Ramadan: Holiest of Islamic Months

Origin of Ramadan

Many believe the word Ramadan is derived from the Arabic word "ramad", which means scorching. During pre-Islamic times, Ramadan was observed in Arabia as a month when the various tribes observed a truce from any existing hostilities. However, it wasn't until after the prophethood of Muhammad that Ramadan became associated with religious monotheism and perhaps is a reference to the idea that fasting will "scorch" away human sins. Such a belief has been observed [and practiced] ever since. Ramadan, as the name of the month, is of Islamic origin. Prior to Islam and the exclusion of intercalary days from the Islamic calendar, the name of the month was Natiq, which fell during the warm season.   This pre-Islamic period became commonly referred to as the Period of Ignorance.

However, when the Creator fulfilled His Covenant with Abraham to make Prophets of his lineage by choosing Muhammad, -- who was of the lineage of Ishmael (brother of Isaac) -- the period of Arabia's ignorance of the monotheism of the Children of Israel came to an end. Futhermore, Allah (God) proclaimed to Muhammad that fasting for His Sake was not a new innovation in monotheism, but rather an obligation practiced by those truly devoted to The Oneness of God. One such example of those whom observed fasting before Islam were the Jews who had migrated to Medinah awaiting the foretold Unlettered Prophet. This may or may not be referring to the Jewish practice of fasting on Yom Kippur. It is possible that the obligation to fast during Ramadan comes from early injunction to fast on Ashura, the 10th day of the month of Muharram, which may have once been identical with the Jewish observance of the Day of Atonement. Whether or not fasting on that day was obligatory, today it's still not uncommon for Muslims to fast that day voluntarily.

In the Quran

2:185 - "Ramadan is the month in which the Quran was revealed. Guidance for humanity, and clear portents of guidance, and the Criterion. Whoever of you witnesses the month, shall fast it. But whoever is sick, or on a journey, then a number of other days. Allah desires ease for you, and does not desire hardship for you, that you may complete the number, and celebrate Allah for having guided you, so that you may be thankful."

Thus, via the Quran, Muslims are informed that Muhammad first received revelations in the lunar month of Ramadan. Therefore, the month of Ramadan is considered to be the most sacred month of the lunar Islamic calendar, the recording of which began with the Hijra.

Beginning of Ramadan

Hilāl (the crescent) is typically a day (or more) after the astronomical new moon. Since the new moon indicates the beginning of the new month, Muslims can safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan. However, to many Muslims, this is not in accordance with authenticated Hadiths stating that visual confirmation per region is recommended. The consistent variations of a day have existed since the time of Muhammad.

A crescent moon seen over palm trees at sunset marking the beginning of the Islamic month of Ramadan in Bahrain.

Fasting During Ramadan

Ramadan is a time of spiritual reflection and worship. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Sexual intercourse among spouses is allowed after one has ended the daily fast. During fasting, intercourse is prohibited as well as eating and drinking, and resistance of all temptations is encouraged. Purity of both thoughts and actions is important. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the soul and free it from harmful impurities. Ramadan also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control, sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity. While fasting is not considered compulsory in childhood, many children endeavour to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life. Fasting is not necessary for women going through menstrual bleeding. Also, those traveling are exempt, but must make up the days they miss. Each day before dawn, a pre-fast meal called Suhoor is eaten. This meal is mentioned by the Sunnah, a sacred Muslim text. The meal typically consists of breakfast fare such as eggs and salads; little or no salt is used in preparation to avoid thirst during the upcoming fast.

End of Ramadan

The Muslim holiday of Eid ul-Fitr ("festivity of breaking the fast") marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the next lunar month called Shawwal in Arabic. This first day of the following month is declared after another crescent new moon has been sighted or the completion of 30 days of fasting if no visual sighting is possible due to weather conditions. This first day of Shawwal is called Eid ul-Fitr. Eid Ul-Fitr may also be a reference towards the festive nature of having endured the month of fasting successfully and returning to the more natural disposition (fitra) of being able to eat, drink and resume intimacy with spouses during the day. For the manner in which the Eid is celebrated, see Eid ul-Fitr and Salat al Eid.

Ramadan in the Old City of Jerusalem

Ramadan, the ninth month of the lunar Islamic calendar,  lasts 29 or 30 days according to the visual sightings of the crescent moon according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in hadiths and basically is observed as one of the most holy of holidays in the Islamic religion.