Ramadan: Muslim's Month of Excitement and Family Gatherings

The month of Ramadan approaches and even the Muslim of weakest faith jumps for joy at the thought of all the excitement and family gatherings.

Funny how people always think of Muslims struggling and dying of thirst during Ramadan, but few really understand the extreme excitement that Muslims experience during the Ramadan holiday. The closer Ramadan gets, the more excitement grows among devout Muslims.

Like many other religions, Islam involves a belief in angels; an angel plays a major role during the period leading up to Ramadan.According to Islamic belief, Ramadan is a time when Angel Gabriel will come to earth and shake the hands of Muslims who are successful in completing Layalat al-Qadr. Muslims eagerly anticipate the month of Ramadan, as they imagine the thrill of that moment when they encounter an angel who has six hundred wings and a wing span that reaches as far as the eye can see. In Islam, it's believed that this creation of Allah appears to Muslims with one message:"Well done, oh servant of Allah."

What Can a Muslim Expect During Ramadan?

Visions of Angel Gabriel aside, what else elicits excitement among Muslims as they worship and fasting during the month of Ramadan? Millions of Muslims will be running to do as many good deeds as possible during this period of time. In Islam, it's believed that Allah will reward the fasting person with many blessings and rewards; for Muslims, seeking the ultimate pleasure of Allah is indeed the goal.

Ramadan also features lots of food and family gatherings for meals the mark the end of each day's fast. It's believed that anyone who feeds a fasting person will receive the same reward as the person who receives the meal. So there are many family gatherings and many occasions when the Muslim will be invited to partake in the breaking of fast with others.

 

Good Deeds Increase the Excitement of Ramadan

For Muslims, one of the most exciting elements of Ramadan involves giving to charity and doing all sorts of good deeds. There is the required zakat (charity for the needy) that must be provided by Muslims each year, but many will do more than the bare minimum. Zakat is calculated based on the amount of money, silver and gold that's held for one year.

Over and above the required 2.5% zakat, is charity or "sadakah" which is also given to the poor and needy. Muslim families often compete with each other to see who can contribute the most to the needy within the community. In Islam, the silent charity is regarded as the best form of giving. It is also considered ideal to give all sadakah directly to the poor person. The purpose of sadakah is to ensure that the poor and the needy can enjoy Ramadan, along with the the more financially stable and wealthy individuals.

For many Muslims, there are few experiences that surpass the joy and excitement of witnessing the face of a Muslim who receives a gift, like a package of food or money. The month of Ramadan is a time of fellowship and unity among members of the Islamic community.

Family Gatherings at Ramadan

Although all family gatherings bring excitement and joy, they do cause many fasting Muslims to feel over-stuffed and lazy; it's comparable to the feeling that many Americans experience following a large Thanksgiving dinner. So while it may be tempting to relax following a meal and gathering, Muslims believe it's important to keep up with religious activities like late night prayers and other forms of worship. It is also forbidden to overeat after a day of fasting as this would take away from the reason for fasting. Fasting is intended to serve as a reminder that there are those who must go without food and other necessities.

While many Muslims are invited to family gatherings, it is each person's responsibility to return the favor. So many Muslims make plans to invite loved ones over for a dinner that is specifically prepared to reap the reward that they believed Allah has promised. It's believed that when inviting others over for a dinner to break the fast, the host should present a plentiful meal with a few delicacies so as to make the fasting person say a dua (supplication) for the host.

 

Sending Free Ramadan Cards to Family and Close Friends

The internet has served as a way to increase the excitement of the blessed Ramadan season, as Muslims can now send e-cards via the web. By simply a click of a button or mouse, a card is sent to all loved ones. Flashing and shinning Ramadan cards showing mosques, crescent moons and stars. It is indeed part of the excitement of Ramadan to send everyone a greeting card. Here are some links to make the job easy:

• Ramadan-Cards
• 123 Greetings

For the Islamic community, Ramadan and all of the associated excitement is regarded as a gift from Allah. Ramadan is a month of fasting, prayer and giving praise to Allah, The Creator. Muslims believe the reward is heaven, having sins forgiven and the future meeting with Allah.

