RAMADAN: A month of spiritual renewal and reflection
RAMADAN - Connecting with (ALLAH)God, family, and friends!
Ramadan is a special season of the year for the whole Muslim community. It is the time of spiritual contemplation, self-control and charitable giving. In this month, Muslims refrain from taking food, drink and other physical requirements from dawn to sunset. However, Ramadan is much more than just fasting. It’s a time of very deep spiritual connection, community and self-development.
History of Ramadan
The story of Ramadan goes back to 610 CE with Muhammad(s.a.s) , who was the Prophet revealed by God , receiving the first verses of the Qur'an. Such disclosures ongoing for the whole span of his life and the final form of the Quran compiled over 23 years by tradition is believed to be divinely revealed to him. The fasting month Ramadan was the month when the Qur’an was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad, eventually making it a holy month in the Islam faith.
The Significance of Fasting
Fasting during Ramadan, which is one of the most important routines in Islam, is counted as the strongest good deed in holiness. The fast is regarded as being a way of spiritual purification as well as self-control. Muslims consider that fasting makes them more aware of their faith and lets them feel Allah's protection through this month. On the other hand, it encourages us to develop solidarity with the less privileged by imparting these attributes to us.
The Rituals of Ramadan
Besides fasting, there are also a number of Ramadan rituals. These practices, such as the breaking of the fast with dates and water, the performance of extra prayers, the reading of the Quran, the giving to charity, and introspection, take place on these occasions. People typically fast with their families and friends and it is a time to get traditional food and family/friends togetherness. After Taraweeh prayers, which follow the Isha prayer, a portion of the Quran is recited. The Quran is read out by the Muslims all over the month of Ramadan and most of them try to finish the whole book during this month. Giving to needy people is obligatory during Ramadan with the reward being certain after that. Many mosques and charitable organizations undertake food drives as well as other charity events during the month of Ramadan. In conclusion Ramadan is a time of self-reflection and personal growth. Muslims spent this month for self-rehabilitation, forgiveness seeking and to do their best for total self-improvement.
The Celebration of Eid al-Fitr
At the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr, which is a three-day festival that begins with communal prayers and includes feasting and gift-giving, follows. It is a time of joy and celebration, as well as an opportunity to express gratitude for the blessings of Ramadan.
Ramadan is the month of spiritual devotion, self-control, and revitalization. It is habits that have been incorporated into the Muslim religion and have from generation to generation been passed on. Fasting, sharing/breaking fast with family and friends, doing additional prayers, reciting of the Quran, giving to charity, and reflecting on one’s life are some of those prayers that are essential to Ramadan. Through these gatherings, people come together, and they make a community of shared faith and vision, as well as remind us about the significance of religious worship and self-transformation.