08 March,2024 04:17 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Representative Image/ istock
Ramadan, Islam's holiest month, is a time for Muslims around the world to fast, pray, contemplate, and gather in community. As the crescent moon appears, marking the start of Ramadan, millions of Muslims embark on a journey of spiritual renewal and self-discipline. Let's look at the meaning of Ramadan, how it's celebrated, and why fasting is so important in this holy month.
Ahead of Ramadan 2024, explore the spiritual significance of this holy month.
Celebration of Ramadan
During Ramadan, Muslims fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and other physical requirements. Suhoor, the pre-dawn meal, is consumed before dawn, and Iftar, the meal after sunset, breaks the fast. These meals frequently include dates, water, and a range of healthful ingredients.
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Apart from fasting, Muslims enhance their prayer and recitation of the Quran throughout Ramadan. Taraweeh or special midnight prayers offered in mosques, are an essential element of the Ramadan custom. These prayers allow Muslims to seek forgiveness, guidance, and blessings from Allah.
Ramadan is also a time for charitable giving and community involvement. Muslims are encouraged to help those in need through acts of charity (Zakat) including feeding the hungry. During Ramadan, it is customary to share meals with family, friends, and neighbours, which promotes community solidarity and compassion.
Significance of Fasting
Fasting during Ramadan has a deep spiritual significance in Islam. It promotes self-discipline, purification, and spiritual progress. By foregoing worldly pleasures, Muslims want to cleanse their hearts and minds, create empathy for the less fortunate, and enhance their bond with Allah.
Fasting involves more than just abstaining from food and drink; it also includes refraining from negative thoughts, actions, and behaviours. Muslims are encouraged to practise patience, humility, and appreciation throughout Ramadan, striving to reflect Islamic principles in their daily lives.
Fasting during Ramadan also promotes a sense of unity among Muslims around the world. Muslims worldwide undergo the physical and spiritual challenges of fasting together, establishing a sense of connection and empathy across cultures.
