Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Burundi Times
Published on 2024-03-29 13:37:56
Ramadan is the holiest month in Islam, where over a billion Muslims worldwide come together to celebrate and engage in spiritual reflection, fasting, and worship. This ninth month in the Islamic calendar holds significant importance as it marks the period when the Prophet Muhammad first received the revelations of the Quran, the holy scripture of Islam.
During Ramadan, Muslims observe fasting as one of the pillars of their faith. This fasting entails abstaining from food, drink, sexual activity, and immoral behavior from dawn until sunset. In addition to fasting, Muslims also engage in extra prayers, acts of charity, and deep study of the Quran, seeking to strengthen their connection with Allah and cultivate good habits.
The main purpose of Ramadan is to draw closer to Allah, practice self-discipline, and cultivate a greater sense of empathy towards those less fortunate. Fasting serves as a means to remind believers of the struggles faced by those in poverty and to encourage personal growth by reducing negative behaviors such as lying, gossiping, and quarreling.
The timing of Ramadan varies each year in accordance with the Islamic lunar calendar, moving back by 10-12 days in the Gregorian calendar annually. In 2022, Ramadan is expected to begin on April 2nd. The month-long observance culminates in Eid al-Fitr, a festive celebration that marks the end of Ramadan.
Throughout Ramadan, Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset, breaking their fast with a meal known as Iftar and starting the day with Suhur before sunrise. The rules of Ramadan prohibit eating, drinking, smoking, and engaging in sexual activity during daylight hours. However, physical displays of affection, such as hugging and kissing, are permitted outside of fasting hours.
Proper greetings for Ramadan include phrases such as “Ramadan Mubarak” and “Ramadan Kareem,” which convey well wishes and blessings for a blessed month. It is also customary to greet fasting individuals with “Taqabbal Allah,” a phrase meaning “may Allah accept it,” as a sign of respect for their dedication during Ramadan.
Fasting hours during Ramadan can range from 10 to 21 hours, depending on geographical location, with those in the Middle East typically fasting for around 13-15 hours. This act of self-discipline and devotion serves as a reminder of the importance of faith, community, and reflection during this sacred time of year.
As Muslims around the world come together to observe Ramadan, they strive to deepen their connection with Allah, practice empathy and self-discipline, and foster a sense of unity and compassion within their communities. Through fasting, prayer, and acts of charity, believers seek to cultivate a greater sense of spirituality and mindfulness during this holiest of months.
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