However, that is merely the physical component of the fast; the spiritual
aspects of the fast include refraining from gossiping, lying, slandering
and all traits of bad character.
All obscene and irreligious sights and sounds are to be avoided. Purity of
thought and action is paramount. Ordained in the Qur'an, the fast is an
exacting act of deeply personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised
level of God-consciousness. The act of fasting redirects the hearts away
from worldly activities, towards The Divine.
The month of Ramadan is a time for spiritual reflection, prayer, doing good
deeds and spending time with family and friends. The fasting is intended to
help teach Muslims self-discipline, self-restraint and generosity.
It also reminds them of the suffering of the poor, who may rarely get to
eat well. It is common to have one meal (known as the Suhoor), just before
sunrise and another (known as the Iftar), directly after sunset. This meal
will commonly consist of dates, following the example of the Prophet
Muhammad, peace be upon Him.
Because Ramadan is a time to spend with friends and family, the fast will
often be broken by different Muslim families coming together to share in an
evening meal.
Ramadan derives from the Arabic root: ramida or ar-ramad, meaning scorching
heat or dryness. Since Muslims are commanded to fast during the month of
Ramadan, it is believed that the month's name may refer to the heat of
thirst and hunger, or because fasting burns away one's past sins.
Muslims believe that God began revealing the Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad
during Ramadan (in the year 610 C.E.). The Qur'an commands:
"O ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to
those before you, that ye may (learn) self-restraint...Ramadan is the
(month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also
clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every
one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it
in fasting..." (Chapter 2, verses 183 and 185).
Fasting during Ramadan did not become an obligation for Muslims until 624
C.E., at which point it became the third of the Five Pillars of Islam. The
others are faith (Shahadah); prayer (Salah); charitable giving (Zakah); and
the pilgrimage to Makkah (Hajj).
Another aspect of Ramadan is that it is believed that one of the last few
odd-numbered nights of the month is the 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
Qur'an to the Prophet Muhammad through the angel Jibril (Gabriel).
This is a time for especially fervent and devoted prayer, and the rewards
and blessings associated with such are manifold. 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. Additionally, Muslims are urged to read the entire Qur'an
during the month of Ramadan, and its 114 chapters have been divided into 30
equal parts for this purpose.
When the first crescent of the new moon has been officially sighted by a
reliable source, the month of Ramadan is declared over, and the month of
Shawwal begins. The end of Ramadan is marked by a three-day period known as
Eid ul-Fitr, the "Festival of Fast-breaking." It is a joyous time beginning
with a special prayer, and accompanied by celebration, socializing, festive
meals and sometimes very modest gift-giving, especially to children.
When Ramadan ends, Muslims give charity in a locally prescribed amount,
calculated to feed one poor person in that region for one day. This is
known as fitra, and is meant as another reminder of the suffering endured
by many.
Many Muslims also take this occasion to pay the annual alms which are due
to the poor and needy, known as Zakah (2.5% of assets).
At the beginning of Ramadan, it is appropriate to wish Muslims "Ramadan
Mubarak" which means "Blessed Ramadan." At its conclusion, you may say "Eid
Mubarak.
