Ramadan (Ramzan)

Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان‎ Ramaḍān, IPA: [rɑmɑˈdˤɑːn];^[variations] Persian: رَمَضان‎ Ramazān; Urdu: رَمْضان‎ Ramzān; Turkish: Ramazan; Indonesian/Malay: Puasa or Bulan Puasa) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar;^[3] Muslims worldwide observe this as a month of fasting.^[4][5] This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam.^[6] The month lasts 29–30 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in thehadiths.^[7][8]

The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic root ramiḍa or ar-ramaḍ, which means scorching heat or dryness.^[9] Fasting is fardh ("obligatory") for adult Muslims, except those who are suffering from an illness, travelling, pregnant, breastfeeding, diabetic or going through menstrual bleeding.^[10] Fasting the month of Ramadan was made obligatory (wājib) during the month of Sha'aban, in the second year after the Muslims migrated from Mecca to Medina.

While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations; in some interpretations Muslims also refrain from other behavior which could be perceived as sinful such as cursing, engaging in disagreements, listening to music and procrastination. Food and drink is served daily, before sunrise and after sunset.^[11][12] According to Islam, the thawab (rewards) of fasting are many, but in this month they are believed to be multiplied.^[13]Fasting for Muslims during Ramadan typically includes the increased offering of salat (prayers) and recitation of the Quran.

Origins

Ramadan, as a month name, is of Muslim origin. According to the Qur'an, fasting was also obligatory for prior nations of Islamic prophets and it should be noted that even the pagans of Arabia used to observe fasting prior to Islamic tradition. However, prior to Islam's exclusion of intercalary days from its calendar, the name of this month was Nātiq and, due to the intercalary days added, always occurred in the warm season.

It is believed that the first revelation to Hardhat Muhammad (Arabic: صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم‎ ṣalla Allāhu ʿalay-hi wa-’ālihe wa-sallam - May Allah grant peace and honor on him and his family) was sent down during the month of Ramadan. Furthermore, God proclaimed to Hardhat Muhammad (Arabic: صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم‎ ṣalla Allāhu ʿalay-hi wa-’ālihe wa-sallam - May Allah grant peace and honor on him and his family) that fasting for His sake was not a new innovation in monotheism, but rather an obligation practiced by those truly devoted to the oneness of God.

During the pre-Islamic period the Quraysh tribe and the Jews used to fast on the day of Ashura. It marks two important events: the day Noah left the Ark and the day that Moses was saved from the Egyptians by God. Ashura may or may not be referring to the Jewish practice of fasting on Yom Kippur.

Abu Zanad, an Arabic writer from Iraq who lived after the founding of Islam around 747 AD, wrote that at least one Mandaean community located in al-Jazira (modern northern Iraq) observed Ramadan.

Historically, Ramadan comes "from the strict Lenten discipline of the Syrian churches.

Important dates

The beginning and end of Ramadan are determined by the lunar Islamic calendar.

Beginning

Hilāl (the crescent) is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon marks the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan.^[28] However, to many Muslims, this is not in accordance with authenticated Hadiths stating that visual confirmation per region is recommended. The consistent variations of a day have existed since the time of Hardhat Muhammad (Arabic: صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم‎ ṣalla Allāhu ʿalay-hi wa-’ālihe wa-sallam - May Allah grant peace and honor on him and his family)

Night of Power

Main article: Laylat al-Qadr

Laylat al-Qadr, which in Arabic means "the night of power" or "the night of decree," is considered the most holy night of the year.^[This is the night in which Muslims believe the first revelation of the Quran was sent down to Hardhat Muhammad (Arabic: صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم‎ ṣalla Allāhu ʿalay-hi wa-’ālihe wa-sallam - May Allah grant peace and honor on him and his family) stating that this night was "better than one thousand months [of proper worship], as stated in Chapter 97:3 of the Qu'ran.

Also, generally, Laylat al-Qadr is believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan, i.e., the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th. The Dawoodi Bohra Community believe that 23rd night is laylat al Qadr.

End

The holiday of Eid al-Fitr [(Arabic:عيد الفطر),(Bengali: ঈদুল ফিত্‌র), "festivity of breaking the fast"] marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the next lunar month, Shawwal. This first day of the following month is declared after another crescent new moon has been sighted or the completion of 30 days of fasting if no visual sighting is possible due to weather conditions. This first day of Shawwal is called Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitrmay also be a reference towards the festive nature of having endured the month of fasting successfully and returning to the more natural disposition (fitra) of being able to eat, drink and resume intimacy with spouses during the day