Want To Know About The Month Of Ramadan? Take A Look At These Interesting Facts

The month of Ramadan is about to start and for millions of Muslims across the globe regardless of their nationality, race, or ethnicity, it is a very important time. And why it shouldn’t be? It is a time for them to reflect on cleansing, prayer, and to focus on their religion with their family and community.

Now, you must be wondering that why and how is this month celebrated? Who is supposed to fast and who all are exempted?

Don’t worry, in this article, we are going to take a closer look at the month of Ramadan and will introduce you to some interesting facts about it!

Are you ready? Then, read on!

What Is Ramadan?

Ramadan falls on the ninth month in the Islamic Calendar. The Islamic lunar calendar is actually based on the moon's cycle. So, it is an interesting fact that the date of the month of Ramadan changes every year as it is based on various factors but primarily, on the sighting of the moon.

This year, the month of Ramadan will begin from the evening of 2nd April 2022, and will end on 2nd May 2022.

For those who are not aware, Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and the word Ramadan comes from the Arabic word “ramida or ar-ramad” which basically means scorching heat. This is because the month of Ramadan usually occurs during the summer.

Who Celebrates Ramadan? Why Is It Celebrated?

The month of Ramadan is celebrated by Muslims all over the world. During this month, those who follow the religion of Islam have to fast.

They are expected to abstain from food and drinks from dawn to dusk. Sexual relations, smoking, and anything indecent are also not allowed. Moreover, they have to reflect on their doings and focus their mind on praying and looking out for the community with the good deed of charity.

Now, the people who are healthy adults and teenagers are supposed to fast from sunrise to sunset during the whole month.

However, some people are exempted from fasting - these include pregnant women, women who are breastfeeding, and individuals who are physically or mentally ill. Children are also not obligated to fast until they reach puberty. But it is important that these people still treat it as a time of spiritual importance.

Another significance of this pure month is that Muslims believe that the first verses of the holy book ‘Quran’ were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad during the month of Ramadan. Who knew?

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Interesting Facts About Ramadan

Now that you know the significance of the month of Ramadan, these interesting facts will help you learn more about this pious time.

• The practice of fasting during the month of Ramadan started in the year 624 CE. This was actually two years after the beginning of the Islamic lunar calendar.
• As we now know, Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Apart from fasting (swam), the other pillars are Salat (which means prayer), Shahada (this is an affirmation that there is no deity besides God and that Prophet Muhammad is the messenger of God), Zakat (which means charity), and Hajj (which is an indication of making a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once during one's lifetime).
• The two main branches of Islam - Shia and Sunni - break their fasts differently. Sunnis usually break their fast when the Sun is no longer on the horizon, whereas Shiites break their fast after the last ray of the Sun is gone.
• It is believed that fasting during this month can release endorphins to improve mental health and further detoxify the body.
• The meal before starting the fast which happens before sunrise is called ‘Suhoor’ which simply means ‘of the dawn’. While, the evening meal which is eaten after the sunset is called ‘Iftar’ which means ‘break of the fast’.
• The beginning of a fast is initiated with a prayer of niyyah (intention).
• Eating dates is one of the most popular ways of breaking the fast. It is also believed that Prophet Muhammad used to eat dates to break his fast at Iftar.
• If an individual who is fasting has sexual intercourse during the month of Ramadan, they must fast continuously for another 60 days or feed 60 needy and poor people.
• If a person dies during Ramadan and wasn’t able to complete her or his fast, then someone else, who is in charge of their affairs must continue the fast on their behalf.

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What Happens At The End Of The Ramadan Month?

The month of Ramadan concludes with a big celebration called ‘Eid al-Fitr’. It is one of the most fun days!

It marks the end of fasting and signifies that the new moon is sighted. On this day, the followers of Islam give their thanks to Allah for the strength in accomplishing the spiritual month.

People celebrate this festival with their family and friends. They prepare large meals and donate essentials to poor people. Further, they dress in their finest clothes, exchange gifts, and visit the Mosque.

Are you excited about Ramadan? Do share your thoughts with us on our Facebook page. For more such stories, stay tuned to HerZindagi!