7 Interesting Facts You Don’t Know About the Month Of Ramadan

Ramadan is considered a holy month for Muslims across the world.

The name ‘Ramadan’ is synonymous with heat and Muslims all over the world mark the holy month of Ramadan through charity and self-reflection through fasting, prayer and charity.

Just like any other religion, there are interesting details about the holy calendar in the Muslim calendar.

What you should know about Ramadan

#1. New Moon

The sighting of the new moon signifies the start of the holy month of Ramadan. Going by the Islam calendar, the ninth Lunar month which rotates every year marks the start of Ramadan. However, the new moon delays in some places and comes early on others. Muslims start their Ramadan once the new moon is sighted in their area.

Islamic religious teachings state that the Holy Qur’an was manifested to Prophet Mohamed during Ramadan which is what makes it a holy month. Thus, all Muslims across the world observe this auspicious event without fail.

Race, nationality or colour does not come between Muslims; they all observe Ramadan together and practice its dictates of fasting, praying, forgiveness and charity. Fast and prayer come during the day when Muslims are not allowed to eat except for those whose medical conditions do not allow them to fast.

Also read: What Iftar Should Have You Served On The Table During Ramadan

#2. Fasting

One of the dictates of Ramadan for Muslims is that there is no drinking or eating once the sun rises; they only break the fast after dusk when they replenish their energy levels with healthy meals. Suhoor and Iftaar are the early morning and evening meals respectively.

When marking the holy month, it is a great sign for a Muslim to engage in impure acts and earthly pleasures. This is an abomination that draws ire and condemnation in Islam which beliefs in the purity of the body and soul. Engaging in sexual acts is not allowed during this month or any other undertaking such as a business rid of corrupt deals because this is considered impure.

Children, pregnant women, lactating mothers and those whose menses are on do not fast.

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#3 Prayer

Prayer is an important segment of Ramadan. In fact, it is what holds this auspicious month for Muslims across the world, not just now but for centuries. Everyone is expected to pray, repent their sins. A Muslim is required to say a word of prayer several times a day.

“Dua” is a famous prayer that opens the fats with ‘niyah’ meaning it is the prayer of intention.

#4. Belief

History shows that a reflection period for the Muslims comes with dedicated times of studying the Qur’an. This is in the accord that Allah revealed the Holy Qur’an to Prophet during Ramadan. The first scriptures of the Holy Qur’an are all about were part of what Allah manifested to the Prophet.

#5. Charity

Charity is a key element in Ramadan because it is out of charity that their faith and good deeds impact the poor in society. They feed the poor, provide clothes and even shelter to the homeless. The act of sharing is a virtue that is entrenched in the teachings of the Holy Qur’an. No Muslim professes his faith fully if he/she does not practice charity – with the much he/she has.

#6 Fasting at puberty

Young children have exempted from fasting until their reach puberty where they are regarded as junior members of the fasting club during Ramadan. It prepares them for their adulthood which requires a deep understanding of the Muslim faith and all its teachings.

You can break the fast for justified reasons If your health condition does not allow you to be on fast, you are allowed to break it without any consequences. Islam treasures good health and life and would not allow situations that compromise it.

Dates

Not a hangout between a man and a woman who share feelings for each other. Dates are small in size and are eaten to break the fast ready for Iftar. Dates were used centuries ago by Prophet Muhammud to break the fast and since then, have been used by his descendants for the same purpose.

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Dates contain healthy sugars and have high fibre content. They make it easier for your digestion and contains a high amount of other nutrients.

Eid-ul-Fitr

This ceremony marks the end of Ramadan. When the celebrations start, another new moon is cited as the carnival continues. During Eid-ul-Fitr, food is in plenty and they share it with neighbours and the vulnerable in the society

We at See Africa today do wish all Muslims in the world, Ramadan Kareem.