Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the only month mentioned by name in the Qur’an: “Ramadan is the month in which the Recitation (Arabic: qur’an) was sent down as guidance for humanity” (Q 2:185) The verse continues: “Whoever among you witnesses the month shall fast in it.” Ramadan, for Muslims, is a time to become aware of all that is going on around you so that you can come closer to God (or Allah, as the Holy One is named in Islam). The hunger pains experienced Ramadan is a month of piety, alms-giving and fasting in order to instill body and spirit with rigours of abstinence. More than one billion Muslims around the world will observe Ramadan, the traditional month of dawn-to-dusk fasting, of giving and prayer that begins on Friday in most Islamic countries. As a time of prayer and meditation, Ramadan, similar to the season of Lent, invites Muslims to return to their spiritual core. Life gets in the way, and everything vies for our attention. Ramadan is a moment to turn the noise down and be more attentive to the life of the Spirit. Ramadan is a spiritual month full of graces during which Muslims focus on praying, reading the Koran, and doing good deeds. What difference is there between the fasting that Muslims and VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which started July 20 in many countries, is a time of fasting, prayer and repentance, when Muslims distance themselves from worldly activities in an effort to align their lives more closely with God and his laws. Many Muslims pray fives times a day, and especially during Ramadan. Prayer feeds the soul and helps sustain the meaning behind the fast. Several years ago, I was walking through the Minneapolis Ramadan is not just a physical discipline. It is primarily a spiritual discipline. The abstinence purifies the mind and heart. It is a time of obedience and renewed devotion to God. Muslims observe the five daily prayers, another of the Pillars of Islam, with extra fervour. Conclusion: What Ramadan Means for Muslims Worldwide. Ramadan goes beyond being the month of fasting. It also signifies great spiritual growth, community bonding, and self-restraint and thrift. Each part of Ramadan, from the pre-dawn meal to housekeeping during the long night prayers, was made for drawing Muslims closer to Allah and to each other. Ramadan is to Muslims what Lent is to Catholics – a time of intense prayer, fasting and charity to purify our inner lives and renew our relationship with God (Allah in Arabic). It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and began on July 20. Muslims use heartfelt greetings like Ramadan Kareem to welcome one another throughout the holy month of Ramadan. The meaning of this greeting captures the blessings, generosity, and goodwill that characterize this unique month. Muslims worldwide observe Ramadan and abstain from food and drink starting from sunrise. Joel Kelly, CBU’s Director of Campus Ministry & Mission, unpacks the meaning of this sacred season, exploring its history, purpose, and key practices like prayer, fasting, and almsgiving. In this thoughtful article, discover how Lent can be a time of reflection, renewal, and deeper faith. In contrast, the purpose of Ramadan is to deepen one's spiritual connection with Allah (God) and to strengthen one's faith. Muslims believe that Ramadan is a time of heightened spirituality, during which they can purify their souls and seek forgiveness for their sins. Practices Lent and Ramadan also involve different practices and rituals. The word Ramadan derives from the Arabic root R-M-Ḍ (ر-م-ض) "scorching heat", [27] which is the Classical Arabic verb "ramiḍa (رَمِضَ)" meaning "become intensely hot – become burning; become scorching; be blazing; be glowing". Thousands search Catholic.com every year for things like Lent rules, Lent fasting, Catholic fasting rules, and Catholic Lent rules. So here are the Ash Wednesday fasting rules for Lent. Abstinence and fasting are to be observed on Ash Wednesday and Good Friday. The Code of Canon Law says: Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar during which the Holy Quran was sent down to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). During this time, Muslims around the world fast from dawn to sunset, a command given to Muslims in the Quran itself , instructing believers to observe fasting as an act of devotion and self-discipline. NEW YORK (PIX11) – The end of February will mark the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslim people around the world. Ramadan honors when Allah revealed the first verses of the Qur 5. What Other Practices Take Place During Ramadan? Praying and reading the Quran. During Ramadan, Muslims spend a great deal of time praying and reading the Quran as part of their efforts to be closer to Allah. They also attend special services in mosques. Donating to charity. Donating to charities is another major traditional part of observing 10 Importance of Ramadan 1. A Month of Revelation of the Quran. Ramadan holds immense significance as the month in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Quran is the ultimate guide for humanity, and its revelation during Ramadan highlights the importance of this month. Quranic Reference: We recently came out of Lent and are presently celebrating the joy of Easter. But, in this time of universal distress due to the coronavirus pandemic, understanding the ways in which other faithful people reach into themselves as we do in Lent and Holy Week has its benefits.
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