Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and there are several reasons why it is considered important:
- The Qur’an was first revealed during this month
- The gates of Heaven are open
- The gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained up in Hell.
The Qur'an revealed
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)”[al-Baqarah 2:185]
The actual night that the Qur’an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad is called Lailat ul Qadr, and to stand in prayer on this one night is said to be better than a thousand months of worship.
Ramadan is often called ‘month of the Qur’an’ because of this, and Muslims attempt to recite as much of the Qur’an as they can during the month. Most mosques will recite one thirtieth of the Qur’an each night during the Taraweeh prayers.
No one knows on which particular night the Qur'an was first revealed, but it is said to be one of the last ten nights of Ramadan.
The gates of Heaven are open and the gates of Hell are closed
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are put in chains.”(Agreed upon)
Muslims believe that their good actions bring a greater reward during this month than at any other time of year, because this month has been blessed by Allah.
They also believe that it is easier to do good in this month because the devils have been chained in Hell, and so can't tempt believers. This doesn’t mean that Muslims will not behave badly, but that any evil that they do comes from within themselves, without additional encouragement from Satan.
Almost all Muslims try to give up bad habits during Ramadan, and some will try to become better Muslims by praying more or reading the Qur’an.
Muslims believe that this is one way that the chaining up of the devils is manifested, since there is no other reason for them to do so.
Special practices
There are a number of special practices which are only done during Ramadan.
Fasting the whole month long
Although Muslims fast during other times of the year, Ramadan is the only time when fasting, or sawm, is obligatory during the entire month for every able Muslim.
Ramadan is intended to increase self-control in all areas, including food, sleeping, sex and the use of time.
Taraweeh Prayers
These are long night prayers, which are not obligatory, but highly recommended.
Mosques are filled with worshippers who go to attend these prayers, which usually last for one and a half to two hours.
These prayers also give Muslims a chance to meet at the mosque every day, and so they also help to improve relationships in the Muslim community.
I’tikaf
I’tikaf refers to going into seclusion during the last ten nights of Ramadan, in order to seek Lailat ul Qadr by praying and reading the Qur’an. Some people live in the mosque during this time for serious reflection and worship. Others spend a few hours at the mosque or home.
Confusion
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and as with all months in the Islamic calendar, its start is based on the sighting of the new moon.
There can be confusion and disagreement over the starting date of this month. Since the month is full of blessings and marks the beginning of fasting, or sawm, accuracy is very important.
Since Muslims live all over the world, but Islam started in what is now known as Saudi Arabia, they may not agree as to which country’s first moon sighting marks the start of the month.
But although Muslims do often start and end Ramadan on slightly different days, there is little real ill will, and it is forgotten once the fasting starts.
Sighting in each country
Some Muslims believe that a new moon sighting from their individual country marks the start of Ramadan.
One argument for accepting this is that Islam is regarded as a way of life for all people. Choosing a local sighting includes those who do not have access to technology or fast communication.
It's argued that unity within a known geographic location is more important than celebrating Ramadan with people who live in another country or continent.
Sighting in Saudi Arabia
Other Muslims believe that the sighting of the new moon from Saudi Arabia marks the beginning of Ramadan.
They believe this unifies all Muslims, as well as carrying on the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, pbuh.
Technology
Some Muslims believe that technology should be used to mark the true date.
The Fiqh Council of North America has recently decided they will no longer use naked eye sightings of the moon, but will use astronomical calculations instead.
