Why Is Ramadan The Most Sacred Month Of The Year?

Every year, Muslims all over the world observe the sighting of the new crescent moon which glorifies the first day of Ramadan, which is also the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. Before we get into the depth of the festival and its sacredness, let’s understand what makes Ramadan so special. Well, Ramadan is one of the 5 pillars of Islam and the festival lasts for around 29 to 30 days, which is almost a month.

The Islamic calendar is based on the periodic cycle of the moon and this is why the dates of Ramadan keep changing every year. The festivities of Ramadan have already started on 2nd April and it will end on 2nd May. Muslims also believe that during the holy month of Ramadan, God revealed the first verses of the Quran to Prophet Mohammed. The holy month of Ramadan is also the best way to strengthen your relationship with God. Prayers and charity make this month even more special.

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Why is Fasting Important in Ramadan?

Fasting is regarded as one of the biggest acts of religious observance. As already stated above, fasting is also one of the 5 key pillars of the Islamic culture. The others include prayer (salat), charity (zakat), making a pilgrimage, and a belief in the Muslim faith (shahadah). Ramadan fasting is done from dawn to dusk and it is known to cleanse the soul and the body. This is also the time when Muslims feel a sense of being close to god and refrain themselves from materialistic pleasures.

The fasting practice is considered to be pious and also fosters a sense of spirituality in Muslims. During the holy month of Ramadan, people abstain from food, drink, and smoking from sunrise to sunset. People wake up before sunrise and collectively perform morning prayers. After morning prayer, they all eat together right before the fast begins. After the sunset, people break their fast together within a community and it is known as the ‘Iftar’ meal with their families.

How is Ramadan Celebrated?

The sacred festival of Ramadan is a time of joy and happiness. People gather together and spend quality time with their families and friends. Moreover, fasting is observed throughout the Ramadan month. During the ongoing fasting, people do not drink or eat anything, including water, until sunset. Kids from 12 years onwards can participate in the fast. One of the important aspects of the Ramadan fast is niyyah which means intention.

As per this term, everyone who is observing the Ramadan fast must not simply or accidentally try to abstain from food. They must fulfill all the requirements of niyyah. This intention should be to dedicate yourself and your soul to and worship Allah.

To add to this, as per various scriptures, “whoever does not make niyyah before dawn would not have fasted. And this is the determination you need during the pious and holy month of Ramadan.

Rules and Regulations Associated With Ramadan

Apart from festivities and rituals associated with Ramadan, there are a set of rules and regulations that you myself must follow during the holy month.

1. If you have reached puberty, you can observe fasting.

2. In case you fall sick or are traveling during Ramadan, you should not observe the fast.

3. Women who are menstruating or experiencing post-childbirth bleeding, must not fast during those days.

4. If there is a sick person in your family or someone who is old, they must perform fidiya, which means feeding a person for missing the fast.

5. For women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding and are skeptical about the fact that observing Ramadan may weaken them or their child can skip fasting.

Things Allowed During The Ramadan

Once you have a basic knowledge of rules and regulations revolving around the Ramadan celebrations, you should also have an idea that what is allowed during the pious month.

1. You can rinse your nose and mouth with limited water so that you do not swallow it.

2. One can easily shower during the fasting period because you may feel thirsty, dehydrated, or even hot. Just make sure that you do not swallow the water.

3. Women are allowed to apply kajal or kohl and both men and women can use eye drops or any other thing recommended for the eyes.

4. In case you taste the food but do not swallow it and rinse your mouth right away, it is acceptable and your fast will be valid.

5. Accidentally swallowing your saliva, and dust is allowed and will not invalidate your fast.

Ramadan Recommendations

To make your Ramadan celebrations extra special, we have curated a list of recommendations that you can follow and make your Ramadan month extra special and fulfilling.

1. Try to have suhur, which means the pre-dawn meal right before dawn.

2. If possible, try to break your fast by having an odd number of fresh or dry dates. In case they are not immediately available, then have a glass of water.

3. Another important recommendation is that you must increase your Qu’ran recitation and if possible try to read it out loudly or mentally.

4. Last but not least, you must use Miswaak, for cleaning your teeth. Miswaak is a piece of the root of the tree Araak and it is found in the Hijaz region.

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Final Words

Ramadan is a holy month. A holy month of seeking peace, solace, and happiness from within. It is a joyous occasion to reconnect your inner-self with Allah and seek happiness for your family and friends. The team of PiggyRide wishes everyone a very Happy Ramadan. May Allah bless you all with everlasting happiness and learning opportunities. Keep growing and keep learning.