Ramadan 2012 / 1433 – The Muslim Month of Fasting
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar. It is during this month that Muslims observe the Fast of Ramadan. Dates for Ramadan 2012 (or 1433) are 20 July – 19 August.
Coinciding with Ramadan, we produce a booklet for the Christian world called, “30-Days of Prayer for the Muslim world” (which can be ordered here ).
The first evening of Ramadan
In many places around the world Muslims will be looking to the heavens this evening. They will be interested in knowing if they will be able to see the crescent moon. If it is visible this will be the signal for the beginning of the month of Ramadan. (In most countries religious authorities will make a proclamation concerning the beginning of Ramadan). No fasting will take place till tomorrow morning. Muslims will rise early to eat their breakfast before the day begins. Afterwards they will not have anything else to eat or drink till nightfall. This will be their daily experience during the next 30 days.
Fasting – Ramazan
Fasting is one of the Five Pillars of the religion of Islam and one of the highest forms of Islamic worship. Abstinence from earthly pleasures and curbing evil intentions and desires is regarded as an act of obedience and submission to God as well as an atonement for sins, errors, and mistakes. Called Ramadan (or Ramazan), Muslims fast during this holy month from the moment when it first starts to get light until sunset. Muslims fast as an act of faith and worship towards Allah, seeking to suppress their desires and increase their spiritual piety. Fasting together as a worldwide community – Ummah – affirms the brotherhood and equality of man before Allah.
Islamic Calendar
The Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle. The month of Ramadan is the ninth month and begins with a combination of the sighting of the new moon and astronomical calculations. The exact time of Ramadan sometimes varies from place to place as some rely heavily on the moon sightings while others depend on science. An Imam (Muslim holy man) will declare the exact time of Ramadan just prior to its commencement. The fasting period ends upon the sighting of the next new moon, which occurs after 29 or 30 days.
The lunar cycle changes each year. For example, this year Ramadan will be 22 August-20 September, but last year the dates for Ramadan were 01-30 September. (See our Islamic Calendar article for details .)
The Meaning of Ramadan
The name Ramadan is derived from the Arabic word ramida or ar-ramad, denoting intense scorching heat and dryness, especially the ground. From the same word there is ramdaa, meaning ‘sunbaked sand’ and the famous proverb Kal Mustajeer minar ramadaa binnar – to jump out of the frying pan into the fire. Some say it is so called because Ramadan scorches out the sins with good deeds, as the sun burns the ground.
The Special Feeling of Ramadan
Ramadan brings out a special feeling of emotional excitement and religious zeal among Muslims of all ages. Though fasting is mandatory only for adults, children as young as eight willingly observe fasting with their elders. Children look forward to the excitement of sighting the moon and eating special meals with their families. Adults appreciate the opportunity to double their rewards from God and seek forgiveness for past sins. As Ramadan emphasizes Muslim brotherhood and community all feel a particular closeness.
Muslims have to change their whole physical and emotional selves during this 30 long days of fasting. A typical day of fasting begins with getting up early, around 4:30a.m. and sharing a meal called Sahur together before the fast begins at dawn, about 5:10a.m. As dawn breaks, the first of five daily prayers, Fajr, is offered.
As the day proceeds, fasting Muslims are constantly bombarded with messages from their stomachs that it is time for breakfast, snack, lunch, and so on. And each time, Muslims remind themselves that they are fasting for the sole purpose of pleasing Allah and seeking his mercy. They offer the second and third prayers during early and late afternoon, respectively.
Fasting helps one to experience how a hungry person feels and what it is like to have an empty stomach. It teaches one to share the sufferings of the less fortunate. Muslims believe that fasting leads one to appreciate the bounties of Allah, which are usually taken for granted – until they are missed!
Throughout the day Muslims are encouraged to go out of their way to help the needy, both financially and emotionally. Some believe that a reward earned during this month is multiplied 70 times and more. For this reason, Ramadan is also known as the month of charity and generosity.
To a Muslim, fasting not only means abstaining from food, but also refraining from all vice and evils committed consciously or unconsciously. It is believed that if one volunteers to refrain from lawful foods and sex, they will be in a better position to avoid unlawful things and acts during the rest of the year.
Breaking The Daily Fast During Ramadan
The fast is broken at sunset. The Prophet Muhammad recommended breaking the fast with dates. Muslims are urged to invite others to break the fast with them. These gatherings are called Iftar parties.
Just after breaking the fast, and before dinner, Muslims offer the fourth of the five daily prayers, which is called the Maghrib prayer. After dinner, Muslims go to their houses of worship, called Mosques, to offer the Isha prayer, which is the last of the five daily prayers. The day ends with a special voluntary prayer, the Taraweeh, offered by the congregation reciting the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam.
