Ramadan, in Islam, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting. It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon. Islamic tradition states that it was during Ramadan that the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations of the Quran. Socially, it often brings families and friends together in festive gatherings around meals to break their fast. Ramadan is followed by the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr. Ramadan’s religious rituals and spiritual essence unite diverse Muslim communities around the world. Observant Muslims worldwide will soon be united in a ritual of daily fasting from dawn to sunset as the Islamic holy month of Ramadan starts. For Muslims, it’s a time of increased worship FILE – Worshippers attend Friday prayers during the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan, at Al-Azhar mosque, the Sunni Muslim world’s premier Islamic institution, in Cairo, Egypt, Friday — As Ramadan begins this year on the evening of Feb. 28, Muslims around the country and the globe will mark the holy month with fasting, prayer and community life. What is Ramadan? Ramadan commemorates the first revelations of the Quran, the central religious text in Islam, to the Prophet Muhammad by the angel Gabriel, according to Islamic Ramadan fasting, also known as Sawm, is one of the Five Pillars of Islam – the core practices of the religion. It involves abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and sexual relations from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib) each day for the entire month of Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by practicing Muslims as a month of fasting, reflection, and prayer. It commemorates the first revelation of Muhammed and, as such, observance of the month is considered one of the five pillars of Islam. Fasting the month of Ramadān was made obligatory (wājib) during the month of Sha'ban, in the second year after the Muslims migrated from Mecca to Medina. Fasting for the month of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. [1] During the break of fasting food vendors selling delicacies in a bazaar in Bangladesh Fasting from dawn to sunset is obligatory (fard) for all adult Muslims who are not acutely or chronically ill, travelling, elderly, breastfeeding, diabetic, pregnant, or menstruating. [15] . The act of fasting is meant to remind Muslims of the less fortunate and to reinforce the need to be thankful. As one of the five pillars, or duties, of Islam, fasting during the month of Ramadan is mandatory for all healthy adult Muslims. As a researcher fascinated by the intersection of culture and religion, I find fasting intriguing. Fasting is one of the oldest religious practices in human history and is still practiced worldwide today. -- In Christianity, fasting is used as a way to purify the body, practice self-control and save resources to give to the poor. — Many Pentecostal Christians fast in anticipation that it will equip them to experience the Holy Spirit more powerfully.-- During Lent, many Christians observe a 40-day period of penance, prayer and fasting. Special practices There are a number of special practices which are only done during Ramadan. Fasting the whole month long. Although Muslims fast during other times of the year, Ramadan is the The Religious Significance of Ramadan. The religious significance of Ramadan in Islam is profound and multi-dimensional, making it one of the most sacred months for Muslims worldwide. Here are the key aspects that highlight its importance: Fasting as an Act of Worship Fasting is one of the central pillars of Islam, especially during the holy month of Ramadan. However, for Muslims, fasting is not limited to Ramadan. Islam also promotes the practice of fasting during other months. Most of these fasts are voluntary. Yet fasting has multiple spiritual and physical benefits during other months of the year. This article will teach us the advantages of fasting in Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The word "Ramadan" comes from the Arabic root "ramida" or "ar-ramad," meaning scorching heat or dryness. Muslims believe the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad during Ramadan. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. This flexibility reflects Islam’s emphasis on mercy and compassion, ensuring that fasting remains an accessible practice for all believers. Read More: Muslim Dietary Laws & Fasting Practices You Need to Know. How Do Muslims Observe Ramadan? The most prominent practice of Ramadan is fasting from dawn until sunset. This includes abstaining from 1- Obligatory Fasting in Islam (Sawm) This includes fasting during the month of Ramadan, a compulsory act for all adult Muslims. 2- Voluntary Fasting in Islam. Voluntary fasting, or Nafl fasting, is highly encouraged for Muslims outside of Ramadan. It includes fasting on certain days, such as: Mondays and Thursdays. Muslims are required to fast on each of the 29 to 30 days of Ramadan. If unable to fast, charity or fasting days outside Ramadan may suffice. A pre-dawn meal is common and considered to be a highly meritorious practice. Breaking fast at sundown is often done with dates and milk, followed by a fuller meal after the evening prayers. What is Ramadan? Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is one of the holiest months for Muslims around the world. During this time, Muslims fast from dawn to sunset, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs in order to devote themselves to spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and increased devotion to Allah.
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