Ramadan is a pillar of Islam corresponding to the holy month of fasting. Every year, the entire planet observes Muslims fasting, but many take from it only the fact of abstaining from drinking and eating. On this page we answer the few questions you are surely asking yourself.
Ramadan, what does it mean?
A word derived from the root Ramada ( رمض ), whose etymology means intense heat, Ramadan is one of the twelve months of the Muslim calendar. It is the ninth month of the lunar calendar adopted by Muslims, the one during which the Quran was revealed.
Ramadan, why does its date keep changing?
"Whoever among you sees the new moon, let him fast the entire month [of Ramadan]."
The month of Ramadan is part of the lunar calendar. The latter is based on the cycle of the moon. Disconnected from the seasons, this calendar counts a year of 12 lunar months, of 29 or 30 days.
The beginning of Ramadan, in accordance with the Word of the Most High and the recommendation of the Messenger of Allah Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, is only declared after observing the new moon on the night of doubt.
"Begin fasting when you see it (the thin lunar crescent) and stop fasting when you see it. If it (the thin lunar crescent) remains hidden, then count 30 days for the month of Sha'ban."
(al-Bukhari and Muslim)
Since the lunar year is 10 to 11 days shorter than the solar year, the month of Ramadan, like that of the Hajj pilgrimage, moves back from year to year. This system willed by Allah ta'ala the Most Merciful makes the blessed month of Ramadan a month that travels through the seasons, disadvantaging no one.
Why do Muslims fast?
Ramadan is an obligation coming from Allah since in the Quran He says, Glory and Purity be to Him:
"O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you just as it was prescribed for those who came before you, so that you may attain piety," [Surah Al-Baqarah, Verse 183].
It is an important pillar among the 5 pillars of Islam. Muslims around the world prepare to welcome it. It is the month of the Quran, of forgiveness and of excellence, during which acts of devotion are multiplied in the hope of His Reward, from Him alone.
Who must fast?
The fast of the month of Ramadan has its rites and its rules. The Muslim who has reached puberty and is in good mental and physical health must perform the fast, with the exception of:
- - the sick
- - pregnant or nursing women who fear for their health or that of their child
- - the elderly
- - travelers
Surah 2, Verses 184 and 185: "for a fixed number of days. Whoever among you is ill or on a journey shall fast an equal number of other days. But for those who can only bear it (with great difficulty), there is a compensation: feeding a poor person. And if anyone does more of his own accord, it is better for him; but it is better for you to fast, if only you knew!
(These days are) the month of Ramadan during which the Quran was sent down as a guidance for people, and clear proofs of the right guidance and of the criterion. So whoever among you is present during this month, let him fast! And whoever is ill or on a journey, let him then fast an equal number of other days. Allah wants ease for you, He does not want hardship for you, so that you may complete the number and that you may proclaim the greatness of Allah for having guided you, and so that you may be grateful!" Surah
How to fast?
Ramadan has its obligations and its acts that break the fast.
For the fast to be valid, one must:
- - Make the intention the evening before the first day of Ramadan, and according to some scholars the intention must be renewed for each day of fasting.
- - Abstain from all forbidden acts.
From dawn until sunset, the one who fasts must abstain from eating, drinking, and sexual relations, while drawing closer to his Creator by restraining his tongue, as well as his feet and hands, from any deliberate evil.
Is there anything that breaks the fast?
In the same way that there are obligations to respect in order to fast, there are acts that break the fast. They are:
- - Apostasy
- - Sexual intercourse
- - Any liquid medication that enters the body through the nasal or oral passages
- - Vomiting
- - The emission of sperm
- - Menstruation and postnatal bleeding
- - Insanity
What merits are there for those who fast?
The hadiths are numerous in attesting to the merits of fasting during the month of Ramadan. Our Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him, recalled all the values that fasting represents for the Muslim and all the meritorious deeds it comprises.
Ramadan is indeed the occasion to repent, to strive for forgiveness and to rise in ranks with Allah by obeying Him sincerely in this duty.
"Whoever fasts the month of Ramadan with faith, counting on the divine reward, his sins will be forgiven." [Reported by Al-Bukhari and Muslim].
It is a promised protection against the fire of Hell.
"Whoever fasts one day for the love of Allah will be kept away from the Fire by a distance travelled in 70 years" (Bukhari and Muslim)
It is a blessed month in which all our senses and limbs unite to follow this command of the Lord of the Universe, but also to follow the noble character of our Beloved during Ramadan. Each person perfects his character in patience, restraint and generosity. All together, the Sunnah of the Tarawih prayers is celebrated in every mosque.
Ramadan is one of the best months of the year, and it contains the best of nights, the one that on its own is equal to a thousand months: Laylatul Qadr, or translated as the Night of Destiny. The month of the Quranic revelation, during which the Archangel Gabriel came to recite the Quran to our Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.
May Allah help us to observe it as it should be observed and grant us a pure intention to worship none but Him during this month, as throughout our whole life. Amin
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