FEATURE
'Tis The Time of Islamic Year By Ola Diab At least 1.8 bn Muslims around the world will welcome the holy month of Ramadan on 3 April, Eid Al Fitr on 2 May, and Eid Al Adha on 10 July 2022 – expected dates – to be determined by moon sighting.
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he Islamic Year or Calendar, which is known as the Hijri Calendar, consists of 12 lunar months, and depends on the movement of the moon. The beginning of each month is marked by the observance of a new moon seen for the first time. Three of the most important religious holidays or observances in the Islamic calendar are the holy month of Ramadan, Eid Al Fitr and Eid Al Adha.
Ramadan Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The Holy Quran was first revealed to Prophet Muhammad during the holy month of Ramadan on a night known as Laylat Al Qadr (The Night of Destiny or Power). In addition, fasting in Ramadan is the fourth of the five pillars of Islam, meaning it’s an obligation for Muslims. This year, the holy month of Ramadan is expected to begin on 3 April. It’s customary to wish people ‘Ramadan Mubarak’ or 'Ramadan Kareem', which means ‘Blessed Ramadan’. Every able Muslim is required to fast with the exception of the elderly, the sick (cancer, diabetes, transplant recipient) and infirm, pregnant and nursing mothers, and travellers. If they can, they are expected to make up the days missed before the next Ramadan. In addition, children are not obligated to fast during Ramadan until they reach puberty. However, children gradually begin practicing fasting around the age of seven.
re-evaluate their lives in light of Islamic guidance. They are to make peace with those who have wronged them, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits – essentially cleansing their lives, thoughts and feelings. In addition, Muslims attempt to complete reading the holy Quran, which comprises 114 chapters. Besides the obligatory five prayers Muslims perform on a daily basis, during Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to perform non-obligatory, additional night prayers. Following the example of Prophet Muhammad, Muslims stay awake and stand in long prayers during evenings and late nights, striving to get closer to Allah. The most important of these during Ramadan is Tarawih, which is an evening prayer performed daily at the mosque. The second most important prayer in Ramadan is Qiyam Al Layl, which is an expression derived from the Quran for what is also known as Tahajjud prayer. Tahajjud is preferably offered after midnight, but before fajr. Like the Tarawih, Qiyam Al Layl is a night prayer performed through the last 10 days of Ramadan. Last but not least, Muslims focus their attention on giving to charity. Donations are usually focused on giving to those stricken by poverty and hunger. One type of charitable giving is Zakat, which is obligatory for those who are financially able. There are two types of Zakat: Zakat Al Mal and Zakat Al Fitr.
The fasting period during Ramadan is called ‘sawm’, which literally means ‘to refrain’. Muslims fast completely during the daylight hours of each day until the maghrib (sunset) prayer, refraining from food and drink, and as well as intimate contact, smoking and other 'vices'. As a time to purify the soul, refocus attention on God, and practice selfsacrifice, Ramadan is much more than just not eating and drinking. Muslims are to refrain from evil actions as well, including thoughts and words. Muslims are called upon to use this month to 116
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