Ramzan Ul Mubarak
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which Muslims refrain from eating, and drinking from dawn until sunset. The month starts with the sighting of the crescent moon and consists of 29 or 30 days. According to Islamic beliefs, the devils (Shaitan) are chained at the start of this month, the doors of heaven are opened, and the doors of hell are closed. According to Islam, fasting is not just to be hungry all day but to learn self-control, patience, sacrifice, and taqwa with spiritual and mental purification. Ramadan is a holy month of fasting, introspection, and prayer for Muslims, the followers of Islam.
The literal meaning of “Ramadan” is “scorching heat or dryness”. The Quran also references the fasting of the believers of previous prophets and Muslims have faith in all prophets. The fast of Ramadan is among the pillars of the faith, Allah(SWT) has said in Quran-e-Majeed:
Oh, you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness” (Q 2:183)
Ramadan was the month in which the first verses of the Qur’an were said to be revealed to the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). That was during a night that Muslims call Laylat al-Qadr (the night of decree or measures.). It is believed that this night is one of the odd nights from the last 10 days of Ramadan Kareem.
“The month of Ramadan (is the month) in which the Qur’an has been sent down as guidance for mankind containing clear signs which lead (to the straight road) and distinguishing (the truth from falsehood).” (Q 2:185)
Laylat-ul-Qadar or Shab-e-Qadar is also known as the night of Power, Value, Destiny, and the night of Measures has its enormous blessings. Allah Almighty grants forgiveness and bliss to His believers and followers of Muhammad (PBUH) on this night.
As ALLAH says in Quran-e-Majeed:
“Surely, we sent it (the Qur’an) down on the Night of Ordainment. And what will make you know what the Night of Ordainment is? The Night of Ordainment is better than a thousand months. The Angels and the Spirit descend therein by their Lord’s leave for every affair. ~ Peace! It is until the rising of the dawn.” (Surat-al-Qadar)
The Prophet (SAW) said:
“When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.” (Imam Bukhari)
According to general Muslim belief shared by Shia and Sunni alike, the deeper purpose of fasting is understood as that of cultivating and reinforcing the spiritual and moral character of the faithful,
Who thus live a life of piety and balance, without forsaking the good things of this world bestowed by Allah’s grace (Qur’an 7:31–32).
The emphasis on human character is especially underlined. A tradition of the Prophet’s beloved daughter, Hazrat Bibi Fatima Zahra asks what benefit accrues to one who fasts if one does not safeguard one’s tongue, ears, and limbs. This ethic of self-restraint echoes the strictures of the Qur’an:
“The hearing, the sight, the heart — all of those shall be questioned.” (Qur’an 17:36).
Muslims are expected to practice self-restraint for the sake of Allah’s pleasure, remaining ever conscious of His presence. Such is truly God-fearing.
By fasting, you can feel the pain of needy people and of those who do not have such blessings of Allah. And Ramadan cannot be completed without helping others. Everyone tries to help their needy brother so they can also enjoy the happiness of ‘Eid.
In Muslim tradition, Ramadan is a time of heightened commitment to piety and purification through special observances such as fasting, the performance of good deeds — including charitable giving and voluntary service — and personal sacrifices of material comforts. These observances can lead to spiritual fulfillment and a sense of renewal.
Zakat (Charity) — The Fourth Pillar of Islam
Charity is mentioned dozens of times in the Quran.
“Worship none but Allah. treat with kindness your parents and kindred, and orphans and those in need; speak fair to the people; be steadfast in prayer; and practice regular charity” (2:83).
As one of the pillars of Islam, zakat is a form of obligatory charity that has the potential to ease the suffering of millions. With the literal meaning of the word being ‘to cleanse,’ Muslims believe that paying zakat purifies, increases, and blesses the remainder of their wealth.
According to Islam, Zakat is 2.5% of the wealth that has been in one’s possession for a lunar year. If wealth amounts to less than a threshold figure, termed the nisab which is either 7.5 tola gold or 52.5 tola silver or the material property equivalent to both, then no Zakat is payable. If wealth amounts to more than the nisab, zakat becomes obligatory.
Pakistan- People with big hearts
Pakistan in general and Karachi, in particular, have many non-government organizations (NGOs) that help poor, needy, and orphan people throughout the year and in Ramadan especially. People who are blessed with wealth help these organizations to their fullest. Some of the prominent organizations include Edhi Foundation, Chhipa Welfare Association, Saylani Welfare Trust, and Alamgir Welfare Trust. Ansar Burney Welfare Trust, Khawaja Ghareeb Nawaz Welfare Trust., JDC Welfare Organization.
Although it seems that Muslims who kept fast eat less the reality is the opposite, the people do special arrangements for Suhor and Aftar. Therefore, many food brands and delivery services offer huge discounts and deal for people and use social media as a tool for the marketing of their campaign.
COVID and Ramadan
As compared to the solar calendar, the dates of Ramadan vary, moving backward about ten days each year as it is a moving day depending on the moon. This year, Ramadan is different from previous years due to the outbreak of a terrible microscopic giant called coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The pandemic COVID-19 has made Ramadan very important this year because the virus has infected millions of people around the world and killed thousands, especially people with immunodeficiency. In dealing with COVID-19, maintaining good hygiene and supporting the immune system are effective, preventive approaches. Moderate exercise training and proper nutrition are the most important factors to support immune function.
Muslims excitedly wait for the whole year to welcome the month of blessings. The fast is closed by eating the meal of Suhoor and opened with an Iftar meal. Both meals have their Dua’s which are recited to do Niyyah for Sehar and Iftar.
Ramadan is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of God and to offer more prayer than usual. During Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds. People concentrate more on offering prayers and reciting the Quran to avail the forgiveness of Allah for their previous sins. Special arrangements are made in mosques for Sehr-o-Iftar and Namaz-e-Taraweeh. Special dishes are prepared for Sehar and Iftar. The fast is usually opened with dates or any juices. Housewives try to make both meals healthier by including healthy food items like fruits, juices, and yogurt. Ramadan ends with Eid ul-Fitr on the first of Shawwal, with much celebration and feasting.