Ramzan is here – it is the time to start afresh, and focus on establishing a close relationship with Allah (SWT).
Ramzan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, is commemorated as the month when the first verses of the Holy Quran were revealed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in 610 CE. Let’s have a look at some of the questions about the significance of the month of fasting and spiritual reflection.
1. What does Ramadan (Ramzan) mean?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar. The word Ramadan is derived from the Arabic root ramiḍa or ar-ramaḍ, which implies intense or scorching heat.
Imām al-Zamarkhshari said, ‘’When they changed the names of the months from the ancient language, they named them according to the seasons in which they fell, and this month fell in the days of intense heat and that is why it was named Ramaḍan’’.
Imām Qurtubi states that, ‘’It (this month) was named Ramaḍan because it burns the sins of people with righteous deeds.” (Tafsir al-Qurtubi v.2, p.271)
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said, "Whoever observes fasts during the month of Ramadan out of sincere faith, and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven." ~ (Sahih al-Bukhari Hadith 38)
2. Who can skip fast during Ramzan?
There are several people who are exempted from fasting during Ramzan such as:
· Pregnant women
· Mothers who are breastfeeding
· Women who are menstruating (Can skip some days and make up for the days later)
· People who are travelling
· The elderly
· Anyone suffering from health conditions or is mentally unstable.
Young children are not obligated to fast until they hit puberty. However, some children may choose to observe the fast at least for some days of the month in order to prepare for later years.
3. How can Muslims make up for missed days?
Able-bodied Muslims who miss some days during Ramzan can make up for it in the month followed by Ramzan i.e. the month of Shawwal. Muslims who are affluent and are unable to fast due to some reasons; are expected to give charity and meals to the needy.
“Fasting is for a precise number of days, therefore, whoever among you is sick or on a journey, will have to compensate with the same number of days at a later date. As for those who experience difficulty to do it, they have to feed someone instead. And whoever volunteers to do more, it is better for him. But fasting is better for you, if only you knew.” ~ (Surah Al-Baqarah 2:184)
4. How is Ramzan a source of purification for the mind, and body?
Ramzan is so much more than just refraining from food and drink. The Holy Quran urges believers to fast in order to get closer to Allah (SWT). We generally tend to take things for granted. By abstaining from regular things, for instance food and water, one tends to understand the importance of things and feel grateful for it.
Besides, fasting helps foster feelings of empathy and compassion for the less privileged. Fasting during Ramzan doesn’t only imply cleansing of body. It is to maintain balance and create harmony within your system – physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
5. What is the spiritual purpose of month-long fasting?
The spiritual purpose of Ramzan is to surrender, the submission to the creator, Allah (SWT).
Fasting during Ramzan is one of the five pillars of Islam, including prayer and charity. By observing fast during the blessed month of Ramzan, practicing Muslims can develop positive habits, and values that they can cultivate throughout the year. Ramzan is the time for attaining taqwa (piety), and spiritual introspection when self-restraint and will power is tested.
Apne nafs par qaboo paana - That's what Ramzan is about!
6. Is there penalty for breaking the fast unintentionally?
Muslims can skip or discontinue their fast if it affects their overall health. There is no penalty for such cases.
7. Why Muslims break their fasts with dates?
Traditionally, the fast is broken with dates, the staple fruit of the Arabia that has been cultivated there since thousands of years. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) used to break his fast with three dates during Ramzan.
Moreover, generally after fasting from sunrise to sunset, people tend to experience headache, and low blood sugar. Dates are a rich source of essential carbohydrates, potassium, and fibre which nourish the body after a day of deprivation.
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