EID ADHA! EID KABEER!! EID MUBARAK!!!

Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha (Arabic: عيد الأضحى‎) "Festival of Sacrifice" or "Greater Eid" is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide to commemorate the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son Ishmael (Isma'il) as an act of obedience to God, before God intervened to provide him with a ram to sacrifice instead
.
[1] In traditional or agrarian settings, each family will sacrifice a cow by slaughter, making it halal. The meat would then be divided into three equal parts to be distributed to others. The family retains one third of the share, another third is given to relatives, friends and neighbors, and the other third is given to the poor & needy.
Eid al-Adha is the latter of two Eid festivals celebrated by Muslims, whose basis comes from Sura 2 (Al-Baqara) ayah 196 in the Qur'an.

[2] Like Eid ul-Fitr, Eid al-Adha begins with a Wajib prayer of two Raka'ah followed by a sermon (khuṭbah).
The word "Eid" appears in Sura al-Mai'da ("The Table Spread," Chapter 5) of the Qur'an, meaning 'solemn festival'

[3].Eid al-Adha is celebrated annually on the 10th day of the 12th and the last Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah (ذو الحجة) of the lunar Islamic calendar

[4]. Eid al-Adha celebrations start after the Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia by Muslims worldwide, descend from Mount Arafat. The date is approximately 70 days (2 Months & 10 days) after the end of the month of Ramadan, i.e. Eid-ul-Fitr. Ritual observance of the holiday lasts until sunset of the 13th day of Dhu al-Hijjah.

Background

According to Muslims, approximately four thousand years ago, the valley of Mecca (in what is now Saudi Arabia) was a dry, rocky and uninhabited place. According to Islam, the Prophet Abraham ('Ibraheem in Arabic) was instructed to bring his Egyptian wife Hagar (Hāǧar) and Ishmael, his only child at the time (Ismā'īl), to Arabia from the land of Canaan (in Palestine) by God's command.
As Abraham was ready to return to Canaan, Hagar asked him, "Did "Allah" (God) order you to leave us here"? When Abraham replied: "Yes, I was directed by Allah" (God), Hagar said, "then Allah will not forget us; you can go". Although Abraham had left a large quantity of food and water with Hagar and Ishmael, the supplies quickly ran out, and within a few days the two began to feel the pangs of hunger and dehydration.
According to Islamic tradition, Hagar ran up and down between two hills called Al-Safa and Al-Marwah seven times, in her desperate quest for water. Finally, she collapsed beside her baby Ishmael and prayed to God for deliverance. Miraculously, a spring of water gushed forth from the earth at the feet of baby Ishmael. Other accounts have the angel Gabriel (Jibril) striking the earth and causing the spring to flow in abundance. With this secure water supply, known as the Zamzam Well, they were not only able to provide for their own needs, but were also able to trade water with passing nomads for food and supplies.
Years later, Abraham was instructed by God to return from Palestine to build a place of worship dedicated to Him adjacent to Hagar's well (the Zamzam Well). Abraham and Ishmael constructed a stone and mortar structure —known as the Kaaba— which was to be the gathering place for all who wished to strengthen their faith in God. As the years passed, Ishmael was blessed with Prophethood (Nubuwwah) and gave the nomads of the desert his message of submission to God. After many centuries, Mecca became a thriving desert city and a major center for trade, thanks to its reliable water source, the well of Zamzam.
One of the main trials of Abraham's life was to face the command of God to devote his dearest possession, his only son. Upon hearing this command, he prepared to submit to God's will. During this preparation, Satan (Shaitan) tempted Abraham and his family by trying to dissuade them from carrying out God's commandment, and Ibrahim and Ishmael drove Satan away by throwing pebbles at him. In commemoration of their rejection of Satan, stones are thrown during Hajj.
When Ishmael was about 13 (Ibrahim being 99), Allah (God) decided to test their faith in and submission to Allah in public. Both father and son were put through the most difficult test of their love for Allah. Abraham had a recurring dream, in which God was commanding him to offer his son as a sacrifice – an unimaginable act – sacrificing his son, which God had granted him after many years of deep prayer, the one who had been the centre of his affection and love for all these years. Abraham knew that the dreams of the prophets were inspired by Allah, and one of the ways in which God communicated with his prophets. This must be what Allah had wanted him to do. When the intent of the dreams became clear to him, Abraham decided to fulfil God's command and offer his beloved son in sacrifice.
Although Abraham was ready to sacrifice his dearest for Allah’s sake, he could not just go and drag his son to the place of sacrifice without his consent. Isma'el had to be consulted as to whether he was willing to give up his life as fulfillment to God's command. This consultation would be a major test of Isma'el’s maturity in faith, love and committment for Allah, willingness to obey his father and sacrifice his own life for the sake of Allah.
Abraham presented the matter to his son and asked for his opinion about the dreams of slaughtering him. Ishmael’s reaction was absolutely astounding. He did not show any hesitation or reservation even for a moment. He said, “Father, do what you have been commanded. You will find me, Insha'Allah (God willing), to be very patient.” His mature response, his deep insight into the nature of dad’s dreams, his committment to Allah, and ultimately his willingness to sacrifice his own life for the sake of Allah were all unprecedented.
When both father and son had shown their perfect obedience to Allah and they had practically demonstrated their willingness to sacrifice their most precious possessions for His sake -- Abraham by laying down his son for sacrifice and Ishmael by lying patiently under the knife – Allah called out to them stating that his sincere intentions had been accepted, and that he need not carry out the killing of Ishmael. Instead, Abraham was told to replace his son with a ram to sacrifice instead. Allah also told them that they had passed the test imposed upon them by his willingness to carry out God's command.
This is mentioned in the Holy Qur'an as follows:
"O my Lord! Grant me a righteous (son)!" So We gave him the good news of a boy, possessing forbearance. And when (his son) was old enough to walk and work with him, (Abraham) said: O my dear son, I see in vision that I offer you in sacrifice: Now see what is your view!" (The son) said: "O my father! Do what you are commanded; if Allah wills, you will find me one practising patience and steadfastness!" So when they both submitted and he threw him down upon his forehead, We called out to him saying: O Ibraheem! You have indeed fulfilled the vision; surely thus do We reward those who do good. Most surely this was a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a momentous sacrifice. And We perpetuated (praise) to him among the later generations. "Peace and salutation to Abraham!" Thus indeed do We reward those who do right. Surely he was one of Our believing servants.
As a reward for this sacrifice, Allah then granted Abraham the good news of the birth of his second son, Is-haaq (Isaac):
And We gave him the good news of Is-haaq, a prophet from among the righteous.
Abraham had shown that his love for his Lord superseded all others: that he would lay down his own life or the lives of those dearest to him in submission to God's command. Muslims commemorate this ultimate act of sacrifice every year during Eid al-Adha.