Learn About Muslim Fasting in the Month of Ramadan

All Muslims must fast in the month of Ramadan unless they are traveling or ill. During Ramadan, Muslims hear no evil, speak no evil and worship Allah.

Ramadan comes but once a year and it is a time when the Muslim must live the life that was dictated by the Quran and the sunnah (ways of the prophet). It's said that Allah needs nothing from the Muslim who fasts, but speaks and hears evil words during this very significant month in Islamic culture.

Abu Hurairah reported that the Prophet Mohammad, (peace and blessings be upon him*) explained, "Allah does not need the fast of one who does not abandon false speech or acting according to his false speech." [Bukhari and others]

 

Intention of the Muslim Fasting in Ramadan

At the start of Ramadan, all Muslims must begin by silently reiterating their intention to fast the entire month of Ramadan. This is done in the heart, not verbally. It's said that it's sufficient to reiterate the intention to fast at the beginning of the month; it's not necessary to make the intention daily. The mere act of beginning to fast is an act upon the intention to complete the requisite Ramadan fast, which occurs from dawn to dusk.

There are Blessings in the Suhoor for Muslims Fasting

It is sunnah (usual practice in Islam) to have suhoor (light meal before beginning the fast) and there are many blessings at this time. The suhoor, which should be very light, will help the Muslim to handle the fast with greater ease. There are many hadiths on the blessings of the suhoor.

A companion said, "I entered upon the Prophet and he was taking the Suhoor and he said: "It is a blessing which Allah has given to you, so do not leave it". [Ahmad and an-Nasa'i; Sahih].

Why should a Muslim fasting partake of suhoor? It's said that Allah forgives the person eating suhoor and sends his mercy upon them. Muslims also believe that the angels will ask Allah to pardon the person eating suhoor and even the eating of a date or a sip of water could be counted as suhoor.

 

What is Forbidden While a Muslim is Fasting?

As stated above, the Muslim fasting must abstain from all bad talk and even listing to bad talk. This means that the television should not be watched except for news and shows on Islam. For even watching a most religious show may have commercials that have haram (forbidden) songs or deeds.

It is best to spend the time worshiping Allah with zikr (praise), reading Quran, doing voluntary prayers and doing good deeds. Charity given while fasting will bring great rewards to the Muslim fasting. The other things forbidden while fasting is intercourse, lying, backbiting and cursing. No food or drink is allowed or is smoking.
If the Muslim fasting is in dire need of an inhaler to breathe with, this is permissible. It's believed that acts such as going to the dentist should be postponed unless an emergency. Injections are allowed if the fasting Muslim is ill or requires medical attention. Keep in mind that Muslims are not required to fast if they feel that they are too ill to do so.

 

Study the Quran While Muslim is Fasting in Ramadan

It's said that one of the best deeds a Muslim can do during Ramadan is to recite the Quran. Most Muslims fasting will endeavor to read the entire Quran over and over during the month of Ramadan. It is forbidden to read the Quran in less than three days during other times of the year, but in Ramadan, this does not apply. Many scholars and religious people recited the Quran daily during the month of Ramadan, for it's believed that every word read in the Quran is equal to ten good deeds.

 

Breaking the Fast in the Month of Ramadan

The fast was done humbly and the Muslim fasting sought the pleasure of Allah and his mercy. So before breaking the fast, one must make a dua (supplication) and ask for what is needed. Muslims believe that the dua of a fasting person is granted, as promised by Allah. When a dua is granted, it could be granted in the next life or it may involve the removal of a bad event that was previously part of the Muslim's destiny.
According to Abu Huraira, the Messenger of Allah said, "The supplications of three groups of peoples are not rejected; the du'aa (Supplication) of the fasting person when he is breaking his fast, the du'aa of the just Imam and the du'aa of the oppressed." [Tirmidhee, Ibn Majah and Ibn Hibbaan]

After making the dua, one must wait for the adhan (call to prayer) to be called and then break the fast with some dates) and some water. If no dates are available then just water.

