History of Ramadan

Ramadan which is mostly known as Ramzan. It is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is felt as a auspicious month by muslims. This month lasts nearly 29-30 days according to the sightings of the crescent moon. The month of Ramadan is the revelation of Quran(central religious text of Islam), a guidance to mankind. It is believed that the Quran was first revealed to Muhammad during the month of Ramadan which has been referred to as the best of times. The first revelation was sent down on Laylat-al- Qadr(The night of Power) which is one of the five odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan. 

According to hadith, all holy scriptures were sent down during Ramadan. It is further believed that the tablets of Ibrahim, the Torah, the Psalms, the Gospel and the Quran were sent down on 1st, 6th, 12th, 13th and 24th Ramadan respectively. Many Muslims use Ramadan to read the entire Quran or read the Quran daily. Many communities divide the Quran into daily reading segments that conclude on Eid ul-Fitr at the end of Ramadan.

According to Quran fasting is mandatory in some nations. It is a way to acquire taqwa (fear of God). God proclaimed to Mohammad that fasting for his sake is not a innovation in monotheism but a practise by those truly devoted to oneness of God. Allah intends ease but not hardship. Non-Muslims are free to participate in Ramadan. Many non-Muslims fast and even pray with their Muslim friends. Non-Muslims are often invited to attend prayer and iftar (evening meal with which muslims usually end their fast) dinners. Those wishing to be polite to someone who is fasting for Ramadan may greet them with Ramadan Mubarak.

The practices of Ramdan are meant to purify oneself from the thoughts and deeds which are counter to Islam. One is able to be completely focus on devotion and service to God. Many Muslims go beyond the physical ritual of fasting and attempt to purge themselves of impure thoughts and motivations such as anger, cursing, and greed. Most people believe that fasting is mandatory but there are some group of people are excepted they are, pregnant women, people who are seriously sick, diabetic people, travellers.

- By Bushra Shaik