Happy Ramadan to all

Well before I write something first I want to congratulate every one Happy Ramadan to everyone out there reading this blog. So the month of fasting is starting from tomorrow and everyone seems to pretty much excite about it. Some of the early memory I have for Ramadan was when we used to wait to Chand to come out to announcement of Ramadan month, I used  to first to watch the Chand on that day. There was fierce competition between everyone in our mohalla and between my cousins that who will see the chand first and declare the Ramadan. Seeing chand has always said to be Sunnat, which is not necessary but regarded as good sign if you see it. 

Ramadan, the ninth and most holy month of the Islamic Lunar calendar, begins with the sighting of the crescent moon. The importance of this month and the need to determine the precise time of its onset led to considerable advances in the fields of mathematics and astronomy by Muslim scholars, at a time when most of Europe was still groping its way through the dark ages. The word Ramadan derives from the Arabic root ramida or ar-ramad, meaning scorching heat or dryness. This seems a fitting name for the 29/30 days spent every year in thirst as observers refrain from eating or drinking between the hours of sunrise and sunset. It was in this month, in the year 620 C.E. that Muslims believe the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Mohamed (pbuh), and later the instruction for all able Muslims to spend it in fast.

The fourth pillar of Islam, fasting during Ramadan, is obligatory on all Muslims over the age of puberty with the exception of those who are ill or whose health prevents it, for example diabetics or pregnant women, those travelling or having menstrual bleeding. As well as abstaining from eating and drinking during sunlight hours, observing Muslims must not smoke or chew gum and must refrain from any sexual activity.However, this is merely the physical component of the fast; spiritual aspects include refraining from gossiping, lying, slandering and all traits of bad character. Purity of thought and action is paramount. Time should be spent in spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good deeds and spending time with family and friends. By doing this, the act of fasting redirects the heart away from worldly activities towards the Divine.

Fasting purifies and softens the heart and trains Muslims in self-discipline whilst helping to prevent them from greed.Muslims are told that during Ramadan, the gates to Paradise are opened and the gates to hellfire are locked, and the devils are chained. Ramadan therefore offers Muslims time for self-reflection, away from the temptations of the devil. In a state of moderate hunger, many report a clearness of mind and heart.It also offers a lesson in compassion and charity. The fasting person is naturally among the most merciful of people. This is because he has tasted hunger, experienced thirst and endured hardship. He can relate to those who go without and is encouraged to give from his own wealth. Zakat -ul -Fitr is a charity obligation which must be paid by every Muslim, young and old, to the poor and helpless at the end of the Month of Fasting.

P.S.: I hope this Ramadan will bring lots of Happiness and divine light to everyone..

Ramadan a Holy Month for Muslims

What is the history of Ramadan?
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. The term Ramadan literally means scorching in Arabic. It was established as a Holy Month for Muslims after the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in 610 CE on the occasion known as Laylat al-Qadr, frequently translated as "the Night of Power.
Observance of Ramadan is mandated in the Quran, Surah 2, Ayah 185:
“The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur'an, guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful.”
 
What are the dates of Ramadan?
Because the cycle of the lunar calendar does not match the solar calendar, the dates of Ramadan shifts by approximately 11 days each year. In 2011, Ramadan began on August 1st. In 2012 Ramadan is likely to begin on July 20th.
The ending of Ramadan is marked by the holiday of Eid ul-Fitr, which takes place either 29 or 30 days after the beginning of the month. On Eid ul-Fitr, morning prayers are followed by feasting and celebration among family and friends. This year Eid ul-Fitr will most probably fall on Sunday, August 19th.

What are the daily fasting requirements?
During the month of Ramadan, most Muslims fast from dawn to sunset with no food or water. Before sunrise many Muslims have the Suhur or predawn meal. At sunset families and friends gather for Iftar which is the meal eaten by Muslims to break the fast. Many Muslims begin the meal by eating dates as the Prophet used to do.
This ritual fast known as, Sawm, is one of the five pillars of Islam, and requires that individuals abstain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual intercourse.
To find the specific times for Ramadan fasting, click over to this helpful tool provided by IslamiCity that allows you to calculate prayer schedules -- including sunup and sundown -- by entering your city or zip code.

What are the expectations towards charity?
Charity is an important part of Ramadan. The fast emphasizes self-sacrifice and using the experience of hunger to grow in empathy with the hungry. During Ramadan, Muslim communities work together to raise money for the poor, donate clothes and food, and hold iftar dinners for the less fortunate.

What scriptural study do Muslims take part in?
Many Muslims use Ramadan to read the entire Quran or read the Quran daily. Many communities divide the Quran into daily reading segments that conclude on Eid ul-Fitr at the end of Ramadan.
 
Can non-Muslims participate?
Non-Muslims are free to participate in Ramadam. Many non-Muslims fast and even pray with their Muslim friends or family members. Non-Muslims are often invited to attend prayer and iftar dinners.
Those wishing to be polite to someone who is fasting for Ramadan may greet them with Ramadan Mubarak or Ramadan Kareem, which mean Have a Blessed or Generous Ramadan.
 
What is the 'goal' of Ramadan?
In general, the practices of Ramadan are meant to purify oneself from thoughts and deeds which are counter to Islam. By removing material desires, one is able to focus fully on devotion and service to God. Many Muslims go beyond the physical ritual of fasting and attempt to purge themselves of impure thoughts and motivations such as anger, cursing, and greed.

Do all Muslims take part in Ramadan fasting?
Most Muslims believe Ramadan fasting is mandatory, but there are some groups that do not. Pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, people who are seriously sick, travelers, or those at health risk should not fast. Children that have not gone through puberty are also not required to fast during the month Ramadan.