The Muslim fasting should say before breaking the fast, "Allahumma laka sumtu wa 'ala ridhqika aftartu" (O Allah! For You did I fast and with Your bounties did I break the fast.). Then after finished eating the food, the Muslim fasting should say, 'The thirst has gone and the veins have recovered and the blessing is established if Allah wills.' [This translates into] 'Dhahaba dhamaa'a wabtallat al-urooq wa thabatal ajr inshaa'allaah.'" [Ahmad, Al-Baihaaqee]

 

Praying the Late Night Prayers

It is sunnah to pray the late night prayers (taraweeh) in congregation for men; this is voluntary for women. The blessings that are obtained from praying the taraweeh prayers are believed to be significant. Abu Hurayrah stated that, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings upon him*) said, "Whoever prays at night in Ramadan out of faith and in the hope of reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.” (Bukhari, Muslim)

Praying taraweeh prayers and then later in the night many Muslims fasting will pray Qiyam prayers which is prayed after midnight. In the last ten days of Ramadan, Mecca and Medina have Qiyam prayers televised. It is a time of great reward to participate in all prayers in the month of Ramadan.

*Muslims invoke Allah's blessings on the Prophet Muhammad whenever this name is mentioned.

Photo courtesy of Photobucket: amelz_05

How do Other Countries Celebrate Ramadan?

Ramadan celebrations around the world

Allah's Messenger said, "Ramadan, a blessed month, has come to you during which Allah has made it obligatory for you to fast. In it the gates of Heaven are opened, the gates of al-Jahim are locked, and the rebellious devils are chained. In it Allah has a night which is better than a thousand months. He who is deprived of its good has indeed suffered deprivation."

This verse we live by and hope by in all foreign countries and at home. Fasting the blessed month, as our most beloved Prophet Mohammad taught us, in hopes of pleasing Allah. Then seeking for laylat al-qadr to gain the reward of 1000 months. A hadith that spells everything that we feel, that we hope for and that we seek. Celebrations around the world are each different, but all have one thing in common, monotheism or belief in one God.

Who will go to heaven? Those who submit? What does submit mean? Doing what Allah and our messenger has prescribed for us. So fasting is prescribed for us, so we must submit so we can all go to heaven.

Being overseas during Ramadan can be a blessing in so many ways, as many who are overseas are in Islamic countries. In Arab countries they celebrate much the way as do American and Britain's, but with more intensity. The celebrations are more traditional overseas and more family oriented. Much emphasis is placed on charity and good will.

No family will ever go hungry during Ramadan as it is just not possible. The pleasure of Allah is sought every single day.


Sahih Bukhari Hadith 1.5

Narrated Ibn 'Abbas: Allah's Apostle was the most generous of all the people, and he used to reach the peak in generosity in the month of Ramadan when Gabriel met him. Gabriel used to meet him every night of Ramadan to teach him the Qur'an. Allah's Apostle was the most generous person, even more generous than the strong uncontrollable wind (in readiness and haste to do charitable deeds).

So the pleasure of Allah entails us being generous to our neighbors and the ones that have needs.

Ramadan around the world is a fabulous topic as it allows us to think about the people in Morocco, as they sit down to eat their regular Harira Soup. This soup is eaten every single day. It is made from lentils, meat of some kind with celery, tomatoes, onions (lots of them), hot spices such as paprika and saffron and some parsley and cilantro. From there we could go to Pakistan and India where we see the people seated on the floor, using their three fingers to eat some delicious "maglooba." A meal of rice, meat and potatoes. From there we could come down to Iraq, where the children are in the streets before the "suhoor" meal (morning meal before the sunrise) beating on their drums to wake everyone up.

As we travel around the world from Egypt to Saudi Arabia and see the different cultures and the different treats, we are reminded of one common thread. That is the thread of Allah. They all celebrate different, but each one runs to the Mosque to pray, to read Quran and to give very much charity. The smiles are on all the faces and everyone is happier than they ever were. There is merriment as they prepare the Arabic coffee to serve to all the guest and preparations to make the "Cake de Eid" (sweets made with dates). All of the people striving to out do the others.

We laugh much, pray more and become so devout in our late night devotion. What is the difference all over the world, many, but we all come together with one deity in the end and one love of our most beloved Prophet. May each one of you know the love of Allah and have Angel Gabriel shake your hands, congratulating you on a job well done on laylat al-qadr.