The Sunnah of Eid al-Adha

In keeping with the tradition of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, Muslims are encouraged to prepare themselves for the occasion of Eid. Below is a list of things Muslims are recommended to do in preparation for the Eid al-Adha festival:
1. Wake up early (before sunrise). 2. Make wudu (ablution) and offer Salat al-Fajr (the pre-sunrise prayer). 3. Prepare for personal cleanliness - take care of details of clothing, etc. 4. Take a Ghusl (bath) after Fajr prayer. 5. Brush teeth (preferrably with a miswak, or tooth-stick). 6. Dress up, putting on new or best clothes available (White, when available, is optimal[12]). 7. Apply (alcohol free) perfume (attar) (men only). 8. It is customary not to eat breakfast before the Eid prayer, but there is no harm if done so. Ideally, it is preferred to cook the meat offered for the sacrifice and eat from it. 9. Go to the prayer grounds (known as an 'Eidgah') early. 10. Offer Salat al-Eid (the congregational Eid prayer) in an open place, weather permitting, or in mosque. 11. Use two separate routes when travelling to and from the Eid prayer location. 12. Recite the following Takbir which starts at Maghrib (sunset) on the 9th of Dhu al-hijah and last until the Asr on the 12th Dhu al-ilhijah: Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar, Allahu-Akbar. La ilaha illa-lah wallahu-Akbar. Allahu-Akbar wa-lillahil-hamd, which translates to: "Allah (God) is the Greatest (3 times); there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and Allah is the Greatest. Allah is the Greatest and to Him are due all praises."

