Ramdhan, the holy month of fasting commenced from second of March this year, depending upon the sighting of crescent moon. It cycles through every season and comes ten to twelve days before previous year Ramdhan. Muslim calendar is different as it is based on moon cycles. It is one of the five pillars of Islam and is obligatory for every adult sane muslim to fast during this sacred month, provided he or she is not chronically ill and is in sound health. Elderly persons and people who are on journey ( safr) are given relief from observing fast. Women who are expecting and are breastfeeding their newborn are remitted from fasting. Females going through monthly menstrual cycles are given exemption from fasting for these particular period days. As per muslim tradition, first verse of Holy Quran was revealed to our beloved Prophet (saw) in this pious month during the intervening Night Of Power called Lailatul Qadr. Abstain from eating, drinking from dawn to dusk, even a sip of water is not allowed to be gulped down from gullet. It is the time of increased worship, religious reflection and giving charity in good measure. It gives us sense of empathy for those who are in needs. Muslims throng to mosques for daily congregational prayers to seek blessings from Almighty.
The spiritual rewards (Sawab) are believed to be multiplied during Ramadan. It is not only refrain from food and drink, from tabbaco related items and physical needs from partner, but also from all evil deeds like , hypocrisy, backbite, lie and so on. It is the month to relieve one’s self from hatred and jealousy, prejudice and bias, to submit and surrender one’s ego. It is month of forgiveness and repentance. Ramdhan is the month of devotion and salvation, to purify one’s soul to get one’s past sins expiated and forgiven . It is month to remain truly connected with Almighty. Blessed are those who are live in this Ramdhan and peace be upon those who departed from this Earth to heavenly abode. Month of excessive worship and reciting Quran. Muslims eat pre-dawn meal ( Sahoor ) and break up fast after sunset ( Iftar). Our iftars usually contains sweeten milk diluted with water and basel seeds ( babri boil in our local parlance ) and sometimes in addition with dates and fruits.
Twenty rakat “Tarawi Prayer” ( Nafl prayer) specifically perfomed in couples along with Isha prayer during Ramdhan. This voluntary optional prayer is Sunnah prayer, but highly recommended. Each rakat begins with Surah Alfatiah, followed by the portion of Quran. The three rakat witr prayer of Isha Salat is performed after the completion of Tarawi. Tarawi prayer develops and strengthens faith in Almighty and develops a displine in worshipping practice and inculcates a habit of regular performance of Salah. Some muslims also perform eight rakat Tarawi Prayer, same in two sets of rakats. These rakats are usually long and there is relax and pause after every two rakats.
The final ten days are more blessed and valuable as it is believed that first word ( Iqra- to recite) from holy Quran to beloved Prophet (SAW) by angel Gabriel was sent in the night of forgiveness and blessings also called Night Of Power ( Shabi Qadar). The date of Lailatul Qadr is uncertain. As per islamic scriptures this merciful night comes amidst odd nights of last ten days . Muslim scholars are of consensus that intervening night of 27th is likely to be actual date. And thus 27 shab is usually observed as Shabi Qadr and there is also a vast section among muslims who observe all the five odd intervening nights of final ten days .This night observed as Sahbi Qadar across the Muslim world is the night of penance and seeking blessings in bounty with full night awake and recitation in plenty.
May this blessed month bring us closer to Allah with infinite mercy, filled with peace, happiness and faith. May this holy journey of prayer and fasting be accepted. Aameen
Month of Reflection
By: Ayaz Ahmad