The Last 10 Days of Ramadan
The last ten days of Ramadan are considered highly blessed, especially the 27th night which is also called the ‘Night of Power’, or the ‘Night of Destiny’. It is believed that on this night the prophet Muhammad received the first revelation of the Qur’an. For many Muslims, this period is marked by a heightened spiritual intensity and they may spend these nights praying and reciting the Qur’an.
After 30 days of fasting, the end of the month of Ramadan is observed with a day of celebration, called Eid-ul-Fitr. On this day, Muslims gather in one place to offer a prayer of thanks. It is traditional to wear new clothes, visit friends and relatives, exchange gifts, eat delicious dishes prepared for this occasion, and wait patiently for the next year.
We also have a special version “Just for Kids” and families:
What the Bible Says About Fasting
In the Bible, we do not find any one method of fasting required of us, but the Lord Jesus did say however, “when you fast…” (Matthew 6:16), seeming to assume that His followers would imitate His own example. We fast as an outward symbol of our devotion to God, being willing to deny ourselves food for His sake. Fasting adds intensity to our prayer, and often leads to breakthroughs. We do not fast to convince or persuade Him, but rather to identify with His broken heart and with His desire for all mankind to know Him. “Is this not the fast that I have chosen: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, to let the oppressed go free and that you break every yoke. Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring to your house the poor who are cast out.” (Isaiah 58:6 &7)
“Why Pray?” Video
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Oh, no Eos, it was not because I was mad that I did not reply, but because I was busy. In fact, I will not reply to any more because of my schedule and the fact that I know that my silly arguments cannot change your heart, only the word of God (the Bible) and God’s work in your heart.
I will forever hold to the fact that Jesus is Lord of all and I will always be hoping and praying for you. May you find true peace and rest within your soul in Jesus the Messiah!
Love always through Jesus Christ, Kak
please read this:
oh…alright ill miss talking to you. i didnt really see them as arguments as much though, you were right when you said they make you think. aaahhh i think i just started crying… geez, i really liked talking to you. probably because no one else listens…or understands.
and i really do hope you ALWAYS remain at peace, not just on earth but in heaven also, where you belong, …you’ve been a great friend.
with MY love always and forever, Eos <3
its quite odd how someone you dont even know can have sich a strong impact on you
Quiet Emotions
by Judy Burnette
I always wanted more from you
than you were willing to give;
So now we’ve gone our separate ways
each with different lives to live.
The bond will always be there
the friendship always intact;
But the time for us has come and gone
and the pages of time, you can’t turn back.
I will always be a friend to you
and wonder how you are;
The smiles and laughter I will remember
and our fights have become painless scars.
Sometimes on those busy days
when you’ve a thousand things to do;
Please let me glide slowly through your mind
and spend some time with you.
In that quiet moment
when you’re surprised to find me there;
Just remember even with the distance between us
I am still someone who cares.
Hi Eos,
As someone reading your posts. I just wanted to say that I’m sorry your christian friend has stopped talking to you. Surely relationship is what is needed most between Christians and Muslims. You seem very thoughtful and spiritual. Did you find a new christian friend to discuss your ideas with? I hope so.
May God lead you in the straight path and reveal Himself to you.
Jane
Surely relationship is what is needed most between Christians and Muslims. … Jane you could not have said it better. I didnt realize thats what I was feeling. I guess its a subconcious thing. No I have not, but and I havent come back since now. Ive been re – reading things, and its amazing how your views change and how you learn new things so quickly. Thans for your concern
Jesus said “I am the way and the truth and the life and whoever believes in me will not perish but live forever”
Dear EOS, I was reading some of your comments with KAK, and they do sound thoughtful.
I believe in the God of the Bible and not Allah because from a personal relationship with God. He saved me, He cares for me, and He answers my prayers!!! So God is real!!
He knows every problem that I face in life and whats on my heart and even when Im not living my life right… and every time I have something thats worrying me I pray to my God and I feel His presence and HE IS THE ONLY ONE WHO GIVES HOPE AND JOY
NO MATTER WHO YOU ARE OR THINK JUST COME TO JESUS HE WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE, He changed my life NOW I HAVE A POINT IN LIFE…
thanx and God bless u!
Is it Ramdan? I thought it is Ramzan.
it depends on which country you are from. Europeans use Ramazan/Ramzan, while Turkey/Middle East/ USA is Ramadan
This article was very insightful. I am looking at possibly doing full-time mission work in a Muslim country. It seems that Ramadan is an excellent way to connect to Muslims. The Bible talks a good deal about fasting. I am passionate about Christians being Christians in their own cultural context. For the Muslim who turns to Christ, the month of Ramadan can be a month of spiritual renewal and intimate devotion to God through Jesus Christ. Instead of fasting so that maybe God will save them, the Christian can celebrate Ramadan as a way of thanksgiving for what God did for them in Jesus Christ.