Salat al-Eid

Salat al-Eid is Wajib (strongly recommended, but just short of obligatory). It consists of two Raka'ah (units) with six additional Takbirs. No adhan (Call to Prayer) or iqama (call) is to be pronounced for this Eid prayer.[13] It must be offered in congregation. The Salaat (prayer) is followed by the Khutbah, or sermon, by the Imam. The Khutbah is part of the worship and listening to it is Wajib. During the Khutbah, the Imam reminds the Muslim community about its responsibilities and obligations towards Allah, and good works, kindness, mercy and generosity towards their fellow Muslims and humanity as a whole.
At the conclusion of the prayers and sermon, the Muslims embrace and exchange greetings with one other (Eid Mubarak), give gifts (Eidi) to children, and visit one another. Many Muslims also take this opportunity to invite their non-Muslims friends, neighbours, co-workers and classmates to their Eid festivities to better acquaint them about Islam and Muslim culture.

Islamic Perspectives

Islamic Perspectives On Hajj

---

Hajj -- The Pilgrimage to Makkah

---

Muslims from all over the world come to Makkah (or Mecca, as it is less accurately spelled in English) for the annual pilgrimage known as hajj. Most people in the world know about this pilgrimage. In fact, in many languages, including English, Makkah has become synonymous with a place to which one turns, or yearns to go to, or is visited by many people. One often hears about such and such a place being a mecca for such and such a group of people.

HISTORY OF MAKKAH

Makkah is one of the oldest cities of the world. Babylonians living around 2000 BC knew about it. Both the Islamic tradition and the pre-Islamic Arab tradition link many of the sacred sites in Makkah to the Patriarch Abraham, his second wife Hagar and his elder son Ishmael, who are also estimated to have lived around 2000 B.C. Makkah is thus, at least, 4000 years old. But it seems that the city is much older. One of the sacred sites in the city, 'Arafat, is linked by tradition not with Abraham but with Adam and Eve who are said to have met there after a long period of separation caused by the "fall". The Qur'an also says:

"Verily, the first house (of worship) built for the people was in Makkah"

Since probably there existed houses of worship before Abraham, a strict interpretation of these words would mean that Makkah and some of its sacred sites are older than the times of even this ancient patriarch and prophet. It is interesting that when referring to sacred sites in Makkah and the pilgrimage, the Qur'an often talks about nas (mankind, people). This is probably because even before the (Qur'anic) Islam the shrine in Makkah was visited not only by people of Arabia but also by other neighboring nations such as the Babylonians, Ethiopians, Egyptians and Hebrews. If Makkah and some of its sacred sites existed before Abraham with their sacred character in different measure recognized by various nations living in and around the Arabian peninsula, then this would explain better why Abraham (a Hebrew) and Hagar (an Egyptian) took their son, born after many years of desire and waiting on the part of Abraham, and headed towards Makkah. Once Abraham's link was established with Makkah, he exerted a decisive influence on the religious tradition connected with it. He, with the help of his son, is said to have built or rebuilt the sacred house in Makkah which, because of its cubical shape, is known as the Ka'bah⁽²⁾. There is also a site that marks the place where Abraham began the sacrifice of his son Ishmael who was later substituted by a ram. Three pillars mark the three failed attempts by the devil to dissuade Abraham from this supreme sacrifice.

For a long time no buildings were erected near the cubical structure. Only a relatively short time before the Prophet Muhammad (probably in the time of Qusayy ibn Kilab, a pre-Islamic Makkan leader) did people start living near the Ka'bah. Even then the houses built were round shaped, to avoid any likeness to the Ka'bah, and their heights were kept low in comparison to the height of the sacred house. With the arrival of Prophet Muhammad, who was born in Makkah from among the descendants of Abraham, Hagar and Ishmael, the history of Makkah and indeed of Arab people took a giant leap forward. Guided and inspired by the Qur'an and the Prophet's life, the Arabs became the initial builders of a world civilization whose brilliance has rarely been matched in history. And in this civilization, which, within 100 years of the Prophet's death, encompassed most of the then known world, Makkah naturally occupied a unique position. It became one of the world's holiest cities, while the Ka'bah became the holiest shrine in the world, in the sense that no other shrine is, or has been, the object of so much religious attention and sentiment by so many people as is the Ka'bah.

THE RITES OF HAJJ

The pilgrimage to Makkah or the Hajj, as established by the Prophet Muhammad and now performed by the Muslims every year, consists primarily of seven rites:

1) The wearing of ihram or the pilgrim garment before entering certain points definitely fixed on all the roads to Makkah. For men ihram consists of two unsown white pieces of cloth. Women can wear any clothes, preferably of white color.

