Representational Image | Source: Twitter
Guwahati, April 3: With the sighting of the crescent moon the holy month of Ramadan begins today. Devout Muslims around the world will observe the holy month by observing Roja or Sawm (fasting) from dawn to dusk, engaging in special prayers and humanitarian activities and keeping away from several activities.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and it begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon. Accordingly, the dates of Ramadan are dependent on the appearance of the moon and may vary across countries.
It is the month of Ramadan when the Quran, Islam's holy book was revealed as a guidance for mankind, clear proofs giving guidance, and the Criterion (for distinguishing right and wrong). The Quran was sent down on Laylat al-Qadr, also known as the "Night of Power" which is commemorated on one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, usually the 27th night.
Ramadan is a period of self-introspection, communal prayer in the mosque, and reading of the Quran. God forgives the past sins of those who observe the holy month with fasting, prayer, and faithful intention. It is also the time of the year when believers seek forgiveness for past sins from the Almighty, be generous towards the needy and introspect on the teachings of the Quran.
The core belief of Islam is based on five pillars: The Shahadah (Islamic oath), Salat (obligatory prayers, performed five times), Zakat (almsgiving), Sawm (Fasting during Ramadan) and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca).
Although Sawm is most commonly understood as the obligation to fast during Ramadan, it is more broadly interpreted as the obligation to refrain between dawn and dusk from food, drink, sexual activity, and all forms of immoral behaviour, including impure or unkind thoughts. Thus, false words or bad deeds or intentions are as destructive of a fast as is eating or drinking.
Apart from exercising self-restraint, it is also a way to physically and spiritually detoxify oneself. It is a time to detach from worldly pleasures and focus on one's prayers.
Though the period of Ramadan is obligatory for all Muslims, those who are sick, travelling, having a menstrual cycle, pregnant or elderly or weak people are exempted from it. However, extra fasting days may be substituted after Ramadan ends.
People observe Roja for which they wake up early in the morning to have their first meal called the Suhur or Sehri, which is followed by the morning prayers, and in the evening, they break their fast with the evening meal called Iftaar. The Iftaar usually begins with dates, as was the custom of Prophet Muhammad. There are additional prayers offered at night called the Tarawih prayers, preferably performed in congregation at the mosque. During these prayers, the entire Quran may be recited over the course of the month of Ramadan.
The end of the Ramadan fast is celebrated as Eid al-Fitr, or the "Feast of Fast-Breaking." Muslims around the world get together with friends and family, engage in congregational prayers, put on new clothes and exchange gifts and sweets.
