An Overview of Ramadan, a Tradition Celebrated by Muslims

Ramadan

One of the major Islamic celebration is Ramadan. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and Muslims observe this month as the month of fasting. Fasting is considered as one of the five pillars of Islam. The month of Ramadan lasts 29 to 30 days based on the sightings of the crescent moon. Fasting is compulsory for all adult Muslims, unless they are sick, traveling, pregnant,diabetic,etc.

While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims avoid consuming food or drinks, smoking, and other behaviours that could be perceived as sinful like swearing or procrastination. Food and drink is served twice daily, once before dawn and once after sunset. Spiritual rewards for fasting are believed to be multiplied during the month of Ramadan.

Fasting becomes compulsory for Muslims when they reach puberty, so long as they have no disabilities or illnesses. Charity or zakat is especially important during Ramadan. Zakat is one of the pillars of Islam. Muslims are required to give a fixed percentage of their savings to the poor. As good deeds are more handsomely rewarded during the month of Ramadan. Most Muslims choose to donate most, if not all, of the money that they are obliged to give during this month. Many would also choose to give more than they are required to to maximize their spiritual rewards.

During Ramadan. Muslims are also encouraged to read the entire Quran. They go to mosques to recite a whole section, usually about 1/30 of the Quran every night, therefore the Quran would be completely recited by the end of the month.

What is Islam New Year and when is it? Islam New Year, also known as The Hijri New Year, is the day that marks the beginning of a new Islamic calendar year. It falls in the month of Muharram in 2015 is known to be from Wednesday, 14 October 2015 - Thursday, 12 November 2015. This began in 622 AD during which the emigration of Muhammad from Mecca to Medina, known as the Hijra.

How is it celebrated?

Different Islamic denominations, namely Shi'a and Sunni, do different things to mark Muharram. Fasting varies among different Muslim communities. Some Muslims fast on or around the 10th day of Muharram, also known as the Day of Ashura, to mourn the death of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Husayn ibn Ali .In Iraq, some Shi'a Muslims make a pilgrimage to the Imam Husayn Shrine, on the site of the grave of Husayn ibn Ali. In Iran, the taziya or Condolence Theater will be performed.

How is it significant?

It is known that the tenth of Muharram was the day Allah selected to save the people of Prophet Nuh from the floods. Allah changed the circumstances of the people once they sincerely repented for their misgivings and they firmly entrenched themselves in the ways of their respective Prophets.

The above scenario is identical for the Islamic people of the present; they yearn to have their grievances alleviated and for justice and peace to be established, and thus on this day they will repent to Allah and become righteous. Without this vital step, their condition will not change and their sorrows will deepen.

Muslims uses their right hand to eat is a traditions for thousands of years. it is said by the Prophet Mohammed that one should only use his right hand to eat or drink and the left to clean themselves. However, there are exceptions, people with disabilities with their right hand are allowed to use their left hand to eat and drink and that there is no sin in do that if they are really incapable of using their right hand. The Hadith mentioned that only Satan uses his left hand to eat and drink. therefore for devoted muslims, the use of left hand to eat is strictly not allowed as it is seen as being disrespectful to their God. Apart from using the right hand to eat and drink, right hand is also largely encouraged to be used in writing and dressing. Using the right hand to eat and drink is counted as one of the muslims ethics of eating. In conclusion, the left hand according to the muslims are only used for unclean acts, like bathing and cleaning of their bodies, while right hand is used for clean acts like dressing, eating. muslims also do not use their left hand to shake people’s hands as it is counted rude to do so.