Ramadan
Definition
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting (sawm), prayer, reflection, and community.
Etymology
Arabic: رمضان (pronounced “Ramadhan”) Turkish: Ramazan
The word “Ramadan” derives from the Arabic root “رمض” (ramad) which means scorching heat or dryness. This is believed to reflect the time of year during which Ramadan originally fell in the pre-Islamic Arabian calendar, or metaphorically to the boiling away of sins in this holy month.
Observances and Practices
The main practice during Ramadan is fasting from dawn (Fajr) until dusk (Maghrib). This includes abstaining from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual relations during daylight hours. The pre-dawn meal is known as suhoor, and the meal that breaks the fast at sunset is called iftar.
Further rituals and observances include:
- Tarawih prayers: Special nightly prayers performed in congregation during Ramadan.
- Zakat al-Fitr: A form of charity obligatory at the end of Ramadan.
- Recitation of the Qur’an: Ramadan is considered particularly auspicious for reading the Qur’an.
Significance
Ramadan commemorates the first revelation of the Qur’an to Muhammad according to Islamic belief. This anniversary is observed in “Laylat al-Qadr” (The Night of Decree or Night of Power), which is thought to occur in the last ten days of the month.
Islamic Legal Aspect
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, making it a fundamental religious duty (Fard) for all adult Muslims who are physically and mentally capable of observing it.
Global Cultural Practices
While the observance of Ramadan is rooted in religious obligation, cultural practices surrounding iftar meals, decoration, and community gatherings vary widely across different Muslim-majority countries and communities.
Suggested Readings
For those interested in further studying the religious, social, and spiritual dimensions of Ramadan, the following books are recommended:
- “The Night of Decree: Tales of the Spirit of Ramadan,” by Langiti Mussayi
- “The Life of the Prophet Muhammad,” by Ibn Kathir
- “In the Footsteps of the Prophet: Lessons from the Life of Muhammad,” by Tariq Ramadan
Takeaways
- Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is a period of fasting, prayer, and reflection.
- Derived from the Arabic term meaning “scorching heat,” reflecting the intense spiritual atmosphere of the month.
- Key practices include fasting (sawm), nightly prayers (tarawih), and acts of charity (zakat al-fitr).
- Celebrated globally with diverse cultural expressions.
Conclusion
Ramadan is more than a ritualistic abstinence; it is a profound period for spiritual rejuvenation, ethical values reinforcement, and fostering community ties. As one of the Five Pillars of Islam, its observance is both a personal spiritual journey and a collective practice throughout the Muslim world.
