Ramadan 2021: Importance of Ramadan, Know here what you must and must not do during the month of Ramzan

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and falls after the end of Shaban month. As one of the five pillars, or duties, of Islam, fasting during the month of Ramadan is mandatory for all healthy adult Muslims. Children who have not reached puberty, the elderly, those who are physically or mentally incapable of fasting, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and travelers are exempt.

Fasting during Ramadan means abstinence from all food or drink, including water and chewing gum, from dawn to sunset. A fast is called a ‘roza’ which is governed by the idea of practicing self-restraint. Fasting is undertaken from early morning to sunset each day.

The month of Ramadan lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on a sighting of the new moon to signal the start of Ramadan and then another moon sighting to determine the end of Ramadan and the start of the next month, Shawwal.

What you must and must not do during the month of Ramzan

YOU ARE EXEMPT FROM FASTING IF YOU ARE: 

• Pregnant
• Sick
• Menstruating
• Travelling long distances
• Children are not required to fast but they’re welcome to learn by participating, such as fasting up until lunchtime.

WHEN TO EAT

Before sunrise, Muslims eat a prefast meal known as suhur. After sunset, Muslims break their fast with iftar.

FORGETTING TO FAST

Consumption of any food item due to absent-mindedness or by mistake will not have any negative effect on one’s fast nor make it invalid hence, a person can immediately repent and continue with their fast after realising they have consumed something due to forgetfulness.

SOME RULES OF RAMADAN

1. You can brush your teeth and rinse your mouth but it’s not permitted to swallow any water, or you would invalidate the fast.
2. It’s also fine to swim, bathe or shower
3. If you need injections for medical reason, it’s perfectly acceptable to continue these and the fast will not be broken.
4. Abstaining from food, liquids and sexual activity from dawn to sunset.
5. You must not be in a state of janaba. This is an Islamic term meaning impurity after sex, ejaculation or the completion of the menstrual cycle. A person in this state must wash so that they can become ritually pure and take part in Ramadan fasting and prayers the following day. The full-body cleansing ritual they must undertake is known as ghusl.
6.  Refraining from false speech, insulting, cursing, lying and fighting is a must for Muslims all though their lives but observed more strictly during Ramadan so as to not negate the reward of fasting.
7. Do recite the Quran.
8. Offer prayers five times a day.
9. Donate and reach out to those in need.
10. Do not listen to music/songs.
11. Instead of watching TV, oversleeping or shopping, make constructive use of time. Remember, Ramadan is the time for nurturing discipline.

Allah has made Laylat al-Qadr in the  month of Ramadan, which is better than a thousand months, as Allah says…The Night of Al-Qadr is better than a thousand months. Therein descend the angels and the Rooh [Jibreel (Gabriel)] by Allah’s Permission with all Decrees, there is peace until the appearance of dawn.

It is stated in the Quran that Allah says يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوا۟ كُتِبَ عَلَيْكُمُ ٱلصِّيَامُ كَمَا كُتِبَ عَلَى ٱلَّذِينَ مِن قَبْلِكُمْ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَتَّقُونَ (Al-Baqarah 2:183) O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous

Muslims celebrate  Eid-ul-Fitr after Ramadan. Eid-ul-Fitr has a particular salat (Islamic prayer) that consists of two rakats generally performed in an open field or large hall. It may only be performed in congregation and features six additional Takbirs (raising of the hands to the ears while saying “Allāhu ʾAkbar”.

Ramadan is a gift from Allah (SWT); an opportunity for Muslims to capitalize on and earn His blessings and a way to seek salvation and forgiveness.