As EID and Ramadan passes by, we are now preparing for our next festival and all praying that we live to see another Ramadan. We pray that Allah accepts our good deeds and forgives our past. We pray that all Muslims have freedom, and they are warm this winter. Let us not forget the lessons learned in Ramadan and let us all join hands and hope for freedom for all.

Laylat Al-Qadr Prayers in Ramadan

I remember the very first time I saw Laylat Al - Qadr. It was after my husband had died and it was when I was all alone. I was living on the fifth floor, on top of a building in a one room home. I did not have a door, a kitchen or even a shower, but I saw Laylat Al-Qadr. I had been a Muslim for many years and did not really realize what I was missing. I had been taught in my school that if you worship on that night, it was like the worship of 1000 nights or around 83 years and I was taught a really beautiful prayer to say so Allah would grant us the blessings. But I had never seen the sun when it rose and I had never seen the miracle of Laylat Al-Qadr.

After my husband died, I started studying Islam thoroughly and I studied so hard that even the teachers said I knew more than them. I wanted to know my lord better than anything on this earth. He grew closer to me and I to him. As the hadith says:

Allah Almighty says in a hadith qudsi, "O My servant! If you take one step toward Me, I am taking ten towards you."

Oh how true that was and I was indeed closer. So, as I fasted each day and went to the Mosque to pray taraweeh prayer (late night prayers after Isha), I would rush home to watch the Medina salat and prayers. I watched how many people prayed to Allah and how many loved him so much. I so wanted to be one of them. Then after watching the prayers, I would read my Quran and do some zikr (praising of Allah). I could not sleep as this was a time to be close to Allah. At 2 am, I would pray again and do my dua (supplication) for everything I wanted and needed. The things I pray for in Ramadan is simple. Nothing for this life, nothing of financial gain, I pray for just one thing. I always ask Allah, that I wanted Angel Gabriel to come to me on Laylat Al-Qadr and shake my hands and he always does. I guess many may laugh, but I am serious.

So with my request in hand and believing very seriously that Allah will grant my dua, I go outside each morning to wait for the sun to rise. The true sign of Laylat Al-Qadr is when the sun rises with no rays. It will be like the shape of the moon and you can look directly at the sun. There are many old "wives tales", but you should not listen to them. Such as the dogs will not be barking, but you should only listen to the hadiths.

Abu Dharr reported that the Messenger of Allah (sallallahu alaihi wa-sallam) said: On the morning following Laylat al-Qadr, the sun rises without rays, resembling a dish, until it becomes high. [Saheeh

Muslim] Also, a report from Ibn Abbas (radiyallahu-anhu) informs that it is a moderate night, neither hot nor cold. [(hasan) Ibn Khuzaimah]

I sit in a chair outside the house and wait. I wait to see if the trees do indeed bow down to Allah and I wait to talk to the Angels. Each night I go and wave to all the Angels, looking for people who love Allah the most and each night I thank Allah for his mercy and blessings. Each night I ask Allah to bless my friends, to help the weak and the sick, to help our brothers in Iraq, Palestine, Chechnya and Afghanistan and each night I cry. I cry so hard as it can only be seen by Allah.

A sure sign that it is Laylat Al-Qadr is that I cry so much, I cannot stop. The tears flow like fountains. Yes, and each night I pray that Angel Gabriel comes and shakes my hand. So my very first sighting, I am sitting outside and the sun starts to rise and I watch it, as the very tip of the sun comes up. Slowly it comes and comes and then suddenly I see the most beautiful sight in the whole world. I have seen Jannah, not literally, but I feel as I am in Allah's presence. The sky is painted with the clouds all stretched out, as if Allah had painted the sky for me.

I fall down on the ground and I cry and cry. I take my hands and put them up to my face in amazement and I just can't believe so many years, I have missed this beauty and this wonder. I look all around to all the homes below and everyone is asleep, everyone is missing what I had seen. I jump up and down and run all around the roof and then I run in to pray. Allah Akbar, I am so happy, my heart just won't stop beating. I fall down on the ground and I knew for sure Gabriel had shook my hand, well maybe, well maybe.

Here is the prayer that I pray each Laylat Al-Qadr, read it like I do and wish what I do too.

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