What is Ramadan Mubarak?

There is a lot of confusion about Ramadan, leading to people searching for terms like “what is Ramadan” online. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, emphasizing fasting and prayer. Ramadan commences and concludes according to the moon’s shape, which should explain why it does not have a specific date for every year. Read on to learn more about Ramadan’s meaning, rules, times, etc.

History of Ramadan

This month, the Holy Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him). God appointed Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) as his Messenger, making Ramadan an important month in the Islamic calendar. The night the angel Gabriel appeared before Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) with God’s words is known as Laylat Al-Qadar, or the Night of Power.

The Holy Quran revealed to Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) is the direct word of God for Muslims and is supplemented by the Hadith, which accounts for the beloved Prophet’s sayings, thoughts, and deeds.

What is Ramadan Mubarak?

The day Ramadan begins and ends has to do with the moon’s calendar. It is worth noting the dates could vary depending on the region. Ramadan is the perfect time for Muslims to strengthen their relationship with God. Ramadan involves praying, fasting, and carrying out good deeds.

Muslims must fast apart from fulfilling other mandatory obligations like prayers in Ramadan. The purpose of fasting is for Muslims to realize the hardships and suffering millions worldwide undergo due to poverty and famine. By fasting, Muslims are humbled and shown why they must be gracious to God for his kindness, love, and generosity. Many Muslims donate and give Zakat during this month. Once the month of Ramadan concludes, Eid al Fitr is celebrated for three days. Eid al Fitr encourages Muslims to feast, celebrate with loved ones, and exchange gifts.  

Read More: Everything you need to Know about Zakat

Ramadan Fasting Rules

Fasting during Ramadan is an essential part of the Five Pillars of Islam. Fasting, referred to as Sawm, is mandatory for every Muslim except for those who are ill or are not of sound mind. Children, breastfeeding mothers, and pregnant women are also exempted from fasting. As for when children can start fasting, it becomes obligatory once they hit puberty.

Muslims are to fast from dawn to sunset, but the duration can vary depending on where a Muslim is located or on the season. While fasting, Muslims must not eat, drink, or partake in sexual intercourse with their spouse. Once a fast has concluded, Muslims are free to engage in these acts.

What about those that Can’t Fast?

Those who can’t fast need to make up for it by fasting after Eid al Fitr. Muslims that have missed their fasts or broken them intentionally need to incur a penalty to fulfill their obligation to God, referred to as Kaffarah. The three forms of Kaffarah are as follows:

1. Free a Muslim from slavery.
2. Fasting for two lunar months without a break.
3. Feeding 60 people for every day of fasting that was missed or broken.

It is important to note that the Kaffarah is descending hierarchy, and Muslims can’t pick and choose as they see fit. A Muslim must perform the first form of Kaffarah and can only move to the next if the previous is impossible due to unavailability or a lack of means. A Muslim must comply with either of three to fulfill their Kaffarah.

Benefits of Fasting

First and foremost, the biggest benefit of fasting during Ramadan is that it strengthens the relationship between man and God. Secondly, it is an act of collective worship to please God and to thank him for providing sustenance and being merciful. Fasting is the sincerest way any Muslim can show God his thankfulness. Lastly, fasting allows practicing Muslims to have control over their desires. With greater willpower, Muslims can exercise great control and thus find it easier to walk the righteous path.

Hopefully, this blog has provided answers to questions like what is Ramadan, how it is observed, and more. For questions or concerns, leave a comment below!