What is Ramadan?

According to Islam, Ramadan is the holiest month of the year. Ramadan is where billions of Muslims worldwide fast from sunrise to sunset. For Muslims, it's a way of forgiving all of their bad deeds & connecting closer with Allah. The Quran was also revealed to the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ during this sacred month of Ramadan. This is the reason why this special month or forgiveness is so vital and important for Muslims globally to implement.

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic Calendar & also the 4th Pillar of Islam. Hence, why this month is sacred to the billions of Muslims globally. Ramadan is also about reflecting on your faith with Allah & a way of remembrance during these 30 days. 

Fasting is where you can't eat or drink anything from sunrise (Fajr prayer) till Sunset (Maghrib prayer). Fasting during Ramadan is compulsory for adults who are not sick or travelling. There are exceptions to fasting if you're: sick, pregnant, travelling or going through menstruation (females).

To keep us energised, you can only eat whilst the sun is down. These meals are known as Iftar & Suhur. Iftar is the meal when we break our fast after Maghrib prayer. Suhur is pre-dawn meal before beginning our fast when it's Fajr. Around the world, there are different times of Fasting, so fasting times vary worldwide.

It's also important for Muslims to fast during this holy month as your rewards multiply a lot compared to other days of the year.

Muslims keep a closer connection with Allah during Ramadan by studying the Quran, making a lot of duas, increasing charity; and focusing on their 5 daily prayers.

Ramadan can be a very special & significant month for many Muslims around the globe 🌍

Ramadan is not just about staying away from food, but a way of increasing your connection Allah. It can also be a way of feeling how the poor people feel, who are very unfortunate to not have food. Gives us a recognition of how it actually feels to not be able to have food. Ramadan is a month for Muslims to stay firm on their religion; and not do any evil things. It enables you to act in good behaviour, with people around you. This is why Ramadan is the most important month for Muslims worldwide.

Special prayer of Ramadan (Tarawih):

After we break our fast, there's a night prayer for Ramadan called Tarawih. Although they're not compulsory to act upon, it allows Muslims to regularly visit the mosque in a way of increasing spirituality. Long portions of the Qurans are recited & many rakahs (separate prayers) are performed. During the whole of Ramadan, the imam would finish the whole Quran during all of the Tarawih prayers. Tarawih is either 8 or 20 rakahs long & begins after Ishaa prayer. These prayers are done in pairs. These prayers are not compulsory but sunnah (done by the Prophet).

According to Abu Huraira, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

"Whoever stands with the imam during Tarawih until he finishes, it is equivalent to spending the whole night in prayer."

The Quran mentions Ramadan in Surah Baqarah: Verse 185:

'Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed as a guide for humanity with clear proofs of guidance and the standard ˹to distinguish between right and wrong˺. So whoever is present this month, let them fast. But whoever is ill or on a journey, then let them fast an equal number of days after Ramadan. Allah intends ease for you, not hardship, so that you may complete the prescribed period and proclaim the greatness of Allah for guiding you, and perhaps you will be grateful.'

Last 10 Nights of Ramadan (Laylatul Qadr):

The Last 10 nights of Ramadan (aka the Night of Power) are the most important days of the whole month of Ramadan. It was specificially in these critical days when the Quran was revealed by Angel Gabriel to the Messenger of Allah (Prophet Muhhammad ﷺ). 

The Nights of Decree is mentioned in the Quran in Surah Qadr. This short surah explains the importance of the Last 10 Days.

In Surah Qadr: V3 - "The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months"

So let's make this Ramadan a special month for us to observe.

Ramadan Mubarak ☪ to all of you and a happy Eid 🎉!