2) Circumambulation of the Ka'bah with the kissing of the Black Stone, if possible. The Black Stone, which is built into two adjacent walls of the Ka'bah and thus appears in one of the vertical sides of the cubical structure, is probably one of the stones used in one of the earliest constructions of the shrine.

3) Prayer at a place near the Ka'bah, called the Station of Abraham, followed by running (sa'y) between two hillocks called safa and marwa. The prayer at the station of Abraham commemorates building of the Ka'bah while running between safa and marwa remembers Hagar's search for water after her arrival in Makkah with her child Ishmael and husband Abraham.

4) Listening, on a fixed date, to a sermon, in which an exposition of the meaning of hajj is given.

5) Visit to, and an overnight stay in, the valley of Mina (about six miles north of Makkah) followed by a visit to the plain and hill of 'Arafat (about five miles further north), which commemorates the reunion of Adam and Eve after their separate wondering.

6) Sacrifice of an animal, in commemoration of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice Ishmael and his actual sacrifice of a ram that God substituted for Ishmael after Abraham passed the test for his love of God.

7) Casting stones at the pillars representing three attempts by the devil at dissuading Abraham from sacrificing Ishmael to God.

THE MEANING OF HAJJ

Hajj is like a short intensive course in which the basic teachings of Islam are presented to a world-wide gathering of Muslims. The instructions in this course, however, is not given through lectures but through symbols and rituals. A divinely written drama is staged in which every pilgrim participates as an actor and through this participation learns the basic message of Islam.

The message has three parts:

1) A relationship with God built through surrender to His will and prayer and other ways of remembering Him (dhikr).

2) Love and brotherhood among people manifested in acts of sacrifice for the benefit of others.

3) Struggle, which is of two types: struggle to fulfill basic material and psychological needs of at least oneself and one's family and struggle against all forms of evil.

Tawaf or circumambulation of the Ka'bah symbolizes the first part of the Islamic message. The notion of going around an axis symbolizes surrender or commitment. This notion around the vertical axis which starts from the Ka'bah, the early house of God, and reaches into the heavens, to the heavenly "Seat of God" ('arsh) signifies surrender to God which is the first and biggest step in building a relationship with God. Prayers and dhikr throughout the hajj further develop this relationship.

Love and brotherhood of people is taught throughout the hajj. The coming together of so many people (about 1.5 to 2 million) from all nations and races of the world itself makes the point that human beings belong to a single brotherhood. The pilgrim garment, ihram, makes the point further. Dress often signifies a person's nationality, race, social position, etc. and by changing into a uniform and simple dress the pilgrims learn that the distinctions made by such appearances as dress are superficial and that underneath these distinctions of nationality, race, social position, etc. we all share a far more important thing, our humanity.

Stay in 'Arafat also symbolizes brotherhood of humankind. 'Arafat is the place where Adam and Eve met after being separated by the "fall". A stay in 'Arafat means that all human beings are children of the same parents and belong to one and the same family. They have come to meet together in the same place where once their original parents met. Sacrifice in Mina on the 'Id day means that surrender to God and love and brotherhood among people are not to remain mere sentiments. They are to be translated into deeds by sacrificing, for the benefit of others and for the pleasure of God, something that we hold dear. Sa'y or running between safa and marwa is part of the third lesson of Islam, namely, that this world is a place of struggle. Sa'y is an enactment of Hagar's search for water in the desert. It teaches that men and women, must strive to take care of the needs of their families and their own. Sa'y is thus a reminder that the surrender to God learnt through tawaf or circumambulation of the Ka'bah is not a passive surrender, but one which goes hand in hand with effort. To surrender, in other words, means to depend on God's grace, a part of which consists of giving us the ability to make the right kind of efforts and then blessing those efforts with the right results.

Rami jumrat or stoning of the three manifestations of the devil indicates the second, more important type of struggle, i.e. struggle against powers of evil, both within man's own self and in the society. It is noteworthy that while tawaf, stay at 'Arafat, sa'y, etc. are one-time actions, rami or stoning is done three times, on three separate days. This is because while people can relatively easily learn the need to surrender to God, to love one's fellow human beings and to take care of their needs, they usually hate to strive against evil, because such striving can often threaten our wealth and lives, to which we love to cling.

