Akhi Jasin's guide to understanding the holy month of Ramadan

Jasin Vrlaku
Mar 15
4 min read

From the dawn when the dark begins to die down, until the sunset when the light begins to shy away: is the remarkable goal of over 2 billion people abstaining from food and fluids for that period of time listed and later break the fast as the bright shining light of the crescent moon creeps up. This is of course in reference to muslims partaking in the mandatory practice of Ramadan. However, before I explain to you all the ins and outs of this holy month, a quick history lesson must be addressed to learn why this month specifically in the Islamic calendar is important so everyone's on the same page.

History

Back in 609 CE, The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was in The Cave of Hira (Jabal An Noor, Saudi Arabia), a few miles east of Mecca to worship God in peace, until the angel Gaberial came down to reveal to him Gods revelations of the Quran: the word of God passed down for humanity. This sequence of events all transpired during the month of Ramadan, going full circle. cited in chapter two: verse 185 of the Quran (The Quran 2:185)

"The month of Ramadan [is that] in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that [to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be grateful."

Exceptions - No loopholes

However contrary to belief, there's many justifiable exceptions to the fast. Starting off to bat with, Pregnant woman doesn't have to fast, for obvious reasons. Those who HAVE to take medication, the elderly, children, women on their monthly cycle, and travelers. The catch is the missed days will have to be made up after the month if available to (i.e.: the menstrual cycle cleansing) Fasting may be an obligation set by God but is excused when it affects you negatively such as the elderly, pregnant women, etc. etc. However. one cannot find a loophole to an excuse not to fast, such as "bulking", to disregard the fast to continue following worldly desires. That thought alone defeats the purpose of the fast in the first place and speaks how much the faith means to the person and their lack of discipline. Abandoning Ramadan is considered a major sin due to the aforementioned; the mindset leads you to disregard Gods commands and tests. Life is but a test, Ramadan only reminds one of it, to be tested and not have faith falter, so quitting is like cheating on a test, both having serious repercussions to follow soon.

Practices

It should be mentioned that food and drinks are not the only things that are part of the fast. The entire point of it is to practice abstaining for the sake of God, so Ramadan go the full 9 yards and abstain from sexual actions with their spouses during the day and avoid sinful acts, especially cursing, Muslims are also recommended to do good acts this month as Ramadan is included in one of the four blessed months of the Islamic calendar, where good/bad deeds are multiplied. In this month, a LOT of Muslims gather at the mosque for prayer, especially by the sunset prayer, (Maghrib), to break their fast with each other and the last prayer of the day (Isha) and stay to also pray the Taraweah prayer that's prayed during Ramadan. It should be noted that the entire room gets FILLED, so much so some have to pray in a different room with how many shows up depending on which one you go to.

Laylat Al-Qadr

Then comes significant day of Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Decree/Power). Its a night where doing any good is multiplied to the extent of 1000 months alone. Its heavily encourged to donate on this day and enjoin in prayer, where every masjid gets so packed some HAVE to pray in the parking lot. This is the exact day in Ramadan that the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) received revelation via Islamic calendar. You may be wondering what day it takes place in said calendar, but that's where you'd stumped to learn the answer is illusive and is hinted that it's within the last ten days of Ramadan, more specifically the odd nights (21st. 23rd, 25th, 27th, or the 29th). Its a common misconception that its believed to be fixed on the 27th however the Prophet Muhammad's wife: Aishah (رضی اللہ عنھا) reported:

"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) used to observe I'tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan and say, 'Seek Lailat-ul-Qadr (Night of Decree) in the odd nights out of the last ten nights of Ramadan.' "

*(Reference: Riyad as-Salihin 1192; https://sunnah.com/riyadussalihin/8/202)

Crescent Moon Signifying the Start of Ramadan.

Eid-al Fitr

Finally, my last topic that will wrap up the summary of this holy month will be about Eid-al Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast). This is a Muslim holiday that occurs right after the final day of Ramadan and is seen as the celebration to the long lived fast where Muslims can now eat during the day again. After sunrise, Muslims gather at the mosque to perform the Eid prayer, side by side with one another to pray to God even after the fast is concluded, proving unwavering discipline despite any circumstances that may occur. Afterwards its encouraged to give gifts to family and friends to celebrate with each other.

Conclusion

Ramadan is a test of one's faith to either prove ones devoutfullness to God or one's disobedience and lack of self-control/discipline. Tests are given to every Muslim to prove themselves just as how in the past the Children of Israel was tested. Prophets of God too were tested to prove their not only their faith but the common theme of 'tests' such as Adam (عليه السلام) and Eve (Hawa [رضی اللہ عنھا]) when they ate the apple. I hope this informational guide to understand the month of Ramadan answered any questions and or superstitions one may have.

Ramadan Mubarek everyone!