What is the history of Ramadan?

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic calendar. The

term Ramadan literally means scorching in Arabic. It
was established as a Holy Month for Muslims after the
Quran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in 610
CE on the occasion known as Laylat al-Qadr,
frequently translated as “the Night of Power.

Observance of Ramadan is mandated in the Quran,

Surah 2, Ayah 185:

“The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was

revealed the Qur’an, guidance for the people and
clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever
sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it;
and whoever is ill or on a journey - then an equal
number of other days. Allah intends for you ease and
does not intend for you hardship and [wants] for you
to complete the period and to glorify Allah for that
[to] which He has guided you; and perhaps you will be
grateful.”
What are the dates of Ramadan?

Because the cycle of the lunar calendar does not

match the solar calendar, the dates of Ramadan
shifts by approximately 11 days each year. In 2019,
Ramadan began on May 5st. In 2020 Ramadan is
likely to begin on April 23rd.

The ending of Ramadan is marked by the holiday of

Eid ul-Fitr, which takes place either 29 or 30 days
after the beginning of the month. On Eid ul-Fitr,
morning prayers are followed by feasting and
celebration among family and friends. This year Eid
ul-Fitr will most probably fall on Sunday, May 24th.
What are the daily fasting requirements?

During the month of Ramadan, most Muslims fast

from dawn to sunset with no food or water. Before
sunrise many Muslims have the Suhur or predawn
meal. At sunset families and friends gather for Iftar
which is the meal eaten by Muslims to break the fast.
Many Muslims begin the meal by eating dates as the
Prophet used to do. This ritual fast known as, Sawm,
is one of the five pillars of Islam, and requires that
individuals abstain from eating, drinking, smoking
and sexual intercourse.
What are the expectations towards charity?

Charity is an important part of Ramadan. The fast

emphasizes self-sacrifice and using the experience of
hunger to grow in empathy with the hungry. During
Ramadan, Muslim communities work together to raise
money for the poor, donate clothes and food, and hold
iftar dinners for the less fortunate.
What scriptural study do Muslims take part in?
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.
Can non-Muslims participate?

Non-Muslims are free to participate in Ramadam.

Many non-Muslims fast and even pray with their
Muslim friends or family members. Non-Muslims are
often invited to attend prayer and iftar dinners.

Those wishing to be polite to someone who is fasting

for Ramadan may greet them with Ramadan Mubarak
or Ramadan Kareem, which mean Have a Blessed or
Generous Ramadan.
Should Muslims with diabetes fast?

Fasting during Ramadan is discouraged for patients

with diabetes by the American Diabetes Association.

“In keeping with this, a large epidemiological study

conducted in 13 Islamic countries on 12,243
individuals with diabetes who fasted during Ramadan
showed a high rate of acute complications.”

However, the study says this was not conclusive.

Many diabetic patients fasted with no complications.
Patients with diabetes should work with their doctors
to figure out a strategy if they choose to fast.
What is the ‘goal’ of Ramadan?

In general, the practices of Ramadan are meant to

purify oneself from thoughts and deeds which are
counter to Islam. By removing material desires, one is
able to focus fully 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.
Do all Muslims take part in Ramadan fasting?
Most Muslims believe Ramadan fasting is mandatory,
but there are some groups that do not. Pregnant or
breastfeeding mothers, people who are seriously sick,
travelers, or those at health risk should not fast.
Children that have not gone through puberty are also
not required to fast during the month Ramadan.
Click here to see scenes from
ramadhan
https://m.huffpost.com/us
/entry/us_1676639
Enjoy it 😊