There are also many, many other details about hajj, full of meaning, that we cannot deal with in this short article. All praise is due to God, the Lord of the Universes.

---

THE NIGHT OF LAELATUL QADAR

LAILATUL-QADR

From Islamic Network Audio Listen to more: http://audio.islamicnetwork.com/

As said by Almighty Allah in the holy Qur'an chapter97.Its excellence is great, since in this night the Noble Qur'aan was sent down, which leads one who clings to it, to the path of honour and nobility, and raises him to the summit of distinction and everlasting life. The Muslims who adhere strictly to the Sunnah of Allaah's Messenger SAW do not raise flags on this night, nor suspend colourful decorations. Rather they vie in standing during it (Lailatul-Qadr) in Prayer out of sincere faith and hoping for reward. Here, O Muslim, are the Qur'aanic Aayaat and authentic prophetic ahaadeeth referring to this night:

* Its excellence

As regards its excellence it is more than sufficient to mention that Lailatul-Qadr is better than a thousand months, He, the Mighty and Majestic, says:

" Verily! We have sent it (this Qur'aan) down in the Night of Decree (Lailatul-Qadr). And what will make you know what the Night of Decree is? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh (i.e. Gabriel) by Allaah's Permission with all Decrees, Peace! until the appearance of dawn." (Al-Qadr 97: 1-5)

And in it every decreed matter for the year is conveyed, He, the Most High says:

" We sent it (this Qur'aan) down on a blessed Night. Verily, We are ever warning (mankind of Our Torment). Therein (that Night) is decreed every matter of ordainment. Amran (i.e. a command or this Qur'aan or His Decree of every matter) from Us. Verily, We are ever sending (the Messenger). (As) a Mercy from your Lord. Verily! He is the All-Hearer, the All-Knower." (Ad-Dukhaan 44: 3-6)

* When is it?

It is reported from the Prophet SAW that it is within the twenty-first, twenty-third, twenty-fifth, twenty-seventh, twenty-ninth or the last night of Ramadhan.

Imaam ash-Shaafi'ee, rahimahullaah, said: To me it is as the Prophet SAW used to answer according to the question posed, it would be said to him: "Shall I seek it in such and such night?" So he would reply: "Seek it in such and such night." And Allaah knows best. (Reported from him by al-Baghawee in Sharhus-Sunnah)

The most correct saying is that it occurs in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadhan and this is shown by the hadeeth of 'Aa'ishah, RA, who said: "Allaah Messenger SAW used to practice I'tikaaf in the last ten nights and say: 'Seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the (odd nights) of the last ten days of Ramadhan." (Bukhari, Muslim )

However if the servant is too weak or unable, then he should at least not let the last seven days pass him by, due to what is reported from 'Ibn 'Umar, who said: Allaah's Messenger SAW said: "Seek it in the last ten, and if one of you is too weak or unable then let him not allow that to make him miss the final seven." (Bukhari, Muslim)

This explains his, SAW saying: "I see that your dreams are in agreement (that it is in the last seven) so he who wishes to seek it out then let him seek it in the last seven." (Bukhari)

It is also known from the Sunnah, that knowledge of the exact night upon which Lailatul-Qadr falls was taken up because the people argued, 'Ubaadah ibn as-Saamit, RA said: The Prophet SAW came out intending to tell us about Lailatul-Qadr, however two men were arguing and he said: "I came out to inform you about Lailatul-Qadr but so and so, and, so and so were arguing, so it was raised up, and perhaps that is better for you, so seek it on the (twenty) ninth and (twenty) seventh and the (twenty) fifth." (Bukhari)

Some ahaadeeth indicate that Lailatul-Qadr is in the last ten nights, while others indicate that it is in the odd nights of the last ten, so the first are general and the second more particular, and the particular has to be given priority over the general. Other ahaadeeth state that it is in the last seven - and these are restricted by mention of one who is too weak or unable. So there is no confusion, all the ahaadeeth agree and are not contradictory.

In conclusion: The Muslim should seek out Lailatul-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten: the night of the twenty-first (the night before the twenty-first day), the twenty-third, the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. If he is too weak or unable to seek it out in all the odd nights, then let him seek it out in the odd nights of the last seven: the night of the twenty-fifth, the twenty-seventh and the twenty-ninth. And Allaah knows best.

* How should a Muslim seek Lailatul-Qadr?

