Muslims Prepare for Month of Fasting
Why Ramadan Is So Special
Jul 29, 2009 Amina Cisse Muhammad
It is customary to attempt to sight the moon of Shaban in order to more accurately determine the beginning of Islam’s holiest month, Ramadan, which follows.
The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar year; therefore, the beginning and end of each month coincides with the sighting of the new moon, which occurs every 29-30 days. Although Muslims from one place to another may differ regarding the time of the actual sighting, one thread is common amongst the more-than-a-billion adherents of the world’s fastest growing faith - there is a sense of elation and harmony at this time of year.
Young or old, male or female, in all corners of the earth, practicing Muslims are readying themselves for their annual fast from dawn to sunset, and the other observances, like the special Tarawih prayers and reading of the Holy Qur'an, that make this month special.
Why Do Muslims Fast During Ramadan?
Muslims believe that during Ramadan in 610 CE, while Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) was in seclusion in the cave of Hira near Mecca, Arabia, the Angel Jibreel (Gabriel) appeared to him and began the almost 23-year period of revelation of the Holy Qur’an.
The following verse (ayah) found in Al Baqara, the second chapter (sura) of the Qur’an, substantiates this belief and includes the injunction for fasting during Ramadan: “It was the month of Ramadan in which the Qur'an was first bestowed from on high as a guidance unto man and a self-evident proof of that guidance, and as the standard by which to discern the true from the false. Hence, whoever of you lives to see this month shall fast throughout it…” (Ayah 185).
The Significance of the Qur’an
Muslims regard the Holy Qur’an as the last revelation from God, sent to all human beings for the purpose of instructing them in all aspects of life. The Islam101 website reads:
“The teachings of the Quran are universal, addressed to all people throughout the world regardless of their creed and color. They enlighten man's soul, purify his morals, condemn all wrongs, order good deeds, and call for the establishment of justice and fraternity through obeying Allah as the supreme authority.”
The Qur’an is considered a miracle, and a proof of Muhammad’s (peace be upon him) prophethood. Muhammad was illiterate (he is referred to as the “unlettered prophet"); furthermore, much of the knowledge contained in the Qur’an was unknown to him and to the world at the time of its revelation. Scientists have only recently corroborated several facts mentioned therein.
As evidenced in the above ayah, Muslims believe that previous scriptures were corrupted, making it necessary for God to send a confirmation of the truth still contained within them, and a correction of any falsehoods. Extraordinary measures have been taken to preserve its original form, including its memorization in full (over 6,000 verses) in Arabic by an estimated ten million persons.
The Qur’an has been translated into most languages. Muslims are encouraged to read it often and to memorize as much of it as possible, as it takes on more meaning over time. Al-Ghazali, a Muslim scholar, compared this process to handling oysters. Although their surface may appear uninteresting, if you handle enough of them, you will discover a pearl inside. And if you collect enough pearls, you'll end up with a black pearl.
The blessings of reading and reciting Qur'an (like other forms of worship) are greatly multiplied during Ramadan; in fact, it is recommended that it be read in its entirety over the 29 or 30 day period. Its division into 30 parts (juz) of approximately equal length facilitates daily reading.
The Benefits of Fasting During Ramadan
The Qur'an says, "Oh ye who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that ye may learn self-restraint" (Surat-Al Baqara, ayah 183). This verse makes it clear that fasting as a religious practice was not introduced by Islam; however, Islam is the only monotheistic religion that requires fasting and lays out clear guidelines for how it is to be conducted.
There are spiritual and physical benefits of fasting. In the words of writer Lamyaa Hashim: "Ramadan is not just a time of fasting by itself. It is not a diet plan, nor just a test of willpower. It is a time to worship, purify, and glorify the One and Only God."
Shaykh Hassan Ali Cisse, a renowned scholar from Senegal, West Africa, called fasting "a shield, and a means of fighting and gaining control over one's lower self." This description reiterates the purpose laid out in the above-mentioned Qur'anic ayat.
Fasting also inculcates an empathy with the poor and hungry, and an increased love for humanity. In his online article "Spiritual Development in Ramadan," Khalil Green writes:
"Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are starving. These unfortunate people go without food entering their bellies for days. The Muslim who fasts gets a brief taste of the reality for those who have no means of livelihood. This develops the characteristic of giving in charity within the Muslim."
Less than a month remains for Muslims worldwide to prepare themselves - spiritually and physically - for this extraordinary time of the year. Whether it be through fasting, making optional prayers like the Tarawih prayer, reading the Qur'an, performing charitable deeds, or other acts of worship, Ramadan promises extraordinary benefits and reward.
References:
Ali, A. Yusuf. English Translation of the Holy Qur'an, 1946.
Cisse, Shaykh Hassan Ali. In-person lectures, 1980 to 2008.
Hashim, Lamyaa. "Increasing the Benefits of Ramadan." Online in the "Mind and Soul" section of Suite101.com.
"What Is Qur'an?" Islam101.com website, July 2009.
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Readers may also enjoy:
"Tips on Preparing for Ramadan" by Amina Cisse Muhammad, found online in the "Mind and Soul" section of Suite101.com.
"Significance of Fasting in Ramadan" by Lamyaa Hashim, found online in the "Mind and Soul" section of Suite101.com.
"The Night of Power" and "Tarawih Prayers During Ramadan" by Khalil Green, also found online in the "Mind and Soul" section of Suite101.com.
The Holy Qur'an
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Shaykh Hassan Ali Cisse of Senegal, West Africa
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