Ramadan: Meaning, Rules And Period

As the ninth month of the Islamic calendar begins, millions of Muslims around the world embark on a spiritual journey that is both challenging and rewarding. Ramadan, the holy month of fasting, devotions, and charity, is a time for believers to reconnect with their faith, themselves, and their community. In this article, we’ll delve into the history and origins of Ramadan, its rules and regulations, cultural nuances, and curiosities that make this month so unique.

When Does Ramadan Begin and How Long Does it Last?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which coincides with the time when the Prophet Muhammad received the revelation of the Quran. Since Muslims follow a lunar calendar, the exact dates of Ramadan vary each year on the solar calendar. The sacred period typically lasts 29 or 30 days, depending on the observation of the crescent moon.

In recent years, there has been an increasing trend towards using solar calendars to determine the start and end of Ramadan. This is because the lunar calendar can sometimes fall in the wrong season, which has caused confusion among Muslims around the world. However, many Muslims still follow the traditional lunar calendar, which is based on the sighting of the crescent moon.

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The Rules of Ramadan: What Are They and Who Must Follow Them?

Ramadan is obligatory for all Muslims in good health starting from puberty, and it’s based on certain rules that teach believers to control their desires and suppress their instincts. These precepts include:

• Fasting from dawn to sunset
• Consuming only two meals at specific times: suhur before dawn and iftar after sunset
• Abstaining from smoking and having sexual relations between dawn and sunset
• Attending mosque and reciting the night prayer Taraweeh
• Avoiding lying, using vulgar language, and fighting wars

These rules are designed to help Muslims develop self-discipline, empathy for those in need, and a deeper connection with their faith. By following these rules, believers can experience spiritual growth, increase their sense of gratitude, and become more compassionate towards others.

Exceptions: Who Can Exempt Themselves from Fasting?

According to Islam, some people can exempt themselves from following the fast due to various reasons, including:

• The elderly
• Children until puberty
• People with illnesses
• Women in pregnancy
• Breastfeeding women
• People who make long trips
• Those who have had health problems after starting the fast
• Women with a menstrual cycle or those who have recently given birth

These exceptions are based on Islamic law and are designed to protect vulnerable individuals from physical harm. By exempting these groups from fasting, Muslims can ensure that everyone has access to essential nutrients and hydration.

Differences Between Countries

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Depending on the latitude of the country where you live and the time that Ramadan occurs, there can be significant differences in how one observes this period. For example:

• In places where the sun doesn’t set or never sets, believers can follow the timings from Mecca to set the start and end of fasting.
• Different traditions exist when it comes to food that can be eaten after sunset, such as couscous with lamb in Tunisia, Algeria, and Morocco, or sweet pastries like Katai in Syria and Jordan.

These variations reflect the diversity of cultures and traditions within Muslim communities. While some Muslims may follow strict rules of fasting, others may choose to adapt these rules to suit their local customs and practices.

What is Ramadan: History and Origins

According to the Quran, already pre-Islamic peoples followed a fast, but the rule of following this practice during Ramadan dates back to 624 AD, during the month of Sha’ban. The Prophet Muhammad established fasting to remember all the poor people who didn’t have enough food, and it’s believed that during this period, the gates of Paradise are open, and the gates of Hell are closed.

Historian Philip Jenkins suggests that the month of fasting may derive from the rigorous quinquennial discipline of Syrian Christian churches. However, for Muslims, fasting is a way to learn self-discipline, patience, love for God, and belonging to a community.

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Curiosities About Ramadan

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Beyond the rules, there are some curiosities that occur during this sacred month:

• In countries with a majority Muslim population, store windows display only elegant merchandise.
• During Ramadan, many collections of food, money, and clothes are made for the poorest people.
• Women during Ramadan cannot wear makeup during the day or apply nail polish and must always wear a kaftan (darra).
• On the fifteenth day of the month, children dressed in festive attire go from house to house collecting sweets; this tradition is called Gergaian.
• Volunteers distribute small boxes containing dates, water, or something sweet before sunset.

These curiosities highlight the unique aspects of Ramadan and provide a glimpse into the diversity of cultural practices within Muslim communities. Whether it’s the beautiful decorations in store windows or the joyful celebrations on Eid al-Fitr, there are many ways to experience the magic of Ramadan.

Conclusion

Ramadan is a journey that requires discipline, patience, and selflessness. As we explore its history, rules, cultural nuances, and curiosities, we can gain a deeper understanding of this sacred month and the values it represents. Whether you’re a Muslim or not, Ramadan has something to offer everyone: a chance to reflect on our own faith, practice self-discipline, and connect with our community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the significance of Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Destiny)?
A1: According to Islamic tradition, this night is when the Angel Gabriel revealed the Quran to Muhammad, making it a sacred and important moment in Ramadan.

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Q2: Can children be exempt from fasting?
A2: No, children under puberty are not allowed to fast during Ramadan. However, they can participate in other activities, such as reciting prayers and doing good deeds.

Q3: How do people celebrate Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Breaking the Fast)?
A3: Celebrations vary across countries, but common practices include giving charity, wearing new clothes, and spending time with family and friends.

Q4: Can women wear makeup during Ramadan?
A4: No, according to Islamic tradition, women are not allowed to wear makeup during the day or apply nail polish during Ramadan.

Q5: What is Gergaian, and how is it celebrated?
A5: Gergaian is a tradition where children dress in festive attire and collect sweets from house to house. It’s a fun way for kids to give back to their community and enjoy themselves.

Q6: How do people prepare for Ramadan?
A6: Preparation involves fasting, reciting prayers, and doing good deeds. Many Muslims also participate in charity drives, donate food, and spend time with family and friends.

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Q7: Can non-Muslims participate in Ramadan activities?
A7: While non-Muslims are not required to fast or follow Islamic customs, many choose to participate in activities such as attending mosque prayers or donating to charity.

Q8: How can I show my support for Muslims during Ramadan?
A8: You can start by learning more about the month and its significance. Show your appreciation for their faith and culture by offering a kind word, a gesture of kindness, or simply being present in your community.