Ramadan 2021 will begin in the evening of Monday, 12 April and ends in the evening of Tuesday, 11 May
This question comes to our mind many times when we come across the word Ramadan. The answer to this question is, Ramadan is the ninth month of Islamic calander. It is a belief that in the month of Ramadan the Holy book of Muslims, Quran was sent down from heaven as guidance for men and also as a direction and a means to Salvation.
Ramadan is the month of fast. The entire month Muslims fast with no water and food during the daytime.Muslims have food only before the sunrises and after the sunsets. The day starts with eating of the suhoor. Suhoor is the meal eaten by the Muslims who fast before the sun rises. Once suhoor is done then Muslims who fast cannot eat or drink the whole day. In the evening when the sun sets then they have another meal called If tar. To open the fast they pray and have Iftar meal. Once Iftar is over Muslims visit their relative's house and early in the morning sets back to the fast.
Being a Muslim it is a duty to carry out Ramadan fast, as it is one of the pillars of Islam, which every Muslim must follow. Also Ramadan is said to be the holy month for Muslims as several believes are associated with it.somehow, some of the conditions exempt some Muslims from Ramadan fast like:
There is a stark difference between how Sunni Muslims perform Ramadan rituals and how Shia Muslims do.
During Ramadan it is made sure that all the Muslims are devoted to worship God rather than any other work. Muslims visit mosque during Ramadan. Apart from the daily five prayers during Ramadan Muslims recite Taraweeh prayer also called the Night prayer. Some of the Muslims are so devoted that they spend the entire night praying. According to Islam Ramadan fast is the way when a Muslim can devote himself to god truly without giving much concern to other activities of the day.
(Prayer) at the Beginning of the Fast
Wa bisawmi ghadinn nawaiytu min shahri ramadan
I intend to keep the fast for tomorrow in the month of Ramadan
(Prayer) at the End of the Fast
Allahumma inni laka sumtu wa bika aamantu wa alayka tawakkaltu wa ala rizq-ika-aftartu
O Allah! I fasted for You and I believe in You and I put my trust in You and I break my fast with Your sustenance
Ramadan starts with the sighting of the crescent moon (hilal) and last for a period of one month. When the hilal is visible again at the end of the month, it is the time to celebrate Eid-Ul-Fitr (break the fast).
During Ramadan Muslims have meal twice a day. One before the sunrise and one after the sunset. The meal before sunrise is called the suhoor meal and the meal after the sunset is called the Iftar meal. Muslims fast during the daytime. During Ramadan Muslims spend most of their time in remembering Allah by reciting Ramadan Dua and visiting mosque. Apart from the five daily prayers they also recite Taraweeh prayer, and on Lailatul Qadr, also called as the night of power, when Muslims spend their entire night praying to Allah.
Muslims intending to fast wake up early and eat a light meal, known as suhoor, before dawn. Suhoor is typically consumed about half an hour before dawn, in time for the fajr, or morning, prayer. After the sun fully sets at the end of each day, the person typically breaks his or her fast with water and dates, followed by prayers and then a meal called iftar.
At the end of Ramadan, a three-day spiritual celebration known as Eid al-Fitr occurs. During this time, Muslims rejoice in the completion of the fast. Family members and friends gather to share in feasts and prayers. During the three days, Muslims attend prayers in the morning, and then visit family, friends, neighbors, the sick and the elderly. Feasts are shared with family and friends and small gifts are given.
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. Which festival occurs at the end of Ramadan?
And - Eid Al-Fitr
2. The Qur'an was first revealed in the month of Ramadan. Which Surah in the Holy Qur'an affirms this?
Ans - Allah says in Surah Al-Baqarah
3. On the Day of Resurrection those who fast will be called to enter Paradise through which gate?
Ans - Ar-Rayyan
4. It is said that the odour of a fasting person's mouth is more fragrant to Allah than what?
Ans - Musk
5. Which month of the Islamic Calendar is Ramadan?
Ans - 9th
6. What does Laylatul-Qadr mean?
Ans - Night of Power or Decree
7. Where was Prophet Muhammad born?
Ans - Mecca
8. Islam is based on Five Pillars of Faith. To which one Ramadan fast belong?
Ans - Fourth Pillar
9. What is meant by the word Muslim?
Ans - One who gives himself to God
10. What is something you cannot do during Ramadan?
Ans - Eat
11. In which year was fasting in Ramadan enjoined on the Muslims?
Ans - 2 A.H. ; 623 C.E
12. What are the names of the Islamic months before and after Ramadan.
Ans - Month before Ramadan : Sha'ban
Month after Ramadan : Shawwal
13. Generally, at what age does fasting in Ramadan become compulsory?
Ans - When someone attains puberty, at the age of 13 or 14
14. What does Iftaar mean?
Ans - Eating after sunset to break the fast
15. When do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
Ans - From Dawn to Sunset