RAMADAN
The Fast of Ramadan Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. The Month of Ramadan is also when it is believed the Holy Quran was sent down from heaven, a guidance unto men, a declaration of direction, and a means of Salvation.
It is during this month that Muslims fast. It is called the Fast of Ramadan and lasts the entire month. Ramadan is a time when Muslims concentrate on their faith and spend less time on the concerns of their everyday lives. It is a time of worship and contemplation.
During the Fast of Ramadan strict restraints are placed on the daily lives of Muslims. They are not allowed to eat or drink during the daylight hours. Smoking and sexual relations are also forbidden during fasting. At the end of the day the fast is broken with prayer and a meal called the iftar. In the evening following the iftar it is customary for Muslims to go out visiting family and friends. The fast is resumed the next morning.
According to the Holy Quran:
One may eat and drink at any time during the night "until you can plainly distinguish a white thread from a black thread by the daylight: then keep the fast until night".
The good that is acquired through the fast can be destroyed by five things:
These are considered offensive at all times, but are most offensive during the Fast of Ramadan.
During Ramadan, it is common for Muslims to go to the Masjid (Mosque) and spend several hours praying and studying the Quran. In addition to the five daily prayers, during Ramadan Muslims recite a special prayer called the Taraweeh prayer (Night Prayer). The length of this prayer is usually 2-3 times as long as the daily prayers. Some Muslims spend the entire night in prayer.
On the evening of the 27th day of the month, Muslims celebrate the Laylat-al-Qadr (the Night of Power). It is believed that on this night Muhammad first received the revelation of the Holy Quran. And according to the Quran, this is when God determines the course of the world for the following year.
When the fast ends (the first day of the month of Shawwal) it is celebrated for three days in a holiday called Id-al-Fitr (the Feast of Fast Breaking). Gifts are exchanged. Friends and family gather to pray in congregation and for large meals. In some cities fairs are held to celebrate the end of the Fast of Ramadan.
A RAMADAN POEM
THE HOLY MONTH OF RAMADAN
FOR THE SUBMITTERS HAS BEGUN
PRAISING GOD THROUGH THE DAY,
FROM DAWN TO DUSK WE FAST AND PRAY.
WE PAY ZAKAT (CHARITY) FOR THOSE IN NEED,
TRYING OUR BEST TO DO GOOD DEEDS.
WHEN THE SUN HAS SET, AND DAY IS DONE-
I'LL BREAK THIS CHAIN, BUT ONLY ONE.
BY THE END OF RAMADAN, THIS WHOLE CHAIN WILL
BE ALL GONE!
IT'S TIME TO CELEBRATE AND SHARE IN THE
FUN!!!
Submission Song ~ The Five Pillars
(1) We pray five times a day
We pray it everyday
God told everyone
to pray five times a day.
(2) We give to Charity
We give as best we can.
God told everyone
to give to charity
(3) We'll go to Hajj one day
God willing, we'll all go.
God told everyone
to go to Hajj one day.
(4) We fast one month a year.
We fast it every year.
God told everyone
to fast one month a year.
5) We worship God alone.
We worship only God.
God told everyone
to worship God alone.
(Sing this verse twice)
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