THE first day of Ramadan in 2022, is on Saturday, April 2.
Muslims around the globe are celebrating the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, which is considered a period for spiritual reflection, fasting and prayer.
Ramadan is considered a time for spiritual reflection, fasting and prayers[/caption]
Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims are obliged to abstain from eating or drinking during daylight hours.
Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, so all Muslims who have reached puberty are expected to fast.
There are some exceptions, however, such as women who are menstruating or pregnant and those suffering from illness.
Along with fasting, Muslims must also abstain from bad habits and sins such as smoking, swearing, arguing, fighting and/or being disrespectful.
Sexual relations are also banned during the hours of fasting.
It is believed that abstaining from these outlined activities will lead to greater “taqwa”, or consciousness of God.
During Ramadan, Muslims are also encouraged to pray five times a day.
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Muslims are encouraged to pray five times a day during Ramadan[/caption]
When was fasting introduced during Ramadan?
According to the Koran, Prophet Muhammad said Islam is built upon five pillars and fasting was one of them in the 7th century.
Today millions of people all over the world choose to abstain from eating or drinking between dawn and sundown during Ramadan.
Fasting will begin at sunrise after suhur and then finish at sunset with iftar.
If a fast is broken, it will need to be compensated for by fasting at a later date.
Or instead, one may pay “fidyah”, a religious term for donation of food or money.
According to the Islamic tradition, when someone cannot fast during Ramadan and cannot make up the lost days, then they should pay fidyah – which means to pay for someone else to be fed.
How do you say ‘Happy Ramadan’?
‘Ramadan Mubarak’ is the most well-known phrase to wish someone a happy Ramadan.
The direct translation is ‘blessed Ramadan.’
‘Ramadan Kareem’ is an alternative greeting, meaning ‘have a generous Ramadan.’
Often, in response to ‘Ramadan Kareem’, people say ‘Allah Akram’ which translates to ‘God is more generous.’
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When does Ramadan end this year?
Eid al-Fitr marks the end of the blessed month of Ramadan.
This year, it is expected to be celebrated on May 1, 2022.
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Source: Why do Muslims fast during Ramadan?
Category: News, US News, World News, Explainers, Islam, US Explainers
