Ramadan " The Month Of Fasting " And Eid al-Fitr

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic
calendar. Islam uses a lunar calendar-that is, each month begins with the sighting of the new moon. Because the lunar calendar is about 11 days shorter than the solar calendar used elsewhere, Islamic holidays “move” each year. In 2007 Ramadan begins at sundown on Sept. 12.

For more than a billion Muslims around the world-including some 8 million in North America-Ramadan is a “month of blessing” marked by prayer, fasting, and charity. This year Ramadan precedes Christmas and Hanukkah. But while in many places these holidays have become widely commercialized, Ramadan retains its focus on self-sacrifice and devotion to Allah (God).

Why this Month?
Muslims believe that during the month of Ramadan, Allah revealed the first verses of the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. Around 610 A.D., a caravan trader named Muhammad took to wandering the desert near Mecca (in today's Saudi Arabia) while thinking about his faith. One night a voice called to him from the night sky. It was the angel Gabriel, who told Muhammad he had been chosen to receive the word of Allah. In the days that followed, Muhammad found himself speaking the verses that would be transcribed as the Qur'an.

At many mosques during Ramadan, about one thirtieth of the Qur'an is recited each night in prayers known as tarawih. In this way, by the end of the month the complete scripture will have been recited.

Fasting
Muslims practice sawm, or fasting, for the entire month of Ramadan. This means that they may eat or drink nothing, including water, while the sun shines. Fasting is one of the Five Pillars (duties) of Islam. As with other Islamic duties, all able Muslims take part in sawm from about age twelve.

During Ramadan in the Muslim world, most restaurants are closed during the daylight hours. Families get up early for suhoor, a meal eaten before the sun rises. After the sun sets, the fast is broken with a meal known as iftar. Iftar usually begins with dates and sweet drinks that provide a quick energy boost.

Fasting serves many purposes. While they are hungry and thirsty, Muslims are reminded of the suffering of the poor. Fasting is also an opportunity to practice self-control and to cleanse the body and mind. And in this most sacred month, fasting helps Muslims feel the peace that comes from spiritual devotion as well as kinship with fellow believers.


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Eid al-Fitr
Ramadan ends with the festival of Eid al-Fitr Literally the “Festival of Breaking the Fast,” Eid al-Fitr is one of the two most important Islamic celebrations (the other occurs after the Hajj, or pilgrimage to Mecca). At Eid al-Fitr people dress in their finest clothes, adorn their homes with lights and decorations, give treats to children, and enjoy visits with friends and family.

A sense of generosity and gratitude colors these festivities. Although charity and good deeds are always important in Islam, they have special significance at the end of Ramadan. As the month draws to a close, Muslims are obligated to share their blessings by feeding the poor and making contributions to mosques.




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Ramadan or Ramadhan (Arabic: رمضان) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.

The word Ramadan is derived from the word ramd "to burn". Fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. The month is spent by Muslims fasting during the daylight hours from dawn to dusk. The name came from the time before the Islamic calendar, when the month of Ramadan fell in the summer. Fasting during this month is often thought to figuratively burn away all sins. Muslims believe that the Qur'an was sent down to the earth during this month. Furthermore, Muhammad told his followers that the gates of Heaven would be open all the month and the gates of Hell would be closed. The first day of the next month is spent in celebrations and is observed as the ‘Festival of Breaking Fast’ or `Eid ul-Fitr.




Timing
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The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and months begin when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted. Since the Islamic Lunar calendar year is 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar year and contains no intercalation, Ramadan migrates throughout the seasons. The Islamic day starts after sunset. The actual and estimated start and end dates for Ramadan in 2005-2010 were and are as follows:


Most Muslims insist on the local physical sighting of the moon to mark the beginning of Ramadan, but some insist on using the calculated time of the new moon or the Saudi Arabian declaration to determine the start of the month. Since the new moon is not in the same state at the same time globally, the beginning and ending dates of Ramadan depend on what lunar sightings are received in each respective location. As a result, Ramadan dates vary in different countries, but usually only by a day or two.

Each year, Ramadan begins about eleven days earlier than in the previous year. For astronomical projections of the approximate start of Ramadan, go to http://moonsighting.com/ and click on the "Ramadan" tab.

At the end of Ramadan, Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated by Muslims.



Events
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Ramadan is observed by Muslims during the entire lunar month by the same name. The month of religious observances consists of fasting and extra prayers.
On 02 Ramadan, the Torah was bestowed on Moses. (As claimed by Shi'a Islam)
On 10 Ramadan, Khadija, wife of Muhammad, died.
On 12 Ramadan, the Bible was bestowed on Jesus. (As claimed by Shi'a Islam)
On 15 Ramadan, Hassan ibn Ali, grandson of Muhammad, final Rashidun Caliph and second Shia Imam was born.
On 17 Ramadan, the Battle of Badr was won by the Muslims.
On 18 Ramadan, the Psalms were bestowed on David. (As claimed by Shi'a Islam)
On 19 Ramadan, Ali ibn Abu Talib was injured by a sword.
On 21 Ramadan, Ali ibn Abu Talib died due to injuries he sustained by a sword.
On 27 Ramadan, the Qur'an was bestowed on Muhammad. (In accordance with Shi'a Islam; according to Sunni Islam the date is unknown, but is in the last ten days of Ramadan)
Laylat al-Qadr is observed during one of the last five odd numbered days of the month. Muslims believe that this night is better than a thousand months. This is often interpreted as praying throughout this night is rewarded equally with praying for a thousand months. Many Muslims spend the entire night in prayer. According to Shi'a Islam this night is the 19th or 21st, or 23rd of this month, but according to the Sunni this night is 21, 23, 25, 27 or 29.However the true date was intentionally withheld.