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Ramadan
by W.Holidays
Ramadan or Ramadhaan occurs in the ninth month of the Muslim calendar.
It is believed that during this month the Holy Qur'an (Ko-ran) was
received. It is told that Muhammad was alone near Mecca when the Angel
Gabriel came to him. The angel told Muhammad to read but Mohammed could
not so the angel taught Muhammad some verses over the next ten days.
These verses are known as the Holy Qur'an. Muslims believe the Qur'an
holds the exact words of God.
 Ramadan is the
fasting month. During this month Muslims fast between sunrise and
sunset. It is believed this heightens spirituality and develops
self-control. Sexual relations are also refrained from during these
hours. Each day a special effort is made to say the five daily prayers.
The morning prayer is said after suhur, the
pre-dawn meal.
The last ten days of Ramadan are a time of the greatest
devotion.
Some Muslims spend those days in a mosque. Lailat ul-Qadr or
the
Night of Power is the night which the Qur'an was revealed to the
Prophet Mohammad. It is generally held on the 27th night of
the
month and the night is generally spent in prayer.
The end of Ramadan is a joyous occasion known as Eid-ul-Fitr typically
lasting three days. It is known as the festival of ever-recurring
happiness and is celebrated with special prayers, feasts, sweets, and
gift giving. This is also known as Hari Raya Puasa in South East Asia
and Seker
Bayrami
in Turkey.
The Muslim year is made up of twelve lunar months. It is twelve days
shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Therefore, Ramadan moves through
all four seasons every 33 years.
The
Fast
From
sunrise to sunset Muslims must refrain from eating, drinking, smoking,
and sexual relations. Sunrise is considered the time when the sun's
first light may be seen on the horizon when the white cord
may be distinguished from the black cord.
It is believed that fasting heightens spirituality and develops
self-control. All this may be lost if one tells of a lie, slanders
another, denounces someone behind his back, takes a false oath or is
greedy. The fast is broken at sunset with 'iftar,
the evening meal and a prayer. Visiting friends and family is also
customary at this time. Fasting is mandatory for every Muslim
who is sane, adult, able, and resident. The following exemptions apply:
- the
insane
- children
who are not adolescent yet
- the
sick as well as travelers may defer their fasting*
- pregnant
women and nursing women*
- women
whom have just given birth*
- women
whom are menstruating*
- the
elderly and chronically ill for whom fasting is strenuous**
*These people may fast at a later time.
**These
people feed at least one poor person every day during Ramadan.
Seker Bayram
Muslims in Turkey
celebrate the end of Ramadan with Seker Bayrami, The Candy Festival.
New clothes are worn, gifts are given, and families gather at the home
of the eldest family member. Candy, small cakes, sweetened coffee, and
fruit are served.
modified April 29, 2008
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