01 September 2008</ref> sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity ([[Zakat]]).<ref name=WP>[http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/09/27/AR2008092702592_2.html?nav=rss_world Help for the Heavy at Ramadan], ''[[Washington Post]]'', 27 September 2008</ref> |
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Muslims should start observing the fasting ritual upon reaching the age of [[puberty]], so long as they are healthy, sane and have no disabilities or illnesses. The elderly, the chronically ill, and the mentally ill are exempt from fasting, although the first two groups must endeavor to feed the poor in place of their missed fasting. Also exempt are pregnant women, women during the period of their menstruation, and women nursing their newborns. A difference of opinion exists among Islamic scholars as to whether this last group must make up the days they miss at a later date, or feed poor people as a recompense for days missed.<ref>See, for example, [http://www.islamonline.net/discussione/message.jspa?messageID=21665 Should pregnant women fast during Ramadan], where both points of view are indicated by different scholars; see also [http://www.islamonline.net/English/ramadan1422/2001/fiqh/fiqh62.shtml The Old, The Pregnant, And The Breast Feeding Not Fasting], where different views on this subject are mentioned.</ref> While fasting is not considered compulsory in [[youth|childhood]], many children endeavour to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life. Lastly, those traveling (''musaafir'') are exempt, but must make up the days they miss.<ref name="q2-184">{{cite quran|2|184|s=nosup}}</ref> More specifically, [[Twelver]] Shī‘ah define those who travel more than {{convert|40|mi|abbr=on}} in a day as exempt.<ref name=WP /> |
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The elderly or those who suffer from a disability or disease and have no prospect of getting better in the future can pay the cost of ''Iftar'' for a person who cannot afford it, or else they can host such a person in their house and have him eat with them after sunset as a way of repaying for the days they could not fast.<ref name="q2-184"/> |
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A person who is observing Ramadan might break the fast accidentally, due to having forgotten it. In such an instance, one might spit out the food being eaten or cease the forbidden activity, immediately upon remembering the fast. This can usually happen in the early days of Ramadan because that person might have not yet been acclimated into fasting from dawn till dusk. |
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When Ramadan came to overshadow [[Day of Ashura|Ashura]] in importance, it took on some characteristics of the latter. According to a well-known hadith, the person who observes Ramadan properly will have all their past sins forgiven. According to another, "When Ramadan arrives, [[Heaven]]'s gates are opened, [[Hell]]'s gates are closed, [[Satan]] is chained up and [[Genie|jinns]] are also locked up" and who ever dies will enter [[paradise]].<ref name=Robinson/> |
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There are exceptions in certain Muslim communities that deny practising fasting in Ramadan such as [[Alevi]] people in [[Turkey]].{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}} |
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===Prayer and reading of the Qur'an=== |
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{{noref|section|date=November 2009}} |
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[[Image:Lanterns from below.JPG|thumb|left|[[Fanoos]] Ramadan, [[Cairo]]]] |
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[[Image:Resim-Sultan Ahmed Mosque mahya4.jpg|thumb|[[Sultan Ahmed Mosque]], [[Istanbul]], [[Turkey]] in Ramadan (the writing with lights called ''mahya'')]] |
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In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Qur'an by means of special prayers, called ''[[Tarawih]]'', which are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Qur'an (''[[Juz']]'', which is 1/30 of the Qur'an) is recited. Therefore the entire Qur'an would be completed at the end of the month. |
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Ramadan is also a time when Muslims are to slow down from worldly affairs and focus on self-reformation, spiritual cleansing and enlightenment; this is to establish a link between themselves and God through prayer, supplication, charity, good deeds, kindness and helping others. Since it is a festival of giving and sharing, Muslims prepare special foods and buy gifts for their family and friends and for giving to the poor and needy who cannot afford it; this can involve buying new clothes, shoes and other items of need. There is also a social aspect involved the preparing of special foods and inviting people for [[Iftar]]. |
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In many Muslim and non-Muslim countries with large Muslim populations, markets close down in the evening to enable people to perform prayers and consume the ''Iftar'' meal – these markets then re-open and stay open for a good part of the night. Muslims can be seen shopping, eating, spending time with their friends and family during the evening hours. |
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==Eid ul-Fitr== |
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{{Main|Eid ul-Fitr}} |
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The Islamic holiday of Eid ul-Fitr ({{lang-ar|عيد الفطر}}) marks the end of the fasting period of Ramadan and the first day of the following month, after another [[new moon]] has been sighted. The Eid falls after 29 or 30 days of fasting, per the lunar sighting. Eid ul-Fitr means the Festival of Breaking the Fast; a special celebration is made. Food is donated to the poor (''[[Zakat al-fitr]]''); everyone puts on their best, usually new, clothes; and communal prayers are held in the early morning, followed by feasting and visiting relatives and friends. The prayer is two ''[[Raka'ah]]s'' only, and it is optional (''[[mustahabb]]'') prayer as opposed to the compulsory five daily prayers. Muslims are expected to do this as an act of worship, and to thank God. |
