What does the month of Ramadan represent to 1.2 billion Muslimsall over the world?
Ramadan is the month during which Muslims fast to show obedienceto the commands of their Lord, Allah. It is an annual season tointensify different acts of worship and do more good deeds.
There are five obligatory acts of worship for Muslims. The firstone is testifying that there is no deity worthy of worship exceptAllah and that prophet Muhammad is the last messenger.
The second one is offering Salah (obligatory prayers). There arefive regular prayers that a Muslim should do throughout theday.
Paying Zakah (obligatory charity) is the third act of worshipfor Muslims. They have to pay 2.5 percent of their wealth on anannual basis if they can afford it. If they are poor and can'tafford it they pay nothing.
The fourth act of worship is fasting during the month ofRamadan.
Pilgrimage to Makkah is the fifth act of worship. Each Muslim isrequired to make one pilgrimage to Makkah in their lifetime.
Fasting during the month of Ramadan takes the form of abstainingfrom food, drink and any intimate relationship from dawn to sunset.Fasting is not restricted to Muslims only. It is indicated in theQuran that observing fast was prescribed on other nations in thepre-Islamic era.
As soon as Ramadan begins Muslims exchange phone calls ande-mails to congratulate each other. They repeat the phrase "RamadanMubarak," the traditional way to wish one another a blessedmonth.
Fasting is not for everyone. Children are not required to fast.Boys and girls begin to fast when they reach puberty. Prior to thatage, they can fast parts of the day to go through the experience offasting.
Fasting doesn't interfere with one's daily obligations. You goto school or work, go shopping and do everything you usually do butwith some hunger and thirst.
Muslims are recommended to have a meal before dawn. It is theSuhoor meal that is full of blessings.
Traditionally Muslims break the fast right at sunset with waterand some dates. Then, they can have a regular meal called"Iftar."
Ramadan is a family event as well. Family members gather tobreak the fast and spend moments of joy.
Ramadan is a social event as well. Throughout Ramadan peopletake advantage of the blessings of the month and invite each otherover more often.
Single Muslim students at Ball State break the fast together atthe Islamic Center. Food is provided by local families who taketurns in preparing Iftar meals.
There will be an Iftar party sponsored by the InternationalStudent House and Muslim Student Association. It will be held atthe Student Center and will be open to the public.
Muslims commemorate the end of Ramadan by celebrating the Eid inthe first day of Shawal, the month that follows Ramadan. It is afeast festival in which people gather and exchange gifts.
Ramadan is a highly valued event for the Muslims. It is areligious event that brings them closer to their Lord. It is also asocial event that brings them closer to one another.
Write to Fahad at fahad765@yahoo.com
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