Ramadan: Self Control, Generosity and Repentance

It is that time of the year when muslims from around the world ‘fast’ from sunrise to sunset. Yes, the ninth month of Islamic calendar- Ramadan is here, when pious muslims fast, practice extreme self restraint and good deeds, besides indulging in charity (Zakat) and special prayers called Taravih.

It is the time of extreme devotion, and worship. Muslims try to offer as many prayers as possible.The month is all about self control, empathy with the less fortunate and generosity.Read this article to know more about Ramadan- the month of repentance.

Fasting:

Muslims are required to fast for 29 to 30 days depending on the sighting of the crescent.During the fast they are not supposed to taste anything.They abstain from sinful activities that including bad speech and behaviour,listening to music. It is compulsory for muslims who have reached puberty and are in good health to fast for the entire month of ramadan.Those who are not fasting on medical grounds it is obligatory for them to compensate later or give fidyah. Fidyah is where a poor person is given two wholesome meals for every missed Fast.

Suhoor:

It is a pre-fast meal taken before dawn. Few minutes after suhoor, muslims offer first prayer of the day.

Iftar:

Breaking the daylong fast is called as iftar. Muslims usually break their fast with dates, because the prophet (PBUH) broke his fast with dates.Fruits become an important part of iftari that is the reason for high fruit prices during Ramadan. After iftar muslims offer fourth prayer of the day followed by main course. Haleem, juices, desserts form integral part of iftar.

Iftar is also a kind of social gathering during the month. Lavish iftar parties are organised for friends, relatives,and community people. Iftar parties are organised at masjids as well.

Charity (Zakat):

It is obligatory to give a fixed percentage of a person’s savings to the poor in this month. Zakat or charity is one of the five pillars of islam. It is believed that good deeds are more handsomely rewarded during the month of Ramadan, so many people give sadaqah in this month.

Taravih:

Apart from regular five compulsory prayers muslims, during Ramadan offer special prayers at night. A common practice in taravih is to recite the one whole section of the Quran, eventually forming the entire Quran by the end of this month.

Recitation of Quran: 

Many muslims recite the Quran atleast once during the month because of the double rewards that await at the end of the month.

Night of power: 

It is considered the most holy night of the year. However this night also called as lailat-ulqadr is hidden in the last ten nights of this holy month. Muslims vigil and pray on the odd nights of the last ten days. It was the night when the revelation of Quran was sent to Prophet (PBUH) to guide the mankind.The month long fasting is culminated into celebrations in the form of eid, on the first of shawwal .This day is marked with a special prayer in the morning. Muslims visit friends and relatives and greet each other.