Quran Academy Online
March 31, 2020
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The Holy month of Ramadan is the 9th
month in the Muslim Hijri calendar. Muslims look eagerly forward to this
blessed month to have their sins forgiven and to earn manifold
rewards. It is a sacred month during which every adult and
pubescent Muslim is required to fast from dawn to dusk.
Eating, drinking, or marital sexual
relations are prohibited while fasting. It is considered
to be one of the most virtuous acts as Allah said that He would reward
the fasting person Himself. Let’s grab the opportunity to learn about the
following 25 fascinating facts related to the blessed month.
1. The word "Ramadan" is derived from the Arabic root ramida or ar-ramad, which means scorching heat or dryness. This is because Ramadan typically takes place during the summer months.
1. The word "Ramadan" is derived from the Arabic root ramida or ar-ramad, which means scorching heat or dryness. This is because Ramadan typically takes place during the summer months.
2.
Ramadan is remembered as the month in which the Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) received the first Quranic revelation.
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)…” (Quran 2:185)
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)…” (Quran 2:185)
3.
Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
The other pillars are Salat (prayer), Shahada (an affirmation that there is no
deity besides God and that his Prophet is Muhammad), Zakat (poor-due),
and Hajj (performing the annual pilgrimage once in one’s lifetime).
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Islam is built on five (pillars): the testimony that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; establishing prayer; paying zakah; fasting Ramadan, and Hajj to the House (the Kabah).”
The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Islam is built on five (pillars): the testimony that there is no god except Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah; establishing prayer; paying zakah; fasting Ramadan, and Hajj to the House (the Kabah).”
4.
All adults are required to fast during Ramadan, except the
elderly, ill, traveler, pregnant, nursing, diabetic, chronically ill, or
menstruating. They can make up the missed fasts after Ramadan.
5.
Children are not required to fast in Ramadan until they reach
puberty.
6.
Before dawn, Muslims eat a pre-fast meal called ‘Suhoor’
(Sehri). At sunset, they break their fast with a meal called ‘Iftar.’
7.
If a married couple has sexual intercourse during Ramadan,
they are required to fast continuously for 60 more days or feed 60 poor people
after Ramadan is over.
8.
During Ramadan, charities report a higher level of donations.
The reward of good deeds is multiplied in this month.
9.
Ramadan is also called the "month of the Quran."
Jibrail (a.s.) would typically visit the Prophet (PBUH) during each Ramadan night
to hear him recite the Quran.
10.
Muslims generally break their fast with dates or water.
11.
Fasting in Ramadan can release endorphins that improve
mental well-being. It can also help detoxify the body.
12.
The Sunnis and Shia break their fasts differently. Sunnis
break their fast when the sun is no longer on the horizon, but the sky is
still light. The Shia break their fast when the last ray of light disappears.
13.
The Fanous is a well-decorated lantern that is traditionally
used during Ramadan in places like Egypt. It has no Islamic significance.
14.
Doctors observe an expansion in instances of weight gain and
diabetes owing to overeating after the sunset. This is why it is recommended
not to fill the stomach.
15.
Hundreds of fasting Muslims are hospitalized in Ramadan. This
is due to fasting-related ailments, such as dyspepsia, weakness, and
indigestion.
16.
Many Muslims globally break their fast with the needy, poor,
and homeless. The weaker segment of society needs our company and aid.
17.
Muslims are encouraged to increase their recitation of
Allah’s Book in this blessed month.
18.
In Muslim countries, the non-fasting Muslim, if exposed
publically, is looked down upon by the masses.
19.
Upon finishing the Isha prayer, Muslims offer a special
Ramadan prayer known as Taraweeh.
21.
In the last ten days of Ramadan, several Muslims around the
globe sit in ‘Itikaf.’ Itikaf is a retreat to a mosque for ten days
to attain the spiritual blessing of Allah.
It was narrated in the hadeeth of Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (PBUH) used to spend the last ten days of Ramadan in Itikaf until he passed away, then his wives observed Itikaf after him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
It was narrated in the hadeeth of Ayesha (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Prophet (PBUH) used to spend the last ten days of Ramadan in Itikaf until he passed away, then his wives observed Itikaf after him.” (Sahih al-Bukhari)
22.
Allah warns Muslims that He is in no need of their starving
themselves if they continue to lie while they are in a state of fasting.
23.
Towards the end of Ramadan, every able Muslim is required to
give a charity known as Fitra to the poor and needy.
24.
There is a night in the last ten odd-numbered nights of
Ramadan. This night is better than a thousand months because the Quran was
revealed in it.
“Verily,
We have sent it (this Quran) down in the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree). And
what will make you know what the Night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? The Night of
Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (i.e., worshipping Allah
in that night is better than worshipping Him a thousand months, i.e., 83 years
and four months). Therein descend the angels and the Ruh [Jibrail (Gabriel)] by
Allah’s Permission with all Decrees, (All that night), there is peace (and
goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn.” (Quran
97:1-5)
25.
When Ramadan draws to an end, the Muslims celebrate Eid
al-Fitr.