By Dr. Amna Farah
Ramadan Kareem
Ramadan is a month of blessings the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Islam uses a lunar calendar�that is, each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. Because the lunar Calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar used elsewhere, Islamic holidays "move" each year. This year 2004 Ramadan started on Oct. 15.
For more than a billion Muslims around the world�including more 8 million in North America�Ramadan is a month of devotion to Allah a month of blessing marked by prayer, fasting, and charity. This year Ramadan precedes Christmas and Hanukkah. But while in many places these holidays have become widely commercialized, Ramadan retains its focus on self-sacrifice and devotion to Allah (God).Ramadan is a time of worship and contemplation, a time to strengthen family and community ties.
Ramadan is the month of Gur�an
Muslims believe that during this month of Ramadan, Allah revealed the first verses of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. Prophet Muhammad (SAW) while thinking about his faith wondering around Mecca. One night a voice called to him from the night sky. It was the angel Gabriel, who told Muhammad (SAW) he had been chosen to receive the word of Allah. Gur�an the holy book of Islam was sent from Heaven, guidance unto man, deceleration of direction . In the days followed angel Gabriel visits to Muhammad ( SAW) found himself memorizing and speaking the verses that would be transcribed as the Qur'an.
In all mosques during Ramadan, Qur'an is recited each night in prayers known as Taraweeh. In this way, by the end of the month the complete scripture will have been recited.
Fasting method
Muslims practice Seyam, or fasting, for the entire month of Ramadan. This means that they may not eat or drink staring before sunrise to sun set when they break their fasting. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars (duties) of Islam. As with other Islamic duties, all able Muslims take part in Seyam starting from age of puberty
Fasting according to the holy Gur�an one may eat and drink at anytime during night
�Until you can plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread by the day light: then keep the fast until night.�(186 Sorat Albagara)
During Ramadan in the Muslim world, Families get up early for Sahoor, a meal eaten before the sun rises. After the sun sets, the fast is broken with a meal known as iftar. Iftar usually begins with dates and sweet drinks that provide a quick energy boost. So that people can pray alMa3�reb prayer and then continue with fast breaking.
Fasting serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty, Muslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body, self and mind. And in this most sacred month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow believers. Such dieting is proved to be a method of healing to many gastro-intestinal and other diseases.
Laylat �al-Gader
On the evening of the 27th day of the month , Muslims celebrate the laylat �al-Gader ( The night of Power) .It is believed that in this night Mohammed (SAW) first received the revelation of the holy Gur�an .
Eid al-Fitr:
Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid al-Fitr, which in this year 2004 occurs on November 14. Literally the "Festival of Breaking the Fast," Eid al-Fitr is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations (the other occurs after the Hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca). Zakat alfiter gift in money or in kind support given to the needy people and relatives so that it will enable all Muslims to celebrate
Eid alfitr in which children and families feel the joy of cleansing consolidation and support during this holy month At Eid al-Fitr people dress in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends and family.
A sense of generosity and gratitude colors these festivities. Although �Rahma� and good deeds are always important in Islam, they have special significance in this month especially at the end of Ramadan. Zakat alfiter is a support and consolidation given in money or kind to relatives and the needy people so that all Muslims and specially children will celebrate Eid alfitr. A feel of joy of cleansing consolidation and support during this holy month especially when the month draws to a close, Muslims are obligated to share their blessings by feeding the poor and making contributions to mosques. Gifts are exchanged Affo, forgiveness and peace. is granted between family members friends and the community, prayers are held in congregations and large meals are set marriage contracts and good events are usually celebrated during this blessed days . An internal feel of purity joy is shining on individuals and at family level and relatives , together with warms of social consolidation and support, cities fairs ,7aflat: festivals and celebration of all kinds May Allah � yagbal 9eyamna o gyamna o aldo3a2 o yj3lna min 3otaga alnar �
Ameeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeen