The period for the commencement of Ramadan fasting is determined according to the Islamic lunar calendar. Consequently, the date of Ramadan’s beginning changes every year.
Because the Islamic lunar calendar is shorter than the solar calendar, Ramadan moves approximately 10-12 days earlier each year. Ramadan begins after the sighting of the new moon. Therefore, the precise date is determined by the moon’s position.For this reason, Ramadan does not start on the same date every year.
The month of Ramadan, devoted to the spiritual purification of Muslim devotees worldwide, has arrived once again. Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is the month dedicated to fasting (Sawm), one of the Five Pillars of Islam. This is an extremely important period in the religious lives of Muslims, a month dedicated to introspection, charity, and spiritual growth.
“The Month of Spiritual Purification – Ramadan”
It is important to discuss the meaning and significance of Ramadan fasting. Accordingly, Ramadan fasting is abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset. In addition to physical fasting, mental and spiritual purification is also very important. Abstaining from bad thoughts, words, and deeds, and dedicating more time to prayers and Quran recitation are done during this time.
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims strive to purify their souls and draw closer to Allah (God) this also provides an opportunity to develop qualities such as self-discipline, patience, and compassion.
It is also important to mention the special features of the month of Ramadan. It is believed that the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during the month of Ramadan. Therefore, special attention is paid to Quran recitation during this month. Muslims perform a special additional prayer called Tarawih prayer during Ramadan nights. Laylat al-Qadr, a very important night, falls on one of the last ten nights of Ramadan. It is believed that prayers performed on this night are more valuable than thousands of months of prayers. Iftar and Suhur: The meal that breaks the fast after sunset is called Iftar, and the meal taken before dawn is called Suhur. Sharing these meals with the community is a special feature of Ramadan. Zakat al-Fitr, the charity given to the poor at the end of Ramadan, is also important.
It is important to discuss Ramadan and health. Scientific research has confirmed that Ramadan fasting has beneficial effects on physical and mental health. However, it is very important to maintain a proper diet and water intake. Especially, people suffering from chronic diseases must seek medical advice.
At the end of Ramadan, the joyous festival of Eid al-Fitr is celebrated. This festival is celebrated with family members and friends, with the exchange of pleasantries and the preparation of special meals.
The month of Ramadan is a precious opportunity for Muslim devotees to achieve spiritual purification and unity. The fasting, prayers, and charity performed during this month bring peace and happiness to people’s lives.
Ramadan fasting conveys several messages to the world, including self-discipline and self-restraint, coexistence and empathy, community cooperation, spiritual purification, and peace and tolerance.
During Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs. This helps to develop self-discipline and self-restraint. Ramadan fasting helps to understand the suffering of the poor and helpless. This leads to the development of coexistence and empathy. During Ramadan, Muslims work to improve personal and community cooperation. This includes sharing Iftar meals and engaging in charitable activities. During Ramadan, Muslims dedicate more time to prayers and Quran recitation. This helps to develop spiritual purification. During Ramadan, efforts are made to refrain from hateful acts and to act peacefully. The aim of Ramadan is to promote peace and tolerance throughout the world.
Therefore, during the month of Ramadan, Muslim devotees convey valuable messages to the world, such as peace, coexistence, and self-discipline.
Siyam Abdul Majeed
