Ramadhan, The Holy Month of Fasting

Ramadan, also said as Ramzan,Ramazan or Ramadhan is observed and carried out all over the world by Muslims to observe the revealing of the  Quran to prophet Mohhamad. This marks the 9^th month of the Islamic calendar and to celebrate this holy and historic moment, Muslims worldwide fast for a month (duration of 29 to 30 days).

This fasting is different from most common methods of fasting where food is only consumed before dawn (sunrise) and after sunset. Muslims must refrain from any form of consumption, neither water nor food. It is highly important for all Muslims to carry out the following tasks during the holy month of Ramadan:

 - Regular Salat ( Prayers), all 5 times during the day.

-          -Reciting/Reading and understanding the Quran.

-          -Providing food and resources for the poor and needy.

-         - Learn verses that are used during prayers.

-         - Avoiding bad talks, backbiting, fighting & lying.

The most exciting and fun times during the month of fasting,  are the daily evenings after sunset when its time to break the fast (Iftar).  This occasion is a moment for everyone to come together with a huge variety of juices, fruits, desserts and fried food. This occasion is known formally as the Iftar party where all friends, relatives and loved ones are invited. Food with richness, culture and diversity.

There are plentiful amount of benefits to every Muslim who fasts during the month of Ramadan:

-All the sins and mistakes of the individual are forgiven during the holy month.

- The rewards during the month of fasting are multiplied.

-Health and well being of individuals are extremely improved to carry out a balanced lifestyle.

-An opportunity to reflect on the sins and carry out self control & self discipline.

This leads to the completion and success of fasting for 30 days. This month of fasting is celebrated and known as Eid-al-Fitr ( Festival of charity). This is the start of the new lunar month where Muslims return to their normal lifestyle as changed and unpolluted human beings.

The key purpose and motivation in the month of Ramadan can be summed up as; "When Ramadan arrives, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of hell are locked up and devils are put in chains.

REFLECTIVE QUESTIONS:

-         -Do you think fasting is a form of worshipping in other religions too? Find out how are they different?

-          -One of the main weapons of Gandhi  to get his things done was fasting, how was Gandhi’s fasting different from religious fastings?

-          -“Anything repeatedly done becomes a habit”, Does doing everything right for a month help form good habits?

     

ACTIVITY:

-Find out how Ramadan is practiced differently in various Muslim Countries? (Countries shown in the map)

USEFUL LINK:

- www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZPc7_Q8EG-o