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==Determining the start date== |
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[[File:Crescent Moon.JPG|thumb|The beginning of Ramadan is based upon the [[Islamic calendar]] and observing the first [[Lunar phase|waxing crescent moon]].]] |
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''[[Hilāl (Arabic term)|Hilāl]]'' (the [[Lunar phase|crescent]]) is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon indicates the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan.<ref>[http://www.hilalsighting.org/papers/salman.pdf Hilal Sighting & Islamic Dates: Issues and Solution Insha'Allaah]. Hilal Sighting Committee of North America ([http://www.hilalsighting.org/ website]). Retrieved 19 August 2009.</ref> |
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<blockquote>The month of Ramadan is that in which the Quran was revealed, a guidance to men and clear proofs of the guidance and the Criterion. So whoever of you is present in the month, he shall fast therein, and whoever is sick or on a journey, (he shall fast) a (like) number of other days. Allah desires ease for you, and He desires not hardship for you, and (He desires) that you should complete the number and that you should exalt the greatness of Allah for having guided you and that you may give thanks. |
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</blockquote>--Qur'an 2:185 |
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== Penalties of eating in public during Ramadan daytime == |
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In some [[List of Muslim majority countries|Muslim countries]], failing to fast or the open flouting of such behavior during Ramadan is considered a crime and is prosecuted as such. For instance, in [[Algeria]], in October 2008 the court of [[Biskra]] condemned six people to four years in prison and heavy fines.<ref> [http://www.alarabiya.net/articles/2008/10/07/57856.html AFP-Arabia.net], 7 October 2008; visited 9 December 2008.</ref> |
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In [[Kuwait]], according to law number 44 of 1968 the penalty is a fine of no more than 100 [[Kuwaiti dinar]]s, or jail for no more than one month, or both penalties, for those seen eating, drinking or smoking during Ramadan daytime.<ref>[http://www.moi.gov.kw/portal/vEnglish/pressrel.asp?objectid={220CBBC3-8EA9-4835-A491-C368B0689E55}&catid={506BD210-2218-41DE-9648-30A1C3AAD0F6}&year=&relid={57BF4B27-AAFB-4F61-9065-B013FA96A464} Press release by Kuwait Ministry Of Interior]</ref><ref>{{Cite news | last = | first = | title = KD 100 fine, one month prison for public eating, drinking | newspaper = Friday Times | location = | language = <!-- English --> | publisher = Kuwait Times Newspaper | date = 21 August 2009 | url = http://www.kuwaittimes.net/read_news.php?newsid=MTE3NDM5MzY5NA | accessdate = 17 November 2009}} |
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</ref> |
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In [[United Arab Emirates|UAE]], eating or drinking during the daytime of Ramadan is considered a minor offence and would be punished by up to 240 hours of community service.<ref>{{Cite news | last = Salama | first = Samir | title = New penalty for minor offences in UAE | newspaper = Gulf News | location = Dubai, UAE | pages = | language = | publisher = Al Nisr Publishing LLC | date = 16 July 2009 | url = http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/uae/crime/new-penalty-for-minor-offences-in-uae-1.492892 | accessdate = 17 November 2009}} |
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</ref> |
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==See also== |
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*[[Ramadan calendar]] |
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==References== |
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{{Reflist|2}} |
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==External links== |
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* [http://www.afgclassics.com/ramadan-1.html 2009 Ramadan Calendar for all Major Cities Worldwide.] |
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* [http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/Ramadan-Kareem/ Video: U.S. President Barack Obama's 2009 Ramadan Message - Official White House Greeting] |
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* [http://www.iecrcna.org/publications/books/Ramadan_Booklet_Single_Pages.pdf Ramadan: The Month of Patience, Empathy, and Self-Purification] |
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* [http://www.zikr.co.uk/books/Ramadhan.html A complete interactive guide to Ramadhan & Fasting] |
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* [http://www.ramadanonline.com A complete guide to what ramadan is, and when it is.] |
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{{Muslimholidays}} |
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{{US Holidays}} |
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[[Category:Sawm]] |
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[[Category:Islamic holy days]] |
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[[Category:Ramadan]] |
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{{Link FA|id}} |
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[[ar:رمضان]] |
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[[ba:Рамаҙан]] |
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[[fa:ماه رمضان]] |
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[[id:Ramadhan]] |
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[[ta:ரமலான் நோன்பு]] |
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Revision as of 15:15, 12 March 2010
hi this is Rhi Davies =]