There are about 1.8 billion Muslims in the world and there is no time more important to them than the month of Ramadan. It is celebrated as the month in which Prophet Muhammad received his first revelations that make up the Quran. If you are a Muslim, you should know a lot about it. But if you are unaware of the purpose and significance of Ramadan and you only see your friends or neighbours engaging themselves in different customs and rituals related to Ramadan, here are five facts for you to understand Ramadan better.
Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam.
The five pillars are the fundamental duties that all Muslims must follow. They include Shahada ( the belief in one true God), Salat (praying five times facing the direction of Mecca) Zakat (act of giving charity to the needed) Hajj (the pilgrimage to Mecca) and Sawm which is fasting during the month of Ramadan.
The true purpose of Fasting.
Ramadan is intended for focusing mind on spirituality and charity along with purifying body and thoughts. It is not just about the physical cleanliness, but verbal and mental too. The observers have to abstain themselves from food , drink and other pleasures like sex from morning to evening. Fasting reminds you about the importance of self control.
The significance of month of Ramadan
Ramadan is a month of generosity. It is beleived that you will be rewarded more for all the charity you can do in this month. It is highly recommended that one should read Quran during this time. The gates of paradise are opened this month and the gates of hell are closed, as per the belief.
Why do the dates of ramadan change every year?
Muslims follow a lunar calendar for religious matters. It is based on the phases of moon. The 12 months in lunar calendar add up to make 354 days and not 365 days. What this means is that the Islamic lunar calendar is 11 days behind the regular Gregorian calendar. So the first day of month of Ramadan (ninth month of lunar calendar) moves back by 11 days each year. So your Ramadan could fall on winter or summer depending on which part of the world you are. It’s relatively easier to fast in winter, thanks to the climate but summer will really take a toll on your body. It requires strong will power and devotion to execute fasting.
As a non muslim, what should we do during Ramadan.
In some places non Muslim friends fast along with their Muslim counterparts to express their solidarity, but if you can’t do this, the least you can do is to make their fasting easier. If you are eating that tasty burger or a packet of french fries, make sure you don’t do it in front of them. That’s the least you can do.
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