Ramadan brings peace to the mind

Dubai: The blessings of Ramadan are not limited to fasting because the performance of all sorts of worship and good deeds during the month are also a source of great Divine favour.

The revelation of the Quran commenced during this month and it is therefore the duty of every Muslim to read the book and try to understand its meaning, thereby gaining insight into the Divine secrets enshrined therein.

It brings peace and illumination to the mind and imparts purity to the soul. Ramadan is the month of fasting, intensive prayers, sacrifice and Divine worship.

Throughout this month, a devout Muslim fasts during the day in the true sense of the word, that is, he not only merely denies himself food and water, but as explained by Prophet Mohammad (PBUH), also exercises strict control over his tongue, eyes, ears, thoughts and deeds, and does everything possible to seek the acceptance of Allah.

Once a Muslim understands Islam and believes it, he enters a relationship with Allah that relies on five pillars:

1) The testimony of faith: Faith in the oneness of Allah and the finality of the prophethood of Mohammad (PBUH).

2) Prayer: Muslims perform five prayers a day.

3) Giving Zakat (support of the needy): Giving zakat means giving a specified percentage on certain properties to certain classes of needy people.

4) Fasting during Ramadan: Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslims fast from dawn until sundown, abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations.

5) The pilgrimage to Makkah: The annual pilgrimage to Makkah is a once in a lifetime obligation for those who are physically and financially able to perform it.

Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar. Special nightly prayers called Taraweeh are held. The entire Quran is recited during these prayers in mosques all around the world.