The Month of Revelation of the Holy Quran - Ramadhan
 

BY T.H. USOOF

RAMADHAN is the ninth month of the Arabic and Islamic Calendar. The word Ramadhan originally meant "great heat", a description derived in the pre-Islamic solar calendar. The month of Ramadhan, wherein the Quran was sent down to be guidance to the people.

"(Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill or on a journey the prescribed number (should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (with hardship) is a ransom the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more of his own free will it is better for him and it is better for you that ye fast if ye only knew". (2:184)

Sighting of the moon is necessary for ascertaining the beginning of Ramadhan and its end. However, following the accurate calculations that are available these days could serve as an important guidance as to when the moon will be visible.

Therefore if a calendar is based on these calculations, it is most likely that the dates will be found to be accurate when checked against actual sighting of the moon.

When Allah specified particularly timings for particular acts of worship, He related those timings to signs that can be determined in any society or community; regardless of its stage of development. The same commandment applies to all generations in all situations.

Hence, it has to be defined easily and clearly, without confusion. For this reason, He made prayers dependent on clear physical signs related to the situation of the sun in the sky or similar signals.

Thus, Fajr prayer begins with the break of dawn and ends at sunrise. Time for Zuhr prayer begins around mid day, when the sun is at its highest point in the sky. Its time ends when the shade of any object is slightly over its length or height. That is the point where the time for Asr starts and it ends at sunset, when it is time for Maghreb.

Similarly pilgrimage has its own timings which are clearly definable. Every duty of pilgrimage must be fulfilled within the time range allowed for it.

With regard to fasting, Allah has given us similarly clear signs. The month starts when we are able to see the new moon after sunset. The month of Ramadhan ends with the same signal.

A day of fasting ends at sunset, but it begins when we are able to see" the brightness of the day against the darkness of the night". This is a clear signal of the break of dawn, and it is, at the same time, the signal of Fajr prayer and the start of the day of fasting.

"Ramadan is the (month) which was sent down the Qur'an as a guide to mankind also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So everyone of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting but if anyone is ill or on a journey the prescribed period (should be made up) by days later.

Allah intends every facility for you. He does not want to put you to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful." (2:185)

Ramadhan during which the Holy Quran was revealed is a month of purification, a month of rich in graces, the month of mercy, blessings and bounty of Allah.

During this month fasting was made obligatory for Muslims in the 2 AH (after Hijrah). Fasting serves as a strong shield against the fire hell.

Allah has said, " Fasting is for me and I will reward for it". This is the month in which a Muslim gets the chance to worship extensively, spend on charities, prayers and Zikr.

Ramadhan is the month of piety, virtue and Taqwa. Two major events in the history of Islam during this month is the revelation of the Holy Quran and the Battle of Badr which eradicated idolatry in Makkah.

Imam Ghazzali (rah) says one should abstain not only from food and drink but one's tongue must also abstain from such practices as back biting and one's eyes from the temptation of looking on others with suspicion, jealous or even desirously.

Fasting during Ramadhan is adherence to psycho-physical exercises meant for man to surrender totally to Almighty Allah.

Laylatul al Qadr ( Night of Power) is the night in which the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhamad (sal). This night of Power has been described as it is better than a Thousand Months. The Prophet Muhamad (sal) has taught us an easy and enjoyable way to commemorate that night in devotion.

"There is a door to Heaven called Al - Rayyan, through which only fasting are admitted. It will be asked: where are the fasting people? They stand up. No one is admitted through that door except the fasting. When they have entered, the door will be closed and no one else can get through it. ( Related Al Bukhari)

Prophet Muhamad (sal) has declared this month as the ' month of Allah' because one abandons all otherwise lawful things in the way of Almighty Allah.

Fasting is an institution for the improvement of the moral and spiritual character of man. The purpose of the fast is to help develop self restraint, self purification, god fearing (taqwa) compassion, the spirit of caring and sharing, to love humanity and to love the Al might y Allah.

It has become the established practice of the Noble Prophet (sal) and to the very day for Muslims to recite and complete at least one reading of the Holy Quran during this blessed month.

It is the month in which , the 1st 10 days is the period of Mercy, its 2nd 10 days the period of forgiveness and the last 10 days is the period of safety from the hell fire.

When you fast the month of Ramadhan you are rewarded for fasting ten months and when you complete 6 days in Shawwal you are rewarded for 60 days fast. Thus reward becomes for one full year.

Fasting is a godly prescription for self reassurance and self control, for maintenance of human dignity and freedom for victory and peace.

The angels continue asking Allah's forgiveness for those fasting until they break their fast. Those fasting receive forgiveness of their sins on the last night of Ramadhan. Allah saves many people from the Hellfire on the last night of Ramadhan.

I' tikaaf (seeking retirement in the mosque) is emphasized more during the last ten days of Ramadhan in anticipation of Layalat ul Qadr. It is commendable, but not obligatory act of worship.

The specified times when invocations are more likely to be answered are: 1) Upon breaking the fast, 2) During the last night of Ramadhan, 3) Just before Dawn and 4) During an hour on Friday. This hour is most likely to be towards the end of the day. (between Asr and Maghreb prayers).

May Allah bless all those who undertake to fast, to benefit from their fasting, enjoy spiritual elevation - Insha Allah. This blessed month is a reminder of a given reality that the Muslims are all one compact Ummah.

The spiritual enlightenment we achieve this month we should strive to maintain always.

Let us continue to live with the remembrance of Allah, every moment everyday and not to decline in ways to seek Allah's mercy and blessings.