Importance of Ramadan What Makes Ramadan

Very Special?
Ramadan is the most precious month in the Islamic calendar (Hijri) and it is obligatory
for the Muslims to fast in the month of Ramadan. Here are some interesting and quick
points that shows the importance of Ramadan in Islam.

Allah has made fasting this month the fourth Pillar of Islam

Allah revealed the Quran in this month

Allah has made Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Decree/Power) in this month, which
is better than a thousand months

Allah has made fasting Ramadan and spending its nights in prayer out of faith
and in the hope of reward a means of forgiveness of sins

In this month, Allah opens the gates of Paradise and closes the gates of Hell, and
chains up the devils

Every night Allah has people whom He redeems from the Fire

Fasting Ramadan is a means of expiation for the sins committed since the
previous Ramadan, so long as one avoids major sins

Fasting in Ramadan is equivalent to fasting ten months

Whoever prays Qiyaam in Ramadan with the Imaam until he finishes, it will be
recorded for him that he spent the whole night in prayer

Umrah in Ramadhaan is equivalent to Hajj

It is Sunnah to observe Itikaaf (retreat for the purpose of worship) in Ramadan

It is Mustahabb in the sense of being strongly recommended in Ramadan to

study the Quran together and to read it to a great deal

It is Mustahabb in Ramadan to offer Iftaar to those who are fasting

What is Ramadan and why is it important in

the Muslim faith?
Ramadan is the name of the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. It is an
important month in the Islamic calendar and culture. Each day during the month of
Ramadan, Muslims around the world observe the sacred month by fasting during day
light hours (from dawn to sunset), performing nightly prayers in addition to the daily
obligatory prayers, and concluding each days fast over food with family and friends. At
the end of the month is a three-day holiday that celebrates the conclusion of the month
with Eid al-Fitr and prepares individuals to return to their regular daily routine.
Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam. The month of Ramadan, during which the Quran
was revealed, a guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance and the
criterion; and whoever of you is resident, let him fast the month (al-Quran, 2:185).
Fasting is compulsory upon every sane, adult, healthy Muslim male who is not traveling
at that time. As for a Muslim female, she must not be menstruating or having postchildbirth bleeding. People who are insane, minors, and those who are traveling,
menstruating, or going through post-childbirth bleeding, and the elderly and breastfeeding or pregnant women do not need to observe the fast.
There are those who may not fast but have to make up the missed days of fasting at a
later date. These include those who are ill (not chronically) and travelers. And [for]
him who is sick among you or on a journey, [the same] number of other days. (alQuran, 2:184). Elderly men and women are exempted from fasting; so are the
chronically ill, and those who have to perform difficult jobs under harsh circumstances
and who could not find any other way to support themselves. They are not obliged to
make up the days they missed but in turn are obliged to feed one poor person a day (for
every day of fasting that they do not perform). Pregnant and breast-feeding women who

fear for themselves or for their babies may break their fast, feed one poor person for
every day they miss, and make up the missed days at a later time. Women who are
constantly pregnant or breast-feeding are not obliged to make up the days. Though the
young are not required to fast, it is proper for their parents or guardians to encourage
them to fast so they will become accustomed to it at an early age. They may fast as long
as they are able to and then break it.
The main objective of fasting is to achieve piety and righteousness. This implies
becoming conscious of our Creator, increasing our awareness of His Majesty, exalting
and glorifying His names and attributes, appreciating His greatness, recalling His
blessings upon us, and being grateful and thankful for His guidance. O you who
believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, so you
may remain conscious of God (al-Quran, 2 : 183).
During Ramadan while individuals abstain from food and drink during day light hours,
they get together over food with families and friends in the evenings. The meal with
which the fast is broken is called iftar. Usually the meal is simple designed to provide
nourishment, but may sometimes be sumptuous when there is a large get-together of
family and friends.
Abstaining from food has great ramification on the person observing the fast, physical
as well as spiritual. It is an exercise for the discipline and control of the baser self. One
learns how to restrain ones urges and desires. Fasting frees the person from the bondage
of lusts and desires. Abstaining from intakes also reminds us of the less fortunate ones,
the poor and the destitute. Fasting gives us a general sense of how they feel. It boosts
the morale of the poor by knowing that even kings have to go hungry for a while.
Fasting makes the rich realize and understand what the poor goes through day after day.
Fasting also purifies ones heart and tongue. One is urged to control himself and learn
how to abstain from vain talk, lying, and cheating. Although fasting is beneficial to
health, it is mainly a method of self-purification and self-restraint. By cutting oneself
from worldly comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person focuses on his or her
purpose in life by constantly being aware of the presence of God.
The month of Ramadan is not only the month of fasting. It is also the month of the
Quran. The Quran is the Muslim Scripture. Ramadan is the (month) in which the
Quran was sent down, as a guide to mankind, also Clear (Signs) for guidance and the
differentiation (between right and wrong)(al-Quran, 2 : 185). According to a prophetic
tradition, it is believed that all Abrahamic Scriptures including the Scrolls of Abraham,
the Torah, the Gospel, the Psalms of David, and the Quran were revealed in the month
of Ramadan.

Practicing Muslims congregate at mosques observing the nightly prayers (tarawih) that
start after the last prayer of the day, about an hour and a half after sunset. The nightly
prayers usually last for nearly an hour. Every night the Imam (leader in prayer) recites
an equal portion of the Quran so that by the 27th or the 29th night of Ramadan the
entire Quran would have been recited by the Imam from his memory. Reciting the
Quran not only brings one nearer to God, but also rejuvenates ones spirit and soul.
Reciting the Quran, reflecting upon the divine words, and acting upon the divine
teachings are central to Ramadan.
As the end of Ramadan approaches, Muslims prepare for Eid al-fitr (end of fasting
celebration), which draws Ramadan to a close. Eid is a time of giving gifts, sharing
food, gathering with family and taking a holiday.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe a strict fast and participate in pious activities
such as charitable giving and peace-making. It is a time of intense spiritual renewal for those
who observe it. At the end of Ramadan, Muslims throughout the world observe a joyous threeday celebration called Eid al-Fitr (the Festival of Fast-Breaking).
Answer: Eid al-Fitr falls on the first day of Shawwal, the month which follows Ramadan in the
Islamic calendar.
It is a time to give in charity to those in need, and celebrate with family and friends the
completion of a month of blessings and joy.
Before the day of Eid, during the last few days of Ramadan, each Muslim family gives a
determined amount as a donation to the poor. This donation is of actual food -- rice, barley, dates,
rice, etc. -- to ensure that the needy can have a holiday meal and participate in the celebration.
This donation is known as sadaqah al-fitr (charity of fast-breaking).
On the day of Eid, Muslims gather early in the morning in outdoor locations or mosques to
perform the Eid prayer. This consists of a sermon followed by a short congregational prayer.
After the Eid prayer, Muslims usually scatter to visit various family and friends, give gifts
(especially to children), and make phone calls to distant relatives to give well-wishes for the
holiday. These activities traditionally continue for three days. In most Muslim countries, the
entire 3-day period is an official government/school holiday.