Today, Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2002, is the seventh day in the month of Ramadan, according to the lunar Islamic calendar. It is in this month that Muslims across the world fast all hours of daylight to fulfill the third requirement of their obligatory practices.
There are five obligatory practices according to the Muslim belief. They are: the declaration of oneness of God, doing Salah (prayers), fasting the whole month of Ramadan, giving Zakah (charity), and performing pilgrimage to the sacred mosque in Makkah.
What Muslims do in Ramadan is abstain from food, drink and any intimate relationship from dawn to sunset. The reason why Muslims should abstain from these permissible things is highlighted in this verse of the Quran:
"O you who believe! Observing fast is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious." [2:183]
Children begin fasting when they attain the age of puberty. If you are traveling or sick during Ramadan, you have the privilege not to fast. However, you need to make up those whenever convenient.
Ramadan teaches the highest level of sincerity. It is an act of worship that strengthens your relationship with God in a special way. Even though you have food and drink, you abstain from them to prove your love to God by following His commands.
Observing fast elevates the level of obedience and faithfulness. Prophet Muhammad said in this regard, "Whoever fasts Ramadan out of faith and with the hope of reward, all his previous sins will be forgiven."
That means the physical part is not all what Ramadan stands for. The spiritual part is even more significant. Observing fast helps you keep your ears, eyes, tongue, hands, feet and all other organs free from sin.
The revelation of Quran started in Ramadan. Reciting verses of the Quran is considered an act of worship throughout the year, but it is usually intensified during the days and nights of Ramadan.
Ramadan is not only good for the individuals. It is good for the whole society as well. Relatives and friends exchange congratulations with the phrase 'Ramadan Mubarak' which means 'full-of-blessing Ramadan to you.'
When you fast and feel the pangs of hunger you experience how the poor feel, so you have compassion towards them and give them something to ward off hunger.
Hearing about them is not the same as sharing their suffering. It is through fasting that you care and share.
At the end of the day, Muslims break their fast in a special meal called 'Iftar.' Usually we begin the meal with fresh dates just to follow the tradition of Prophet Muhammad.
Members of the local Muslim community gather to have Iftar together at the mosque. Families take turns in providing food for the brothers and sisters whose families don't live in Muncie.
Ramadan is great season to be a better Muslim. Acts of worship such as fasting, reciting Quran and giving charity make you a better believer and helps you become a more active member in the community.
Write to Fahad at fahad765@yahoo.com
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