Why Muslims Love the Month of Ramadan?
Why Muslims Love the Month of Ramadan?
Islam uses a lunar calendar — that is, each month begins with the sighting of the new moon, therefore because the lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar, Islamic months “move” each year. This year (2008) the Islamic month of Ramadan coincides almost exactly with the month of September. For Muslims the coming of Ramadan is a source of joy and celebration; however, we celebrate in a way that may seem strange to people unfamiliar with the tenets of Islam. Ramadan is not a month of parties and socializing, it is a month of worship. To fast the month of Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islam.
Muslims express gratitude and love for the One True God by obeying and worshiping Him. We worship according to His guidance revealed in the Quran and through the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad. Ramadan is special. It is a month of fasting, reading and coming to understand Quran and special extra prayers. The mosques come alive at night when Muslims gather to break their fast together and pray. The smooth rich sound of Quran recitation is heard throughout the long nights as Muslims stand shoulder-to-shoulder praying and praising God.
Muslims all over the world love the month of Ramadan and look forward to it with mounting excitement. In the weeks preceding Ramadan lives are scrutinized, and plans are made for a month of serious worship and supplication. The countdown begins and conversations start with how many weeks it is until the blessed month arrives. Perhaps non-Muslims wonder why we look forward to fasting days and sleepless nights. Ramadan offers the chance of redemption and great rewards. It is a month like no other. A month of spiritual reflection and prayer. Hearts are directed away from worldly activities and towards God.
In the month Ramadan, all physically mature and healthy Muslims are required to fast: to abstain from all food, drink, gum chewing, any kind of tobacco use and any kind of sexual contact between dawn and sunset. Nevertheless, this is only the physical aspect there are also the spiritual characteristics, which include refraining from gossiping, lying, slandering and all traits of bad character. All obscene and impious sights and sounds are avoided as a way of purifying thoughts and actions. Fasting is also a way of experiencing hunger and developing sympathy for the less fortunate and learning thankfulness and appreciation for all of God's bounties.
God said,
“O you who believe! Observing the fast is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become pious.” [Quran 2:183]
The
Prophet Muhammad
also reminded us
that fasting is
not just
abstaining from
food and drink
but there is a
further
dimension. He
said,
“He
who does not
desist from
obscene language
and acting
obscenely
(during the
period of
fasting), God
has no need that
he didn’t eat or
drink.”
[1]
Ramadan
is also the
month when
Muslims try to
establish or re
establish a
relationship
with the Quran.
Although this
may sound like a
strange thing to
say, the words
of God are a
guiding light
and a mercy.
Nobody reads
Quran except
that it changes
his or her life
in some way. The
Quran was sent
down in this
month of
Ramadan. The
two, Ramadan and
Quran are
inextricably
entwined. Being
with the Quran,
reading,
memorizing,
reciting it or
pondering its
meanings is
spiritually
uplifting
comforting and a
source of
strength.
Recitation in
the night is
particularly
beneficial, the
distractions of
the day have
faded away and
closeness of God
is palpable in
the stillness of
the night.
Special evening
prayers are
conducted during
which portions
of the Qur'an
are recited.
These prayers
are known as
Taraweeh. One
thirtieth of the
Qur'an is read
on successive
evenings, so
that by the end
of the month the
entire Qur'an
has been
completed.
One of the last few odd-numbered nights of the month is Laylat ul-Qadr, the “Night of Power” or “Night of Destiny.” It is the holiest night of the holiest month; it is believed to be the night on which God first began revealing the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. This is a time for especially fervent and devoted prayer, and the rewards and blessings associated with such are many. Muslims are told in the Qur'an that praying throughout this one night is better than a thousand months of prayer. No one knows exactly which night it is; it is one of God's mysteries.
Ramadan is also the month of good deeds and charity. Muslims try to give generously and increase their good deeds. Charity can be as simple as a smile; there is no need for lavish displays. Charity given quietly is better for the recipient and one who gives. The Prophet Muhammad was always a generous person, never owning more than just enough to cover his immediate needs. Any extra, he gave generously to those around him, however he was most generous in Ramadan.
You may be beginning to wonder if these are not qualities and virtues a Muslim truly devoted to God, should display in any month, and you would be correct. They most certainly are. However, as human beings we all fall short, commit sins and make mistakes. Sometimes the nature of life causes us to forget our real purpose. Our purpose is to worship God and God in his infinite wisdom and mercy has given us Ramadan. It is a month, which if used wisely, can recharge our spiritual and physical batteries. It is a month full of mercy and forgiveness when God makes it easy for us to overcome our shortcomings, when He rewards us in abundance. He is our Creator, who understands that we are far from perfect. When we walk towards God, he meets us running, when we hold out our hand He reaches for us and bestows his forgiveness on us. Muslims love Ramadan, it is a lifeline. They stand shoulder to shoulder and bow their heads in submission. Ramadan spreads across the world as Muslims begin and break their fast together, one body, one people, and one nation. Ramadan arrives softly and her deeds ascend gently towards God. Far from being a trial of deprivation, the month of Ramadan is a joy and a gift beyond compare. Even before the month is finished Muslims begin to mourn the passing of this blessed month and try to extend the time by being with the Quran and worshiping God in the best way possible.
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[1] Saheeh Al-Bukhari, Saheeh Muslim.
By Aisha Stacey