One who misses this blessed night then he has missed much good for no one misses it except one from whom it is withheld. Therefore it is recommended that the Muslim who is eager to be obedient to Allaah should stand in Prayer during this night out of Eemaan and hoping for the great reward, since if he does this, Allaah will forgive his previous sins.

He SAW said: "Whoever stands in (Prayer) in Lailatul-Qadr out of Eemaan and seeking reward then his previous sins are forgiven." (Bukhari)

It is recommended to supplicate a great deal in it, it is reported from 'Aa'ishah, RA that she said: "O Messenger of Allaah! What if I knew which night Lailatul-Qadr was, then what should I say in it?" He said: "Say: Allaahumma innaka 'affuwwun tuhibbul 'afwa fa'fu 'annee." (O Allaah you are the one who pardons greatly, and loves to pardon, so pardon me.) (at-Tirmidhi, Ibn Majah)

O brother! You know the importance of this night, so stand in Prayer in the last ten nights, in worship, detaching oneself from the women, ordering your family with this, and increasing in actions of obedience and worship in it.

From 'Aa'ishah, RA who said: "The Prophet SAW used to tighten his waist-wrapper (izaar) - (meaning detached himself from his wives in order to worship, and exerted himself in seeking Lailatul-Qadr), spend the night in worship, and wake the family in the last ten nights." (Bukhari, Muslim)

From 'Aa'ishah, RA: "Allaah's Messenger SAW used to exert himself in the last ten nights more than he would at other times." (Muslim)

* Its sign

[Many people believe in all sorts of superstitions about Lailatul-Qadr, and false beliefs from them are that the trees prostrate, and buildings sleep! And these things are clearly futile and baseless.] Allaah's Messenger SAW described the morning after Lailatul-Qadr, so that the Muslim may know which day it is. From Ubayy, RA who said: that he SAW said: "On the morning following Lailatul-Qadr the sun rises not having any rays, as if it were a brass dish, until it rises up." (Muslim, Abu Dawood, at-Tarmidhi, Ibn Majah)

From Abu Hurairah, RA who said: "We were discussing Lailatul-Qadr in the presence of Allaah's Messenger SAW, so he said: 'Which of you remembers (the night) when the moon arose and was like half a plate?'" (Muslim) [Qaadi 'Iyaad said: "It contains an indication that it was towards the end of the month - since the moon does not appear like that when it arises except towards the end of the month."]

From Ibn 'Abbaas, RA who said: Allaah's Messenger SAW said: "Lailatul-Qadr is calm and pleasant, neither hot nor cold, the sun arises on its morning being feeble and red." (at-Tayaalisee, Ibn Khuzaimah, al-Bazzaar with hasan isnaad)

Let us seek abundance rewards from our Creator by performing extra actions in these last few days of the noble month of Ramadhan as it could be our last...

RAMADAN KAREEM ALLAH AKBAR

Ramadan (Arabic: رمضان‎ Ramaḍān, Arabic
pronunciation: [rɑmɑdˤɑːn]) (also Ramadhan, Ramadaan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is the Islamic month of fasting, in which participating Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset.^[1] Fasting is intended to teach Muslims about patience, humility, and spirituality. It is a time for Muslims to fast for the sake of God (Arabic: الله‎, trans: Allah) 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. As compared to the solar calendar, the dates of Ramadan vary, moving backwards about eleven days each year depending on the moon. Muslims believe Ramadan to be an auspicious month for the revelations of God to humankind, being the month in which the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Prophet Muhammad.

The start of Ramadan

indicates the beginning of the new month, Muslims can usually safely estimate the beginning of Ramadan.^[5] There are disagreements each year however on when Ramadan starts. This stems from the tradition to sight the moon with the naked eye and as such there are differences for countries on opposite sides of the globe.^[6] More recently however, some Muslims are leaning towards using astronomical calculations to avoid this confusion. For the year of 1431 Hijri, the first day of Ramadan was

Practices during Ramadan

Ramadhan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur'an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one 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 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.

Ayah 185, Sura 2 (Al-Baqara), translation by Abdullah Yusuf Ali^[7]

During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims refrain from eating and drinking from dawn until sunset. To prepare for the fasting, Muslims wake up before dawn and the fajr prayer to eat a meal (Sahoor). Muslims break their fast at Maghrib (at sunset) prayer time with a meal called Iftar. Muslims may continue to eat and drink after the sun has set until the next morning's fajr prayer call. Sexual activities during fasting hours are also forbidden.^[8] If a person forgets he's fasting and accidentally breaks it, he might spit out the food being eaten or cease the forbidden activity, immediately upon remembering the fast. This can usually happen in the early days of Ramadan because that person might have not yet been acclimated into fasting from dawn until sunset.

