Islam uses a lunar calendar—that is, each month begins with the sighting of
the new moon, therefore because the lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than
the solar calendar, Islamic months “move” each year. This year (2008) the Islamic
month of Ramadan coincides almost exactly with the month of September. For
Muslims the coming of Ramadan is a source of joy and celebration; however, we
celebrate in a way that may seem strange to people unfamiliar with the tenets of
Islam. Ramadan is not a month of parties and socialising, it is a month of
worship. To fast the month of Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam.
Muslims express gratitude and love for the One True God by obeying and
worshipping Him. We worship according to His guidance revealed in the Quran
and through the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan is
special. It is a month of fasting, reading and coming to understand Quran and
special extra prayers. The mosques come alive at night when Muslims gather to
break their fast together and pray. The smooth rich sound of Quran recitation is
heard throughout the long nights as Muslims stand shoulder-to-shoulder praying
and praising God.
Muslims all over the world love the month of Ramadan and look forward to it
with mounting excitement. In the weeks preceding Ramadan lives are scrutinised,
and plans are made for a month of serious worship and supplication. The
countdown begins and conversations start with how many weeks it is until the
blessed month arrives. Perhaps non-Muslims wonder why we look forward to
fasting days and sleepless nights. Ramadan offers the chance of redemption and
great rewards. It is a month like no other. A month of spiritual reflection and
prayer. Hearts are directed away from worldly activities and towards God.
In the month Ramadan, all physically mature and healthy Muslims are
required to fast: to abstain from all food, drink, gum chewing, any kind of tobacco
use and any kind of sexual contact between dawn and sunset. Nevertheless, this is
only the physical aspect there are also the spiritual characteristics, which include
refraining from gossiping, lying, slandering and all traits of bad character. All
obscene and impious sights and sounds are avoided as a way of purifying thoughts
and actions. Fasting is also a way of experiencing hunger and developing
sympathy for the less fortunate and learning thankfulness and appreciation for all
of God’s bounties.
God said,
“O you who believe! Observing the fast is prescribed for you
as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may
become pious.” (Quran 2:183)
The Prophet Muhammad also reminded us that fasting is not just abstaining
from food and drink but there is a further dimension. He said, “He who does not
desist from obscene language and acting obscenely (during the period of
fasting), God has no need that he didn’t eat or drink.”[1]
Ramadan is also the month when Muslims try to establish or re establish a
relationship with the Quran. Although this may sound like a strange thing to say,
the words of God are a guiding light and a mercy. Nobody reads Quran except
that it changes his or her life in some way. The Quran was sent down in this
month of Ramadan. The two, Ramadan and Quran are inextricably
entwined. Being with the Quran, reading, memorising, reciting it or pondering its
meanings is spiritually uplifting comforting and a source of strength. Recitation in
the night is particularly beneficial, the distractions of the day have faded away and
closeness of God is palpable in the stillness of the night. Special evening prayers
are conducted during which portions of the Qur’an are recited. These prayers are
known as Taraweeh. One thirtieth of the Qur’an is read on successive evenings, so
that by the end of the month the entire Qur’an has been completed.
One of the last few odd-numbered nights of the month is Laylat ul-Qadr, the
“Night of Power” or “Night of Destiny.” It is the holiest night of the holiest
month; it is believed to be the night on which God first began revealing the Quran
to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. This is a time for especially
fervent and devoted prayer, and the rewards and blessings associated with such are
many. Muslims are told in the Qur’an that praying throughout this one night is
better than a thousand months of prayer. No one knows exactly which night it is;
it is one of God’s mysteries.
Ramadan is also the month of good deeds and charity. Muslims try to give
generously and increase their good deeds. Charity can be as simple as a smile;
there is no need for lavish displays. Charity given quietly is better for the recipient
and one who gives. The Prophet Muhammad was always a generous person,
never owning more than just enough to cover his immediate needs. Any extra, he
gave generously to those around him, however he was most generous in Ramadan.
You may be beginning to wonder if these are not qualities and virtues a
Muslim truly devoted to God, should display in any month, and you would be
correct. They most certainly are. However, as human beings we all fall short,
commit sins and make mistakes. Sometimes the nature of life causes us to forget
our real purpose. Our purpose is to worship God and God in his infinite wisdom
and mercy has given us Ramadan. It is a month, which if used wisely, can
recharge our spiritual and physical batteries. It is a month full of mercy and
forgiveness when God makes it easy for us to overcome our shortcomings, when
He rewards us in abundance. He is our Creator, who understands that we are far
from perfect. When we walk towards God, he meets us running, when we hold
out our hand He reaches for us and bestows his forgiveness on us. Muslims love
Ramadan, it is a lifeline. They stand shoulder to shoulder and bow their heads in
submission. Ramadan spreads across the world as Muslims begin and break their
fast together, one body, one people, and one nation. Ramadan arrives softly and
her deeds ascend gently towards God. Far from being a trial of deprivation, the
month of Ramadan is a joy and a gift beyond compare. Even before the month is
finished Muslims begin to mourn the passing of this blessed month and try to
extend the time by being with the Quran and worshipping God in the best way
possible.
Footnotes:
[1] Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim.