Ramadan Mubarak: All You Need To Know About The Islamic Holy Month!

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Festival plays an integral role in our lives. People celebrate distinct festivals globally and each occasion has its own importance. It is the time when people forget their every sorrow and come together to celebrate life. Muslim festivals are generally ecstatic, and they celebrate several festivals such as Muharram, Milad-un-Nabi, Eid-ul-Fitr, Eid-ul-Adha and many more.

The most significant festivals of Muslims are Eid-al-Fitr and Eid-al-Adha. Eid-ul-Fitr takes places at end of Ramadan whereas Eid-al-Adha marks on time of pilgrimage to Mecca. Ramadan is the ninth auspicious month of the Islamic calendar observed by Muslims worldwide. In this review, we will address about the importance of Ramadan and food associated with it.

What is Ramadan month?

The holy word Ramadan is taken from Arabic language which means “Scorching heat”. It is also named as Ramazan and is regarded as the Five Pillars of Islam which begins at the last night of month of Sha’ban ,and ends on last night of Ramadan. It is the holy month of fasting (Sawm) which lasts from 29 to 30 days and it follows the phases of lunar cycle.

Important dates of holy festival in 2021

This year the Ramadan will begin from 12th April evening with new crescent moon and ends in evening of 12th of May.

How do people celebrate this pious festival?

Islamic religion generally celebrates an occasion for reflection, community prayers and community iftars. The community celebrates the auspicious days through fasting from sunrise to sunset. Families wake up early in the morning for devotion after having a meal known as Sohour. They break the fast after sunset with a meal called iftar and say takbeer on completion of the fast. Many people go to the mosque for evening prayer. Some cities also organize carnivals and gathering for prayer. Due to pandemic corona, large gathering is not allowed for this year. People believe that fasting helps to boost spiritual devotion, and it aids the feeling of kinship among people. Niyah is an important aspect of the Ramadan fast which means “intention”. The people of community must fulfil the requirement of niyah and achieve this. One have to “intent in heart and worship for allah alone”.

What are special foods associated with Ramadan?

The two special dishes of holy month are Suhor and Iftar. At the end of Ramadan Eid al-Fitr is celebrated and celebration is done with traditional food. The Seviyan is the most preferred dish of Muslims living in India.

Things that are prohibited during Ramadan

Eating and drinking is strictly prohibited during the fast. Also, tobacco products and sinful behavior is included in prohibition. In certain nation like Egypt, the sale of alcohol is prohibited in Ramadan days and individuals who catch while smoking and drinking in public are charged with a huge fine in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Algeria and Malaysia.

Conclusion

It is said that reciting Quran built stronger relationship with god and with fasting Islamic people devote themselves to their faith and become closer to god. Best wishes for holy Ramadan month and I would like to wish all with Ramadan Mubarak.

Written Credits – Aakriti Bamnia