Ramazan, the holiest month of the followers of Islam, has begun. We must have seen our friends and close acquaintances fasting for the entire month. This is the time we know something about this Holy Month of Muslims- Ramzan (or Ramadan); why is it celebrated and what meaning does the month of Ramazan has in the life of a Muslim.
Why is it celebrated?
Ramazan is the ninth month of Islamic calendar which is observed by Muslims worldwide. During this time period Muslims practice fasting for an entire month to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The legend says that the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) by an angel Gabriel which used to recite one teaching to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) at every visit for over 23 years after which the Quran was completed. The holy book was compiled later by Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) followers after his death.
Do’s and Don’ts during Ramazan
Do’s
- Every adult Muslim should practice fasting for the entire month of Ramazan.
- All the Muslims during fasting consume food and water after sunset and get done with it before sunrise. No food or water is consumed during daylight.
- Prayer is compulsory for five times a day. Wherever you are, find a clean place, spread a clean cloth and you can begin your prayers.
- Charity is done on a large scale during Ramzan. Zakat is a kind of spiritual tax which you have to pay in these times. The amount of zakat to be paid is dependent on the amount of his possession. The rate varies between 2.5 to 20% depending on the type of goods. It is additional payable on agricultural goods, precious metals, minerals, and livestock.
- Since the Holy Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) at this time, it is the best time to read it and understand its meaning and memorize its verses. It is compulsory to read Quran at this time.
Don’ts
- Do not eat or drink water during daytime.
- Avoid all the activities such as drinking alcohol, smoking, and having any sort of sexual relations.
- Avoid blood cupping, blood donating or blood withdrawal.
- Do not curse, lie, abuse, backbite, quarrel, or practice any form of speech that is unnecessary and has no benefit, especially if it is hurtful to someone else. Prophet Muhammad said, “Whoever does not give up false speech and acting upon it, Allah has no need of him giving up his food and drink.” (Al-Bukhari)
- Think well. Do not think ill of anybody, do not hold any sort of grudges for anyone, try to spread love and brotherhood everywhere.
- Avoid thinking about any sexual fantasy, avoid watching such movies, songs or any other sort of entertainment that distracts your mind from spiritual activities. Ramazan is a holy month and thinking and doing anything which takes you away from Allah is not appropriate.
Eid-al-Fitr
Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. The exact date of Eid depends upon the sightings of the new moon and astronomical calculations. It can also vary according to the place you are in at the time of Eid and when the moon is seen at the particular place.
The festival celebrates peace, happiness, joy, and festivity. This day is for special prayers and extensive forgiveness. It brings together people as companions, friends, family, and relatives are welcomed at homes and offered desserts especially ‘Sewaiyan’. Youngsters are given endowments which are called ‘Eidi’, generally cash. Some Muslims even visit the burial ground, a custom which is known as ziyarat-al-qubur, to pay respect to the left souls. On this day, Muslims gather together at the mosque to ask for blessings, before spending the day with family or friends and wishing one another with the customary ‘Eid Mubarak’ and hugging each other as a mark of brotherhood and love. To know more about Eid-Ul-Fitr, click here.
Myths associated with Ramazan
- You are not allowed to consume food and water for a whole month.
It is false. One only need to fast during daylight. After sunset food and water can be consumed as usual until sunrise. Families and friends usually break the fast together with a big meal known as ‘Iftaar’.
- You can’t brush your teeth.
Totally not true. You can brush your teeth during Ramazan. The only thing which you have to keep in mind before that is that you do not swallow any water or toothpaste during the process. However, if you think there is a bit risk about swallowing, you can brush your teeth during night time.
- If you are a Muslim, you have to fast compulsorily.
Fasting during Ramazan is only for those people who are fit enough and doesn’t suffer from any physical and mental illness. Apart from that young children, elderly people, pregnant women, menstruating women, and breastfeeding women are exempted from fasting. Also, those who are on a long journey or whose occupation is such as those in the army can have food and water as normal. People in these categories can make up these days after Ramazan if the conditions allow them to do so.
- You are not allowed to swallow your own saliva.
Apart from being untrue, it is also not possible even if you try to do so. Saliva is a natural thing which needs to get swallowed. Ramazan is not supposed to be unrealistic, unattainable and unreasonable.
- If you forgetfully eat or drink something, you have ruined your fast.
If you forgetfully sip something or munch something, you have not ruined your fast. However, you should stop right at the moment when you become aware of it. And after that, you can continue your fast, as usual, remembering it for later times.
Ramazan in Udaipur
Ramazan in Udaipur is celebrated on a huge scale. Muslims from all over the city have been spreading love and festive feel for a long time. There are different mosques around the city where people gather to recite their prayers of the day. A usual crowd can be seen at Paltan Masjid situated at Chetak Circle. This masjid can be called as the central masjid of the city. At the time of ‘iftaar’, a large amount of food is prepared here as Tabarruk (a blessed offering to people in the form of food) daily which is majorly shared amongst poor people and is even consumed by rich people as an offering. Various roadside stalls serve great snacks during the evening from where all the Muslims can take home dishes and snacks to enjoy their iftaar.
Here’s everything about Ramazan in a nutshell.
Ramazan Mubarak to all the readers out there. May Allah grants all your wishes and blesses you with good health and future.
