Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and one of the holiest months. It is during this month that the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Fasting from dawn to sunset is observed, refraining from food, drink, and other physical needs. The fast is broken at sunset with a meal called Iftar, and the day begins with a pre-dawn meal called Suhoor.
However, fasting is not just about abstaining from food and drink—it is a spiritual practice meant to develop self-discipline, patience, and gratitude while strengthening one’s relationship with Allah/God/Ishwar. It is a time for increased prayer, recitation of the Quran, and giving charity to those in need. People strive for self-purification, seek forgiveness for their sins, and engage in good deeds, aiming to attain Taqwa (God-consciousness).
Ramadan also serves as a reminder of the core principles of faith, which are based on:
•Tawheed (the oneness of Allah/God/Ishwar)
•Risalat (belief in the Prophets)
•Akhirah (belief in the afterlife)
The practices during this month align with the five pillars of Islam:
•Shahada (Faith): Declaring that none is worthy of worship but only the Almighty Allah/God/Ishwar, and Muhammad PBUH is His messenger.
•Salah (Prayer): Performing five daily prayers, with an increased focus during Ramadan.
•Zakat (Charity): Giving to the needy becomes a central part of the month.
•Sawm (Fasting): Abstaining from food, drink, and negative behaviors during the day.
•Hajj (Pilgrimage): Though Hajj occurs in a different month, Ramadan strengthens the spirit of submission to Allah/God/Ishwar that Hajj embodies.
In essence, Ramadan is a month of spirituality, self-reflection, and communal worship. It is a time to purify the soul, renew faith, and focus on the ultimate purpose of life: seeking the pleasure of Allah/God/Ishwar and preparing for the Hereafter.
Is Fasting Compulsory for Everyone?
Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for all adults. However, Islam recognizes that not everyone may be able to fast due to certain circumstances, and therefore, it provides exemptions.
Fasting is not compulsory for:
•Children who have not yet reached puberty.
•Travelers who are on long journeys, as fasting could cause hardship during travel.
•Sick individuals whose health may worsen by fasting.
•Pregnant and breastfeeding mothers if fasting poses a risk to their health or their child’s well-being.
•Menstruating women and those in the postpartum period, who are required to make up the missed fasts later.
For those temporarily unable to fast, the missed days can be made up after Ramadan when they are able. However, for those with chronic illnesses or conditions that make fasting impossible, they are permitted to offer fidya—a form of compensation by feeding the poor for each missed fast.
This flexibility reflects the mercy of Allah/God/Ishwar and emphasizes that fasting is not meant to cause harm or undue hardship but is instead a spiritual practice to develop self-discipline, gratitude, and devotion. Islam provides a balanced and compassionate approach, ensuring that religious obligations do not compromise physical well-being.
Laylatul Qadr: The Most Blessed Night
During Ramadan, there is a very special and blessed night called Laylatul Qadr, or The Night of Decree. The Quran describes this night as being better than a thousand months, meaning that worship and good deeds performed on this night carry immense rewards.
This night is significant because it marks when the Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) through Angel Jibreel (Gabriel). It is a night filled with peace, blessings, and mercy, offering mankind a great opportunity to seek forgiveness, make sincere supplications, and strengthen their connection with Allah/God/Ishwar.
The Quran refers to Laylatul Qadr in Surah Al-Qadr (97:1-5):
“Indeed, We sent the Quran down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. The angels and the Spirit descend therein by permission of their Lord for every matter. Peace it is until the emergence of dawn.”
Laylatul Qadr is a gift for mankind. It is a chance to seek forgiveness, make sincere resolutions, and gain blessings that can transform one’s life.
Laylatul Qadr reminds mankind of the mercy and generosity of Allah/God/Ishwar. It is an opportunity for spiritual renewal and a moment to turn towards the Creator with sincerity.
Why Is Eid Not Pre-Decided?
The date of Eid-ul-Fitr, the festival that marks the end of Ramadan, is not pre-determined because the Islamic calendar follows the lunar system. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, which is based on the solar year, the Islamic calendar is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon. This means the start and end of Ramadan, as well as the celebration of Eid, depend on the physical sighting of the moon.
Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) instructed:
“Fast when you see the crescent moon and break your fast (celebrate Eid) when you see it. If it is cloudy, then complete 30 days of fasting.” (Sahih Bukhari)
The Quran also highlights the importance of the moon in marking time. In Surah Yunus (10:5), Allah/God/Ishwar says:
“It is He who made the sun a shining light and the moon a derived light and determined for it phases—that you may know the number of years and the account of time.”
Since moon sightings vary based on geographical locations and time zones, different parts of the world may see the crescent moon on different days. Additionally, factors such as weather conditions and visibility affect the moon sighting, causing slight variations in Eid dates worldwide.
However, this variation is not a division; rather, it is a reflection of the diversity within the community. Despite the differences, the essence of Eid remains the same—a day of gratitude, joy, and unity after fulfilling the sacred obligation of fasting in Ramadan.
Conclusion
Ramadan is not just a month of fasting but a spiritual journey that encourages self-discipline, prayer, and charity. It serves as a reminder of the greater purpose of life—to seek the pleasure of Allah/God/Ishwar and prepare for the Hereafter.
With the blessings of Laylatul Qadr, the opportunity for forgiveness, and the joy of Eid-ul-Fitr, Ramadan is a time of transformation and renewal. It teaches mankind the values of patience, gratitude, and devotion, helping them grow spiritually and strengthen their bond with the Divine.
