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 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.”
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.
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