What is Ramadhan?
Ramadhan is a month in the calendar of the Islamic calendar (Hijri). Unlike a modern calendar that refers to the sun this calendar refers to the cycle of the moon. There are 12 months in the hijriyah calendar ie. Muharram, Safar, Rabiul Awal, Rabiul Akhir, Jumadil Awal, Jumadil Akhir, Rajab, Sya'ban, Ramadhan, Syawal, Djulkaedah, Djulhijjah.
Why Mubarak? Why Fasting?
Ramadan in Islam is a month that is believed to be full of blessings (Mubarak). In this month in the belief of a Muslim there is 1 night better than 1000 months, and on this special night the Qur'an was revealed for the first time to the prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The Quran Says:
"(The specified days are) the month of Ramadan, the month in which the Qur'an was revealed (the beginning) as a guide for humans and explanations about the instructions and differentiators (between the right and the vanity). Therefore, if any of you is present (in the land where he lives) in that month, then let him fast that month. And whoever is sick or on the way (then he breaks), then (it is obligatory for him to fast), as much as the day he left, on other days "(Verse al-Baqarah: 185).
The above verse also answers why Muslims fast in this month, that is because they are solely ordered by God, that's all.
"O believers, it is obligatory for you to fast as required of those before you so that you will be devoted" (Qur'an, Al Baqarah: 183).
So when do they start fasting?
When they saw the new month of Ramadan was formed. You can calculate it based on the moon cycle, but it doesn't need to be that complicated, Islam is revealed to every human being so it must be carried out in a simple way. The Qur'an mentions if you see it (a new moon is formed) then fast, and end when you see a new moon formed (next month) then it ends. So there is a full month to fast.
Full month fasting?
Yes but not 24 hours of course. They refrain from eating, drinking, have a sex and other fasting cancellers, from dawn to sun set. Outside of that time free as usual.
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:
"Whoever fasts Ramadan on the basis of faith and hopes for a reward from Allah, then his past sins will be forgiven." (Narrated by Bukhari no. 38 and Muslim no. 760).
So congratulations on fasting, hopefully you will get blessings.
Welcome Ramadhan
Ramadhan Mubarak!
Trikus
