Window into the World - Ramadan
Ajeeta Khatiwada
Issue date: 11/6/06 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, established in the year 638. It is considered the most venerated, sacred and spiritually-beneficial month of the Islamic year. Islams from different parts of the world perform prayers, fasting, charity, and other religious observances throughout this month.
There are some variations regarding the time in which Ramadan's fasting takes place for different Muslims around the world. Since the festival is linked to the lunar calendar and the new moon is not in the same state at the same time globally, the celebration of this festival depends on which lunar sighting that individual recognizes.
The most prominent event of this month is the fasting practiced by all observant Muslims. Eating, drinking, sexual intercourse and smoking are not allowed between dawn and dusk throughout the month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims are also expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. They are encouraged to read the Qur'an. Sexual activity is not allowed during the fasting time. The fast is seen as a linchpin to purify ones action as well as thought (i.e. soul) as people are expected to refrain from anger, envy, greed, lust, gossip and other damaging emotions during fasting. Fasting is believed to be a thorough act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised level of closeness to God. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities. Properly observing the fast is supposed to induce a comfortable feeling of peace and calm.
Fasting during Ramadan is not obligatory for several groups for whom it would be excessively problematic. Children before the onset of puberty are not required to fast. According to the Qur'an, if fasting would be dangerous to someone's health, such as a person with an illness or medical condition (this can include the elderly), that person is excused but they are encouraged to feed a needy person instead. Also, if one intentionally breaks the fast, that individual must continue fasting for the remaining days in addition to a penalty, which can either be fasting for 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 people in need. Hence, Muslims view the fasting festival, Ramadan, as an opportunity to practice self-discipline, sacrifice, as well as sympathy for those who are less fortunate. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan
There are some variations regarding the time in which Ramadan's fasting takes place for different Muslims around the world. Since the festival is linked to the lunar calendar and the new moon is not in the same state at the same time globally, the celebration of this festival depends on which lunar sighting that individual recognizes.
The most prominent event of this month is the fasting practiced by all observant Muslims. Eating, drinking, sexual intercourse and smoking are not allowed between dawn and dusk throughout the month of Ramadan. During Ramadan, Muslims are also expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam. They are encouraged to read the Qur'an. Sexual activity is not allowed during the fasting time. The fast is seen as a linchpin to purify ones action as well as thought (i.e. soul) as people are expected to refrain from anger, envy, greed, lust, gossip and other damaging emotions during fasting. Fasting is believed to be a thorough act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised level of closeness to God. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities. Properly observing the fast is supposed to induce a comfortable feeling of peace and calm.
Fasting during Ramadan is not obligatory for several groups for whom it would be excessively problematic. Children before the onset of puberty are not required to fast. According to the Qur'an, if fasting would be dangerous to someone's health, such as a person with an illness or medical condition (this can include the elderly), that person is excused but they are encouraged to feed a needy person instead. Also, if one intentionally breaks the fast, that individual must continue fasting for the remaining days in addition to a penalty, which can either be fasting for 60 consecutive days or feeding 60 people in need. Hence, Muslims view the fasting festival, Ramadan, as an opportunity to practice self-discipline, sacrifice, as well as sympathy for those who are less fortunate. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ramadan
Be the first to comment on this story