Ramadan (in Arabic: رمضان, Ramadhan) – or Ramzan in several countries – is the ninth month of the Islamic (Hijri) calendar, established in the year 638. It is considered the most venerated, blessed and spiritually-beneficial month of the Islamic year. Prayers, fasting, charity, and self-accountability are especially stressed at this time; religious observances associated with Ramadan are kept throughout the month.
According to the fuqaha – Islamic jurists and legislators – in 2006 the month of Ramadan (1427 AH) began on September 23 (Middle East, East Africa, North Africa and West Africa) and September 24 elsewhere (including Turkey, North America, Southeast Asia, and the rest of the Middle East). In Pakistan, excluding some parts of North-West Frontier Province (NWFP), it was September 25. In NWFP it was September 25. It will last through October 22 or October 23
Practices during Ramadan
There are some variations regarding the time in which Ramadan's fasting takes place for different Muslims around the world. Since the festival is linked to the lunar calendar and the new moon is not in the same state at the same time globally, it would depend on which lunar sighting that individual recognizes.
Fasting
Main article: Fast of Ramadan
The most prominent event of this month is the fasting practiced by all observant Muslims. The fasting during Ramadan has been so predominant in defining the month that some have been led to believe the name of this month, Ramadan, is the name of Islamic fasting, when in reality the Arabic term for fasting is sawm.
Proscriptions and prescriptions during Ramadan
Eating, drinking, sexual intercourse and smoking are not allowed between dawn (fajr), and sunset (maghrib). During Ramadan, Muslims are also expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam as well as refraining from anger, envy, greed, lust, sarcastic retorts, backstabbing and gossip. They are encouraged to read the Qur'an. Sexual intercourse during fasting in the day is not allowed but is permissible after the fast (when referring to sexual intercourse, it is intended to mean with one's spouse alone, as all pre- and extra-marital relations are strictly forbidden in Islam). Obscene and irreligious sights and sounds are to be avoided. Purity of both thought and action is important. The fast is intended to be an exacting act of deep personal worship in which Muslims seek a raised level of closeness to God. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. Properly observing the fast is supposed to induce a comfortable feeling of peace and calm. It also allows Muslims to practice self-discipline, sacrifice, as well as sympathy for those who are less fortunate, intending to make Muslims more generous and charitable.
Ramadan Dinner known as Iftar
Exemptions from Ramadan fasting
Fasting during Ramadan is not obligatory for several groups for whom it would be excessively problematic. Children before the onset of puberty are not required to fast. However, if puberty is later than is normally expected, fasting becomes obligatory for males and females after a certain age (not later than 15 years of age). According to the Qur'an, if fasting would be dangerous to someone's health, such as a person with an illness or medical condition (this can include the elderly), that person is excused. For example, diabetics and nursing or pregnant women are not usually expected to fast; but they are encouraged to feed a needy person instead [1]. According to hadith, observing the Ramadan fast is not allowed during menstruation period for women, though they are obligated to make up for this afterwards. Other individuals for whom it is usually considered acceptable not to fast are those in battle and travelers who intend to spend fewer than ten days away from home. If one's condition preventing fasting is only temporary, one is required to make up for the days missed after the month of Ramadan is over and before the next Ramadan arrives. If one's condition is permanent or present for an extended period, one may make up for the fast by feeding a needy person for every day missed.
Penalties for breaking the fast
If one who does not fit into one of the exempt categories breaks the fast out of forgetfulness, the fast is still valid. If, however, one intentionally breaks the fast, that individual must continue fasting for the remainder of the day in addition to a "penalty" (kaffara) which can be in one of two forms: fasting for 60 consecutive days[citation needed], or feeding 60 people in need. If one breaks the fast through consensual sexual intercourse, one must make up for the day lost while also choosing one of the above penalties. It should be noted that if a person is required to break their fast because their life is in danger or they require medicine that they have to take at that particular time (i.e., they have a perfectly valid reason for breaking the fast and cannot keep it no matter what), the penalties in the event of breaking their fast do not apply. However, they are obligated to make up for the missed days when possible.
2006-10-27 17:10:22
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answer #1
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answered by alooz 2
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