Ramadan is a time of reflecting , believing and worshiping God. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Purity of both thoughts and actions is important. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. It also teaches Muslims to practice self-discipline, self-control,^[9] sacrifice, and empathy for those who are less fortunate; thus encouraging actions of generosity and charity (Zakat).^[10]

Muslims should start observing the fasting ritual upon reaching the age of puberty, so long as they are healthy, sane and have no disabilities or illnesses. The elderly, the chronically ill, and the mentally ill are exempt from fasting, although the first two groups must endeavor to feed the poor in place of their missed fasting. Also exempt are pregnant women if they believe it would be harmful to them or the unborn baby, women during the period of their menstruation, and women nursing their newborns. A difference of opinion exists among Islamic scholars as to whether this last group must make up the days they miss at a later date, or feed poor people as a recompense for days missed.^[11] While fasting is not considered compulsory in childhood, many children endeavour to complete as many fasts as possible as practice for later life. Lastly, those traveling (musaafir) are exempt, but must make up the days they miss.^[12] More specifically, Twelver Shī‘ah define those who travel more than 14 mi (23 km) in a day as exempt.^[ Prayer and reading of the Qur'an

In addition to fasting, Muslims are encouraged to read the entire Qur'an. Some Muslims perform the recitation of the entire Qur'an by means of special prayers, called Tarawih, which are held in the mosques every night of the month, during which a whole section of the Qur'an (Juz', which is 1/30 of the Qur'an) is recited. Therefore the entire Qur'an would be completed at the end of the month.

Ramadan is also a time when Muslims are to slow down from worldly affairs and focus on self-reformation, spiritual cleansing and enlightenment; this is to establish a link between themselves and God through prayer, supplication, charity, good deeds, kindness and helping others. Since it is a festival of giving and sharing, Muslims prepare special foods and buy gifts for their family and friends and for giving to the poor and needy who cannot afford it; this can involve buying new clothes, shoes and other items of need. There is also a social aspect involving the preparation of special foods and inviting people for Iftar.

Iftar

Iftar in Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Is Istanbul,Turkey

In many Muslim and non-Muslim countries with large Muslim populations, the faithful will abstain from food from dawn to sunset. At sunset, the family will gather the fast-breaking meal known as Iftar. The meal starts with the ritual eating of a date — just as Prophet Muhammad was believed to have done. Then it's time for a prayer to thank Allah followed by the meal. In many homes, this is a simple meal of fruits and vegetables along with traditional Middle Eastern fare.^[13]

Over time, Iftar has grown into banquets and small festivals. This is a time of fellowship with families, friends and surrounding communities, but may also occupy larger spaces at mosques or banquet halls, where a hundred or more may gather at a time. ^[14]

Most markets close down during evening prayers and the Iftar meal, but then re-open and stay open for a good part of the night. Muslims can be seen shopping, eating, spending time with their friends and family during the evening hours. In many Middle Eastern countries, this can last late into the evening, to early morning. However, if they try to attend to business as usual, it can become a time of personal trials, fasting without coffee or water.

CHARITY

Charity is very common in Ramadan. When walking down the streets of Cairo in Egypt at the time of the sunset prayer (Maghrib), not only people who are giving out dates and water are seen but several Mawaed Rahman aswell. Mawaed Rahman are free public eateries organized during the holy month of Ramadan. Mawaed Rahman are organized by the wealthy, in order to offer the needy and the poor a warm meal during iftar time. Normally, Mawaed Rahman are donated and financed by individuals. The location of the Mawaed Rahman are essential, since areas where a lot of people pass by are preferred, because that way the eateries can reach out to a greater amount of hungry. One of the factors which hinders individuals to host such eateries is the long bureaucratic work.

Laylat al-Qadr

Sometimes referred to as "the night of decree or measures", Laylat al-Qadr is considered the most holy night of the year^[16]. Muslims believe that Laylat al-Qadr is the night in which the Qur'an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Also, it is believed to have occurred on an odd-numbered night during the last 10 days of Ramadan, either the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29th.