For Muslims, Ramadan is a time of fasting and worship that is prescribed by Allah (God), the Almighty and reinforced by the traditions (Sunnah) and words of Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. It is one of the five main pillars of Islam.
While fasting itself is mentioned in four Ayahs (verses) in the Qur’an, the word, Ramadan is mentioned but once. All Ayahs come from Surat (Chapter) Al-Baqara and are discussed here.
183. O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious).
The first Ayah in order makes clear that fasting is not a new concept among monoetheists and that Allah (God) wishes to prescribe it for the new believers. Here it is expressed as a tool used to obtain piety and reverence.
184. (Fasting) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days. And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (e.g. an old man, etc.) they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a poor person (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him. And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know.
From this Ayah it is learned that Allah is merciful upon those unable to fast. Expiation is given for those that find it difficult as long as they feed a poor person for every day of missed fasting. Then there is the “but”. It is highly encouraged that one not have to be prompted to do good works, it is more meaningful when done of one’s own accord. The Ayah, then, after giving an option, reminds that if one can possibly fast it is better for them than they could ever imagine.
185. The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must fast that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number (of days which one did not fast must be made up) from other days. Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah [i.e. to say Allahu Akbar; Allah is the Most Great) on seeing the crescent of the months of Ramadan and Shawwal] for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him.
Here is seen the first and only mention of the word “Ramadan” in the Qur’an. While the previous two Ayahs’ spoke about the fasting itself, this one is specific to the importance of the month of Ramadan itself. Most significantly, it is the month in during which the Qur’an was revealed from Allah, the Merciful, by way of the Archangel Jibreel (Gabriel), to Prophet Muhammad, pbuh.
Then Allah describes the importance of the Qur’an in the believer’s life as a guide for life – the ultimate criterion between right and wrong. Since the Qur’an was revealed during Ramadan, it is recommended to complete at least one full reading of the Qur’an during the month. For this, the Qur’an is divided into 30th’s, with 1/30th read each day/night.
The Ayah makes clear when the month begins: when whoever sights the crescent – all it takes is the sighting by a credible person (contrary to today’s politics). This is further corroborated in the Hadith from Saheeh Al-Bukhari: According to Abdullah bin Umar, Allah’s Apostle, pbuh, mentioned Ramadan and said, “Start fasting upon seeing the crescent of Ramadan and stop upon seeing the crescent (of Shawwal), but if the sky is overcast (if you cannot see it) then act on estimation (and in another narration (Abu Huraira); “if the sky is overcast than complete 30 days of Shaaban (the preceding month)”.
After that there is a change from the previous Ayah which has now been abrogated regarding those unable to fast at that time. Now, it is stressed that those days must be made up in later days (before the next Ramadan). Of course, if one absolutely cannot fast and that situation does not change throughout the year, by all means they should expiate by feeding the poor, but if their situation changes, the fast should be made up, as the importance and the reward of it is so great.
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