Why muslims celebrate Ramadan and Eid?
The Islamic calendar consists of 12 months or 345-355 days a year. The ninth month of the Islamic calendar Ramadan, is one of the holiest of the year. During this month the followers of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) all over the world observe a time of fasting, prayer, community, and reflection.
It’s during Ramadan that the spirits of the Muslim are highest, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said, “When the month of Ramadan begins, the gates of heaven are opened, the gates of Hellfire are closed, and the devils are chained.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
But why are Muslims required to fast during the month of Ramdan? Why did the Prophet (PBUH) command his followers to observe Ramadan?
The Islamic Calendar
The Islamic calendar, Hijri calendar, or the Muslim calendar consists of 12 lunar months in a year with 345-355 days. The epoch of the islamic calendar is marked by Muhammad (PBUH) migrating from Mecca to Medina. The date of migration however, is the 8th of Rabbi Al-Awwal whereas, the first date of the Hijri calendar is 1st Muharram.
The 12 months are namely: Muharram, Safar, Rabi al-Awwal, Rabi al-Thani, Jumada al-Awwal, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhu al-Qadah, and Dhul-Hijjah, in order. Each month begins at the beginning of a new moon. There is no concept of a leap year and so the months retrogress access the seasonal year about 32.5 years each time.
The Significance of Ramadan
Ramadan holds a sacred status among the Muslim community. One key reason is that according to the Muslim traditional scriptures were sent down to the prophets during the month of Ramadan.
The Story of The First Revelation
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was known to spend hours meditating for hours in a cave near Makkah. The Jabl Al-Nur (The Mountain of Light) hosts the famous Ghar-E-Hira (the Cave of Hira).
During Ramadan (A.D 610) Muhammad (PBUH) set out to meditate in this cave and was visited by the Archangel Gabriel and received the first revelation.
The night when the Quran was revealed is called Laylat Al-Qadr (The night of Destiny). Both the sunni and shia sect of islam believe that the night of destiny falls somewhere around the last 10 days of Ramadan, the exact date is disputable.
It is on this night that that destinies are rewritten for the whole year. Muslims pay special attention to their prayers and worship during this night.
The most prominent practices during Laylat Al-Qadr include recitation of the Quran, attending religious sermons, congregational prayer, and staying vigilant till dawn offering voluntary individual prayer.
The prophet (PBUH) was reported saying, “…he who passes Lailat Al-Qadr in prayer with faith and seeking his reward from Allah will have his past sins forgiven.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari & Muslim)
What Does a Day During Ramadan Look Like for Muslims?
Ramadan begins with the first sighting of the new moon following Shaban. Muslims engage in the act of worship soon after the moon sighting, which is often celebrated by extending greetings and presenting sweets to other Muslim brothers.
On the same evening following the Isha prayers Muslims engage in the congregational Tarawih prayer.
The Tarawih prayers are additional nightly prayers Muslims offer throughout the Holy month. The Prophet (PBUH) was reported saying, “Whoever stands (in the voluntary night prayer of) Ramadan out of faith and in hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Sahih Al-Bukhari & Muslim)
On the next morning before the new dawn, the final meal, the suhoor is served. Upon hearing the morning prayer (Fajr) Muslims refrain from eating, drinking, anger, acts of sexual nature, and immoral acts. During the daylight hours Muslims continue their daily activities and prayers (Dhur, noon prayer; Asr, afternoon prayer) as they fast.
As the sun sets and the call for the Maghrib prayer is announced the fast is broken, traditionally with a piece of date and some water. However, Muslims all over the world have their own variation of the Iftar dinner which is usually an elaborate meal.
The cycle then repeats for the following 28 or 29 days until the new moon for the month of Shawwal is sighted. In addition to these practices Muslims engage in other acts of piety and spirituality including the recitation of the Holy Quran and participating in acts of public service. Ramadan to Muslims is a unique opportunity to strengthen their relationship with Allah and earn the rewards of paradise.
Who Should Fast?
Not every individual Muslim is required to fast during the month of Ramadan. According to the Quran adults who are both mentally and physically able must fast.
Those exempted from fasting entirely are; children, mentally or physically disabled.
Those conditionally exempted include; the sick; the elderly; travelers; women who are on their period, pregnant, or breastfeeding. For Muslims falling in the last category it is mandatory for them to make up for the fasting days missed on any of the days following Ramadan.
If the individual is unable to make up for the fasting days then upon consultation with an imam it is possible to feed a meal to the poor for each day of fast missed.
According to the Quran
Evidence for this is present in the Quran and the translation for it is as follows;
“O you, who believe. Fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you, that you may become Al-Muttaqun (the pious). (Fasting) for a fixed number of days, but if any of you is ill or on a journey, the same number (should be made up) from other days.
And as for those who can fast with difficulty, (i.e. an old man, etc.), they have (a choice either to fast or) to feed a poor person (for every day). But whoever does good of his own accord, it is better for him.
And that you fast, it is better for you if only you know.”
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan), he must fast that month, and whoever is ill or on a journey, the same number (of days which one did not fast must be made up) from other days.
Allah intends for you ease, and He does not want to make things difficult for you. (He wants that you) must complete the same number (of days), and that you must magnify Allah for having guided you so that you may be grateful to Him” (Quran; Surah Al-Baqarah 2: 183-185)
Rewards of Fasting
Fasting is an act of worship for Allah and Him alone. According to Muslim traditions the rewards of favorable deeds are multiplied during the month of Ramdan. However, the reward for fasting itself isn’t directly indicated in any reliable islamic traditions. However, the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) indicated that the reward for fasting is promised by Allah Himself and is therefore infinite and beyond our imaginations.
According to a narration the Prophet (PBUH) is reported saying, “Allah the Majestic and Exalted said: “Every deed of man will receive ten to 700 times reward, except Siyam (fasting), for it is for Me and I shall reward it (as I like). There are two occasions of joy for one who fasts: one when he breaks the fast and the other when he will meet his Lord” (Muslim)
Eid and Celebration
After spending a month of fasting Muslims all over the world anticipate the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal. The sighting marks an end to Ramadan and the beginning of celebration, the ‘Eid’.
As soon as the moon is sighted people extend their greetings to their loved ones.
There is no more congregational Tarawih prayer after the moon sighting and people begin their final preparations for the following morning. Streets come to life on this night as people head out to finish their eid preparations. Most notable women decorate their hands with Henna on the night before eid and families prepare their finest outfits for the morning.
On the morning of Eid Muslims dress in their best attire and the men sometimes accompanied by children leave their houses to attend the sermon and offer the congregational Eid prayer. Following this it is customary for the male members of the community to embrace and congratulate each other.
At home women and children enjoy sweets and delicacies. It is customary to visit one’s relatives and peers, and offer gifts on Eid. The idea is for the Muslim community to come together in unanimous celebration transgressing all boundaries of nation, culture, and race. On the second and third day of Shawwal celebrations continue as people continue to feast and rejoice with their loved ones.
Conclusion
Ramadan and Eid are two of the most important dates on the Islamic calendar. They are honored and celebrated wholeheartedly by Muslims all over the world. While Ramadan marks a month of devotion to religion and spirituality, Eid marks the celebration of a successful Ramadan. Muslims celebrate Eid being overjoyed with the acceptance of their acts of worship and strengthening their spiritual connection with Allah. It is truly a display of unity by the entire Muslim Ummah.
