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The concept of Ramadan
Ramadan is the month of fasting, blessing and forgiveness. Notes discusses the essence of the fasting month and how students - Muslims and non-Muslims alike - should conduct themselves.
- By Fatma Salem, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:04 September 15, 2007
- Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is marked by prayers, fasting, charity, restraint and complete devotion to Allah.
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Ramadan is the month of fasting, blessing and forgiveness. Fasting has great significance in Islam. Allah's messenger, the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) says Allah has said: "Every act of man is for him except fasting; it is done for My sake and I will reward it. The breath of a faster is sweeter to Allah than the fragrance of musk."
Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic calendar. It is marked by prayers, fasting, charity, restraint and complete devotion to Allah.
Muslims fast because Allah has commanded them to do so. Fasting is one of the five pillars (duties) of Islam. All Muslims take part in the fast from the age of 12.
Benefits
There are also many benefits to fasting. Among these are developing control over hunger and thirst, training to be a good person and to be devoted to Allah.
During the month, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn (Al Fajr prayer) until sunset (Al Maghrib prayer). This is while continuing with their daily duties and activities.
Proper spirit of fasting
- During this month Muslims are expected to exercise self-control and discipline, not be easily angered, refrain from using harsh language or insults and to tolerate, forgive and respect others.
- They should set a good example particularly for children, so they can imitate his/her good behaviour.
- Even if you are insulted remain calm and remember that you are fasting for the sake of Allah and you don't want to ruin the spirit in which you have undertaken the fast under any circumstances.
These are some of the ways in which you will always sense the presence of Allah. It will teach you to control your actions.
— Information provided by Dr Mohammad Eqbal Farahat, Instructor of Illustration and Quran Sciences, Ajman University of Science and Technology
The significance of Ramadan
Dr Mohammad Iqbal Farahat, instructor of Illustration and Quran Sciences at the Ajman University of Science and Technology explains why the month is so special for Muslims.
- The Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) in AD 610 in Ramadan.
- Hence during this month Muslims fast and undertake all the rituals and duties of Ramadan freely and without distraction.
- Fasting teaches patience and wisdom.
- It is an expiation of sins. Whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hope for reward from Allah, all his previous sins will be forgiven.
- Fasting serves many purposes. Hunger and thirst remind Muslims of the suffering of the poor.
- Fasting is an opportunity as well to practise self-control and to cleanse the body and mind. And in this month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow believers.
- Muslims must adhere to the moral code of Islam strictly since failing to do so violates the requirements of fasting.
- Ramadan gives Muslims the time to purify their bodies as well as their souls by developing a greater sense of humility, spirituality and community.
- Generosity and forgiveness are also some of the characteristics of this month.
- Giving to the poor and needy and sharing one's fortune with them is obligatory during this month and encouraged for the rest of the year.
The meaning of Ramadan
The word Ramadan is derived from the Arabic word ramdaa, meaning intense scorching heat and dryness, especially of the ground, says Hessa Rashed Laywad, instructor at Sharjah Government School. It means to burn.
Fasting is intended to burn sins away, and patience is the main aim of undertaking it.
How have you prepared for Ramadan?
"I want to pray regularly, fast and adhere to a decent dress code."
— Zahiya Hussain, creative advertising, American University in Dubai (AUD)
"I'm away from my family so all I will be doing is sleeping, waking up for prayer, going to classes and going out with friends."
— Abdullah Subra, e-business, AUD
"I have been preparing myself by fasting before Ramadan. I think this helps to get my body ready for the month of fasting."
— Ahmad Younes, finance, AUD
"I bought groceries, also bought decorations to hang, and I will watch Ramadan TV series'."
— Natalie Sulaiman, business, AUD
"I stopped smoking in preparation for Ramadan. I have cut down my coffee."
— Mohammad Saif Al Deen, urban planning, Alhosn University
"I must try and incorporate going to the gym. I want to have a good routine to keep my body healthy."
— Hasna Talal, urban planning, Alhosn University
How will you mark the month?
"I will continue my life as normal, but the only thing that will be different is that I shall be fasting."
— Ebrahim Hamada, accounting and management, AUD
"I read the Quran and go to the mosque. I may participate in more charitable activities this year and visit Ramadan tents."
— Abdullah Julfar, business information, Dubai Men's College
"I hope to fast and do my prayers on time during Ramadan. I will try to be more pious, give more to charity and be more involved with the community."
— Omar Khan, BBA, IITM
"I have been trying to be a better person. I want to read as much of the Quran and pray in Arabic."
— Abdullah Mehravaran, English language, University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD)
"I am going to stop lying. I want to get closer to God and the only way is to be a good person."
— Sajjad Barati, English language, UOWD
"The best way to mark the spirit of Ramadan is to do as God has told us. I hope to watch less TV and cut down on listening to music for this month."
— Tahzeeb Fazal, Marketing, UOWD
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