What is Ramadan?
With the sighting of the crescent moon, the blessed month of Ramadan has started. It is the special month in the Islamic year for Muslims in which the Holy Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
How long is Ramadan?
The holy month of Ramadan starts with moon sighting and ends after 29 or 30 days with the sighting of the first crescent of the new moon. Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr at the end of Ramadan, which is one of the biggest Muslim festivals.
Why Muslims Fast During Ramadan?
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam (Sawm, Shahadah, Zakat, Salah, and Hajj). During Ramadan, in addition to the five daily prayers, special Taraweeh prayers are also arranged immediately after Isha prayer in the mosques. Offering Taraweeh prayer throughout the month is a Sunnah, and listening or reciting the whole Quran in the Taraweeh is the second Sunnah. It is believed that fasting brings them closer to God and become compassionate
towards those who are in need.
Muslims usually gather together to offer evening prayers and break the fast but this year due to COVID-19 pandemic, certain restrictions on gatherings are being imposed nationwide. It is advised to stay at home and pray with family members.
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to encourage Taraaweeh prayers but he did not order it to be obligatory. He used to say that a person who prays (Taraweeh) during the nights of Ramadan and fulfills other requirements of faith, and if he does so with the intention of reward, Allah will forgive his past sins. There was no routine for Taraweeh to be offered in Jamat during the life of the Holy Prophet. Therefore, the Maulanas of all Masjid can urge people to offer Taraweeh Namaz at home in their respective locality.
Ramadan is not only about abstaining from eating. it is mainly about being more pious and seeking closeness to Allah. Muslims spend more time performing prayers or reading the Quran in the holy month of Ramadan.