According to Islam, Muhammad walked through the desert near Mecca, 610 A.D., where currently located Saudi Arabia. One night, a voice from heaven called. According to Islamic tradition, the angel Gabriel was the voice that told Mohammed that it had been chosen to receive the word of Allah. In later years, it was also through the angel that the revelation of Allah was transmitted to Muhammad, who began preaching the verses that would be transcribed and make up the Islamic holy book.
Fasting of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of the Islamic faith and is required for all his followers. This is a special time when Muslims gather in prayer and is considered a special opportunity to revive, renew and reinvigorate their practice of faith.
The word Ramadan comes from the Arabic word "Ramida" which means "to be hot."
When it happens Ramadan
The start of Ramadan each year is based on the combination of observations of the moon and astronomical calculations. Its end is determined in a similar manner. Because Islam use the lunar calendar (which is eleven days shorter than the solar calendar adopted in most of the Western world), the holy month of Ramadan varies from year to year, which means that fasting can be entered into different months and seasons.
Who should observe fasting
Fasting is obligatory for every Muslim who has reached puberty and enjoy perfect physical and mental health. The first one's fasting in the Muslim community is something for celebration and party. Pregnant women, nursing mothers, those menstruating, children, the elderly and those who are sick or traveling are exempt from fasting practice.
Temporary fasting exemption is based on the individual circumstances, which need to be addressed during the month and advised by an imam (religious leader) or by an Islamic scholar. However, in most cases, the lost fasting days must be compensated by an equal number of days at any time before the next Ramadan. In case of terminal or incurable disease, the person ceases to definitely fast, but if you have conditions, need to take a meal to a needy for each day missed, or the equivalent value of a meal. Otherwise, it is not bound to anything.
The practice and their meanings
Fasting is done for about 29 days between sunrise and sunset. The day begins with Suhoor, even made the morning meal, and ends with the iftar, the meal that breaks the fast of the day. It is a time to celebrate with family and friends, at which people from other religions may be invited to participate. If anyone eat, drink or have sex during this period should feed 60 poor or fast for 60 days.
There are two big important celebrations during the period. On the night of the 26th to the 27th day of Ramadan, celebrate the Laylat al-kadr (decree of the night), it is believed that that was the night that Allah started to talk to Muhammad. Some pray all night and make your most special requests to Allah. At the end of fasting occurs ul-fitr eid, a feast followed by three days of celebration, when it is forbidden to fast. Many Muslims wear their best clothes and decorate their homes with lights and other decorations. old debts are forgiven and money is given to the poor. They prepare special foods and invite to friends or relatives to share the feast. Children receive gifts and there are trading cards, something similar to Christmas celebrated in Western countries. Eid al-Fitr is a joyous occasion, but its primary purpose is to praise Allah and thank him, according to Islamic belief.
The Ramadan implications in daily life
During the month of fasting there is an increase in the price of various products in Islamic majority countries, which adds great suffering for the poorest people. This is because during the nights of Ramadan people are awake, celebrating and going to the mosque for a special prayer. The result is the increased food intake, despite the apparent contradiction to be a fasting month. It turns out that every night is a kind of Christmas supper, and therefore Muslims consume more food and luxury goods during the period than at other times of year. Due to high demand of foodstuff, it is often not possible to keep prices low. Of course, this does not only affect Muslims but the entire population.
In many countries of the Muslim world do not practice fasting or eating in front of someone who is fasting is a serious fault. In Saudi Arabia, for example, anyone who dares to admit that is not fasting is punished.
In Morocco the Penal Code establishes a penalty of up to six months in prison who do not practice fasting. The Moroccan Constitution says that Islam is the official religion, but also says that the state protects religious freedom, while the penal code criminalizes the breaking of the fast in public. Thus individuals are required to practice Ramadan for two reasons: the law and religion.
In the UAE, eat or drink during the day is considered a minor offense and punished with community service. There labor laws state that during Ramadan employees work only six hours a day, whether Muslim or not.
The Muslim origin Christians need to be very careful, especially in the Ramadan period. They can easily annoy the Muslims of the country, even to act with love and compassion. Considered apostates, these Christians are often expelled from their communities, dispossessed and despised by their families, and often threatened with death. Many attacks on churches and Christian citizens usually happen in the last days of Ramadan.
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