Adam, I think you are absolutely right. And as a full-timer myself, let me encourage you to go!
Hi there,
I have a question about this as it uses things from the Bible, what is your view on this as you are Christian I’m guessing so I thought it’d be best to ask you: http://www.islamicity.com/mosque/muhammad_bible.htm
To Kak: I can finnaly answer your question now.
What do we deserve for our sin, like what is the payment that we deserve? Or, to word it differently, if sinning is kind of like our job here on earth… and God is perfect and wonderful, then what do we deserve for our sin? Surely we cannot just have the occupation of sin here on earth and then when we get to heaven be ok when we see this completely merciful, wrathful (against people who oppose Him), powerful, just, right, holy God.
Theres this story, about Muhhamed (peace be upon him) and his friends. They were out in the city one day when they saw a woman becoming frantic, searching for something. They soon realized that it was a mother searching for her lost child. The moment she had found him she took him in her arms and held him there, showering him with kisses and affection. So Muhhamed turned to those around him and said “Could you ever imagine that mother burning her child?” The reply was “No.” He went on with “Imagine the mercy of that mother to her child. Now imagine that mercy multiplied infinitly. The mercy of Allah is even stronger than that!”
So then Kak, the child strayed from its mother. He made a mistake? So should she punish him? It was unintentional, he did not mean to cause her stress, but in his curiosity he brought chaos. God wont punish you as long as you come back to Him and call out to ONLY Him. Only to Allah. He would have accepted even Pharoah, a disbeliever who thought he himself was god, only if Pharoah would have called out …
That is the mercy of God. And NO! We were NOT put here to sin. Earth, is a filter per se. God put us here as a test, to see who the good and bad were. And yes we all do good and bad. But the “best” are the ones who follow God. Do you see now? He will always forgive us. Long as we ask.
When is Ramadan in 2009
George, in general, Ramadan is 22 August through 20 September 2009. Reasons for these dates are found via several sources which vary according to location and moon sighting. Some details are here >> 30-days.net/basics/calendar/
SEND LATEST PRAYER REQESTS FOR THE MUSLIM WORLD
Dr. Joel, the daily prayer requests are found here …>> ../category/ramadan/
An email version (daily excerpt) is also available here … >> http://www.30-days.net/resources/email/
Trust that helps.
WE CHRISTIANS SHOULD BE ON OUR KNEES FOR MUSLIMS FOR THE HARVEST IS READY BUT LABOURERS ARE FEW.KINDLY PRAY FOR INDIAN MUSLIMS THAT THEY MAY COME TO LORD JESUS FOR SALVATION.
why go to a mortal for salvation?? i always pray that non muslims would actually READ about islam more and find out WHY we believe so strongly… check out the reasons why people converted to islam
I think the INTENTIONS in the Ramadan tradition are to be admired.
It is almost impossible to imagine Christians all over the world agreeing on fasting and praying for one month to remind ourselves of our Blessings and our obligations towards the less fortunate around us.
I do think praying for our Muslim brothers is valuable and I admire this initiative but I think, that maybe we need to pray even more for our own sliding sense of Christianity especially in Europe and America.
Fortunately it is possible to say more than one prayer a day !!!
The peoples says muslims have growing because of birth rate i ask them a question if muslim growing by birth rate in germany they r not germans? in france the muslims not belong to france ?peoples in whole europe u will see europe will became muslims continent in 50 yrs but no one stop it because european christian peoples dont have faith in christainity the peoples of europe agree that there are more errors in bibles they have no answer of that errors thats why people converting to islam because they see the truth in islam . In 2006 in spain more than 3 lakh peoples convert to islam, in africa continet country like tanzania more than 50% are muslims because of converts, see the difference before all non-muslims comments.
I find christian belief very confusing. You believe jesus is god. and that jesus’s father is god. well if we are gods children, doesnt that make us gods too??! and why would god let his “son” be crucified like that? We believ that jesus was a messenger of Allah. He is not god. gods dont die. God Almighty has the greatest power. Do u seriously think a god would let himself be mercilessly killed? and how did his death allow you all to survive? that i REALY dont get. I think ALL of us should do some research before saying anything like this. I’ve heard of sooo many priests converting to islam, google them ask them WHY
christians dont understand why we are so strongly attached to our religion. read translations of the Holy Quran, find out WHY. dont just blindly say that your belief is true and our’s isnt. check it out. Oh, and while ur at it, google those priests who converted to islam. ask them why
Look, us Muslim’s dont belive that Allah had a son, No-one existed before Allah, Isa ( christians call him Jesus) in Islam is a Prophet But NOT the son of Allah
Salam,
Now we are in the month of shawal, that’s mean we have fast for 29 days in the month of Ramadhan.
Ramadhan and Eid is over, now every body is back to normal life.