Ramadan Meaning

The word Ramadan is derived from the Arabic word Ramida, meaning intense scorching heat and dryness especially the ground.

Ramadan is the ninth month of an Islamic Calendar. Muslims believe that during the month of Ramadan the Holy book Quran was sent down from heaven as guidance for men and also as a direction and a means to Salvation.

Five Pillars Of Islam

Ramadan is the month of fasting. It is believed that this is the most effective way when a Muslim can truly devote his soul to god. It’s the best way to concentrate on the devotion to god and withdrawing self from the schedule of life. Fasting is one of the pillars of Islam, which a Muslim has to follow. Pillars here refer to the duties followed by a Muslim. Five pillars of Islam are:

1. Reciting the two-fold Creed (Shahada) (profession of faith) - 'There is no God but Allah' and 'Muhammad is his prophet' (or 'Muhammad is the Messenger of God')
2. Prayer (salat) - At five set-times a day while facing towards the city of Mecca.
3. Alms-giving (sakat) (zakat - means 'purification', an act of worship) -obligatory and voluntary giving to the poor.
4. Fasting (saum) - Especially during the 'holy' month of Ramadan.
5. Pilgrimage (hajj) - At least once in a lifetime - to Mecca, Saudi Arabia if at all possible, known as The Hajj.

.....................................................................................................................................................

And one most important:

The pilgrims who came to Mecca should walk around Ka'aba seven times kissing and touching the Black Stone The Black Stone was a meteorite to which great religious significance was attached even before Muhammad was born. Muhammad simply adopted this pagan practice and it became the "Islamic" pilgrimage of "Hajj" - one of the pillars of Islam.

.....................................................................................................................................................