Each nation has its own traditions, customs and other characteristics, the main of which is faith. Sometimes we do not understand the views and actions of representatives of other nations. This is largely due to the difference in religions. Of course, basically they have something in common - faith in the Almighty, but this does not cancel their habits and preferences. One of the most important traditions of many nations is considered Lent, during which people limit themselves to certain desires and abide by certain rules, purifying the body and soul.
What is Ramadan? Basic information on the topic
Perhaps many do not know what Ramadan is, but for Muslims this is a holy period that is very important for every representative of the Islamic faith. As a rule, this event falls on the ninth month of the year. It is he who is considered one of the most important.
Many people do not know what the month of Ramadan is. Note that this is 29 or 30 days (the duration depends on the lunar calendar) of strict fasting. The main goal of this period is to accomplish several good deeds, to set aside time for donations, thoughts, and world outlook. And, of course, this month a holy fast takes place called the Saum. He is one of the five pillars of Islam.
Features and Rules
We considered the main goal of Ramadan, but it is impossible not to note the basic rules that Muslims must comply with. These include quitting smoking, intimacy, but these are only secondary requirements. The main task of each person is not to eat food or drink water during the day, that is, from dawn to dusk. Thus, strict fasting (uraza) prohibits receiving pleasure or satisfying needs during daylight hours.
It is believed that such a way of life for 30 days will strengthen the fortitude, faith, as well as rethink the priorities and goals in your life. On the other hand, what is Ramadan? This is an opportunity to determine true values by moving away from the forbidden. To understand when the Lent began, it is necessary to focus on the crescent. With the help of special committees that constantly monitor the moon, the onset of a special time is established.
Ramadan period in 2014
After Ramadan, people celebrate a great festival called Eid al-Fitr. It lasts exactly three days, and during this period Muslims glorify and thank Allah for their family life. The Ad Hoc Committee found that in 2014, the post will begin on June 28 (29) and last 29 (30) days. Ramadan ends with a collective prayer, after which the celebration begins. In this happy and distressed period, believers treat their loved ones, relatives, and they themselves eat plenty. The main condition of the holiday is the distribution of alms (sadaki). In addition, on the indicated day it is necessary to visit the graves of the dead.
It should be noted that some categories of citizens are exempted from the post. These include older people and those who have chronic illnesses. At the same time, a Muslim who cannot fast must feed the poor or help someone, and so on a daily basis for 29 (30) days.
What is the festival of Ramadan? This is the period of doing good deeds, the time of purification of one’s conscience and soul from negative energy, the hour to wake up and realize one’s essence, to take the right path in life.
How to fast?
The basic rule of Ramadan is regular prayer. Before the sun rises, every Muslim must pronounce the intention (niyat). This is a certain set of words confirming a person’s determination. It is recommended that you finish your meal about 30 minutes before dawn. After that, believers begin a conversation that is carried out using milk, water, dates and other things. In the evening, Muslims say a prayer. In the last ten days of fasting, night-al-Qadr comes. This is a time of overcoming and power.
Being interested in what Muslims mean Ramadan, one should study in more detail the principles of believers. They are really ready to give their lives for their faith and take it very seriously. The fast that every person observes is only a small confirmation of serious intentions.
Generous Ramadan!
It is customary for Muslims to pronounce the phrase “Ramadan Kareem” during the period of fasting. What does this phrase mean? Translated from Arabic, it reads as follows: "Generous Ramadan." In other words, this is a common greeting during fasting. Each Muslim revises his life values, begins to pray more responsibly, despite the weather conditions or poor health. It happens that Ramadan falls on hot and exhausting days, and no one dares to suspend or break the fast. This trains willpower and confirms that a person has it.
As a rule, Muslims pronounce the words “Ramadan Kareem” when they give out obligatory and voluntary alms. This warms their heart, and they understand that they are doing good things, helping the poor.
Post Actions
Surely those people who know little what Ramadan is, have never thought about the consequences that befall the one who violated the rules of fasting. In Islam, all actions of citizens are divided into two categories: violating and not violating the Saum. The first group includes unspoken intent before dawn, sexual intercourse, smoking, administration of rectal and vaginal medicines, spontaneous vomiting, swallowing of sputum that enters the oral cavity, and deliberate drinking or eating at an inopportune hour.
The second group includes the following actions: inadvertent eating or drinking, donating blood, bathing, kissing a partner (unless his saliva is swallowed), involuntary vomiting, brushing teeth, sexual caresses (only if ejaculation does not occur), injections. Thus, in general terms, it is clear what the Ramadan post is, what can be done during it, and what is forbidden.
Sukhur, iftar and taravih
Considering the question of what Ramadan is, one cannot but tell about the traditions and customs that Muslims have. During the month of fasting, the word "Suhur" is often used, which means an early meal throughout the period. That is, before dawn and after saying the prayer, a person can start a meal. There is also the concept of iftar - a meal after sunset, that is, an evening meal. At the end of the procedure, a prayer must be pronounced.
And finally, there is the concept of “tarawih,” which means voluntary prayer. It can last until the dawn, that is, a person practically does not sleep all night. Such a regime is far from possible for everyone, therefore taraweeh may not be practiced at all or carried out occasionally.
Night al-Qadr
The last ten days of fasting are considered the most important for the Muslim people. The indicated period, as already noted, is considered the most significant. At this time, people pray most earnestly and worship. It is recommended to go to the mosque for this, as Muhammad once did. He retired to itikaf for exactly ten days. Upon leaving the temple, a person is considered updated and blessed. But the main thing is to observe the fast and comply with all the rules prescribed by Islam.
So, now you know the answer to the question of what is Ramadan among Muslims.