By Huda
Ramadan is a period of fasting, reflection, devotion, generosity, and sacrifice observed by Muslims around the world. While major holidays of other faiths are sometimes criticized for become largely secularized, commercialized events, Ramadan retains its intense spiritual meaning for Muslims worldwide.
The word “Ramadan” comes from the Arabic root word for “parched thirst” and “sun-baked ground.” The is expressive of the hunger and thirst felt by those who spend the month in fasting. It is in sharp contrast to other holidays that are marked by heavy indulgence in food and drink of all kinds. Muslims also abstain from the use of tobacco and sexual relations when observing Ramadan.
Timing of Ramadan
Ramadan comprises the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and its most notable ritual is the dawn to dusk fasting practiced for each day of the month, which is done to memorialize the first revelation of the Quran from Allah to the Prophet Mohammad (peace be upon him). Observing Ramadan is regarded as one of the five pillars of Islam for believers.
Because the dates of Ramadan are set according to the new crescent moon and are based on a lunar calendar, it moves around in relation to the Gregorian calendar, which is fixed based on the solar year that is 11 to 12 days longer than the lunar year. Hence, the month of Ramadan moves forward by about 11 days each year when viewed according to the Gregorian calendar.
Exceptions Made
While all adults who are healthy and able are expected to follow the fast during Ramadan, elderly people, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, children, or those traveling may exempt themselves from the fast in order to protect their health. These individuals may, however, practice a limited form of the fast, and may follow the other observances of Ramadan, including practicing acts of charity.
Ramadan Is by Nature a Time of Sacrifice
The personal sacrifice that is at the core of
Ramadan plays out in many ways for Muslims: Through fasting, a Muslim experiences hunger and thirst, and sympathizes with those in the world who have little to eat every day. Through increased devotion, Muslims feel closer to their Creator and recognize that everything we have in this life is a blessing from Him.
Through increased charity, Muslims develop feelings of generosity and goodwill toward others. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said, “A man’s wealth is never diminished by charity.”
Through self-control, a Muslim practices good manners, good speech, and good hab habits.Through changing their routines, Muslims have a chance to establish more healthy lifestyle habits—particularly with regards to diet and smoking.
Through family and community gatherings, Muslims strengthen the bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood, in their own communities, and throughout the world.
The Impact of Ramadan for Muslims
Ramadan is a very special time for Muslims, but the feelings and lessons experienced carry on throughout the year. In the Quran, Muslims are commanded to fast so that they may “learn self-restraint” (Quran 2:183). This restraint and devotion is especially felt during Ramadan, but Muslims are expected to strive to make those feelings and attitudes stay carry over during their “normal” lives. That is the true goal and test of Ramadan.
May Allah accept our fasting, forgive our sins, and guide us all to the Straight Path. May Allah bless us all during Ramadan, and throughout the year, with His forgiveness, mercy, and peace, and bring us all closer to Him and to each other.
Source:Learnreligions.com
Taraweeh: The Special Evening Prayers of Ramadan
By Huda
When the month of Ramadan begins, Muslims enter into a period of discipline and worship, fasting during the day, and praying throughout the day and night. During Ramadan, special evening prayers are conducted during which long portions of the Quran are recited. These special prayers are known as taraweeh.
Origins
The word taraweeh comes from an Arabic word which means to rest and relax. The Hadith indicates that the Prophet (peace be upon him) led his followers in evening prayer on the 25th, 27th, and 29th nights of Ramadan, in the time after the isha prayer. Since then, this has been a tradition during the evenings of Ramadan. However, it is not regarded as compulsory (unlike the five daily prayers), since the Hadith also documents that the Prophet discontinued this prayer because he specifically did not want it to become compulsory. Still, it is a strong tradition among modern Muslims during Ramadan to this day. It is practiced by most Sunni Muslims, for whom it amplifies the sense of individual spirituality and unity (Shia Muslims do not pray taraweeh).
Taraweeh Prayers in Practice
The prayer can be very long (well over an hour), during which one stands upright to read from the Quran and performs many cycles of movement (standing, bowing, prostrating, sitting). After each of the four cycles, one sits for a brief period of rest before continuing—this is where the name taraweeh (“rest prayer”) comes from.
During the standing portions of the prayer, long sections of the Quran are read. The Quran is divided into equal parts (called juz) for the purpose of reading sections of equal length during each of the Ramadan nights. Thus, 1/30 of the Quan is read on successive evenings, so that by the end of the month the entire Quran has been completed. It is recommended that Muslims attend the taraweeh prayers in the mosque (after ‘isha, the last evening prayer), to pray in congregation. This is true for both men and women. However, one may also perform the prayers individually at home. These prayers are voluntary but are strongly recommended and widely practiced. Performing the prayer together at the mosque is said to greatly increase the feeling of unity among followers.
There has been some dispute about how long the taraweeh prayer is supposed to be: 8 or 20 raka’at (cycles of prayer). It is without dispute, however, that when praying the taraweeh prayer in congregation, one should start and end in accordance with the imam’s preference, performing the same number that he performs. Night prayers in Ramadan are a blessing, and one should not argue about this fine point.
Saudi Arabia television broadcasts the taraweeh prayers live from Mecca, Saudi Arabia, now with simultaneous subtitling of the English translation.
Source:Learnreligions.com
