Every religion has its rituals and ceremonies to mark important milestones. These events often bring together adherents in expressing their commitment to their deity, faith and to one another. The ninth month in the calendar of the Islamic faith is called Ramadan. During this month, a Muslim fasts during the day. Fasting is one of Islam’s Five Pillars and a form of worship. Ramadan is a time for reflection, benevolence, self-control, discipline and greater commitment to Allah (Glassé 377).
The Islamic calendar and the conventional one differ in some aspects. Muslims, therefore, celebrate it on different days of the conventional year. Ramadan is based on the sighting of the moon and not on the conventional solar-based calendar. It is said to occur approximately ten days later in comparison to the preceding year. To determine the exact onset and culmination of Ramadan, Muslims depend on the lunar cycle as well as astronomical calculations. Consequently, Ramadan celebration differs slightly from place to place depending on the sighting of the moon. Muslim religious leaders in various localities have the responsibility of informing their followers when to begin and end the fast. After 29 or 30 days, it is time to end the fast as guided by the Imam (Glassé 378).
At the end of Ramadan, there is joyous celebration in a festival called Eid al-Fitr, which means ‘fast-breaking’. This feast often takes three days (especially in predominantly Muslim countries) and is observed by all adherents as a way of thanking Allah for taking them through Ramadan. It is also a public holiday in most countries in the world thus indicating the growing importance of Ramadan and the Islamic faith in general. Muslims begin Eid al-Fitr with prayers at the mosque where they listen to a sermon and participate in communal prayers. After leaving the mosque, they disperse to different places to celebrate with families and friends and also to offer gifts to their close relatives (Penney 24). This is one of the most important days in the calendar of the faith and children as well as adults look forward to it because of the expected gifts, like new clothes, among others.
Ramadan is purposed to inculcate values of humility, spirituality, patience and generosity in Muslims (Penney 23). Adherents have the opportunity to meditate on their relationships with Allah, to search their souls and concentrate on religious matters. Moreover, Ramadan is the season for selfless generosity. Muslims pray more times during Ramadan than they do normally. Abstaining from eating is meant to engender greater commitment to Allah. The time is usually spent eating and doing other mundane activities is now sent meditating on Allah and spiritual matters.
Muslims are expected to refrain from daily personal enjoyment or any evil behavior in order to fulfill the will of Allah. Sexual intercourse is considered pleasurable and cannot take place during Ramadan. Muslims repent for all the faults, sins and mistakes they have committed. Prayer is purposed to ask for divine guidance in order to avoid sin. Ramadan is meant to inculcate self-control and to inspire acts of faith. More and more time is dedicated to acts that bring one closer to Allah. It is also a time of joy for all Muslims because they expect to get a double reward even as they get pardoned for the sins of the past year (Zeno 183).
Only adults are expected to participate in daytime fasting. Children do not fast, but older ones are gradually encouraged to fast under the guidance of elders and older relatives. Sick people do not fast because this can aggravate their illnesses (Penney 22). The entire family looks forward to delicious Ramadan meals at dusk. These delicacies are prepared specifically for this month. Ramadan is a time for Muslims to deepen their closeness and ties of brotherhood and sisterhood as they partake of meals together.
Ramadan is very beneficial month for Muslims (Zeno 182). The thirst and hunger they experience makes them sympathetic with fellow human beings who are affected by hunger. Because they exercise generosity, they create stronger bonds with other Muslims. Consequently, Muslims are benevolent towards the poor in this month and after. Ramadan is also a time for Muslims to get closer to Allah and to acknowledge that everything they have, including life, belongs to Allah. The self-control they exercise is also crucial because it engenders good behavior, proper speech and good habits. Moreover, fasting is good for health especially in losing excess weight and adopting proper eating habits. It provides the body with an opportunity to get rid of toxins that cause diseases. More importantly, Muslims abstain from alcohol and tobacco smoke which are harmful to health. In addition, Ramadan also unites the Muslim community all over the world and makes its members to live the ideals of the Islamic faith.
In conclusion, Ramadan is a central pillar of Islam which enables Muslims to renew their commitment to Allah annually. It begins and ends with the sighting of the moon. During Ramadan, a Muslim prays more times, repents of his or her sins, engages in soul-cleansing and also practices generosity towards the underprivileged in society. Ramadan is a joyous time because it signifies renewal. Adults are expected to fast, but the entire family enjoys delicious meals at night. Adherents who engage in fasting become energized physically and spiritually. They become more conscious of their obligations to God and man and engage in acts of charity. In essence, Ramadan is an inalienable and crucial pillar of Islam (Zeno 183).
Works Cited
Glassé, Cyril. The New Encyclopedia of Islam. Rowman Altamira, 2003. Print.
Penney, Sue. Islam. Oxfrod: Heinemann Educational Publishers, 1999. Print.
Zeno, Jamil Shaikh Muhmmad. The Pillars of Islam & Iman. Lahore: Darussalam, 1996. Print.
