9 Unknown Facts of Ramadan
So finally the blessed and the most awaited Islamic month is here which is none other than Ramadan. Soon after the sighting of the moon, Muslims from all over the world buck up to stay spiritually divine all throughout the month. While fasting is the compulsion levied over the Muslims, which is also one the five pillars of Islam, there are also many other important facrs that many actually don’t know about this precious month. Herein is a small bucket-list of those unknown factors due to which Ramadhan gains a special and really an important rank in Islam.
1.Ramadhan is actually “scorched earth”.
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Tracing its roots to the Arabic origin, the word Ramadan has many meanings. From “scorched ground,” to “parched thirst” and from “sun baked ground” to “scorching heat,” the word includes such typical feelings that any fasting Muslim may feel during his/her respective fast. This is because the fast not only entails any Muslim not to eat anything but also abstains him/her from even drinking even a sip of water.
2.Fasting is compulsory for only those who can sustain it.
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Fasting during Ramadan is compulsory for only those who are physically mature or adults. Children and aged people can easily get a pass from fasting as they can be affected from abstaining from food. Along with that, people who need to take regular medicines, patients, pregnant women and menstruating women are also given a leave. The sole purpose of fasting is actually to drive Muslims closer to their Lord, Allah but at the same time Muslims are also given a leave if they feel that they cannot sustain the same.
3.It’s not only about eating.
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Fasting during Ramadhan is actually more than just not eating and drinking. Ramadan is actually a blessed month that tends to bring Muslims closer to their Lord, Allah. And for doing so fasting is levied. Fasting does not simply mean abstaining from eating but it also includes abstaining from all those things that can be immoral including lying, backbiting, abusing, cheating, indulging in sexual relationships and the likes.
4.The last 10 nights of Ramadhan are very very important.
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Muslims believe that the holy book Koran was sent to Prophet Muhammad SAW during Ramadan. However since the exact date is not confirmed, Muslims indulge themselves in extra devotional prayers during the last odd numbered nights of this month. These nights are called The Nights Of Qadr which means The Night of Power. And it is among these nights one is there which is still unknown, that is so important that it is considered as better than one thousand months.
5.A month of devotion and celebration.
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Every Muslim will relate to this fact that Ramadan is not only a deeply engrossing devotional month but is also a celebrational one. The very idea of coming close to Allah becomes a matter of celebration in itself. And it is due to this fact that many Muslims indulge in grand preparations like organizing Iftar parties and making grand lip-smacking dishes like Haleem and Nehari.
6.Fasting ensures health benefits.
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While fasting always means to be an essential way for being devotional, it also can ensure better health benefits. As per one conducted survey, fasting can help in reducing bad cholesterol levels and Low Density Lipoprotein. It can also increase good cholesterol levels as well as High Density Cholesterol levels, thus protecting you from cardiovascular diseases.
7.The month of generosity.
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Since Ramadan is the holiest month, Muslims tend to donate as much as possible. Poor people tend to flock in numbers only because most of the Muslims actually like donating as charity is also one of the five pillars of Islam and if that is done in Ramadan the virtue is expected to be more.
8.Different timings for breaking fast.
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Since Islam is divided mainly into two sects, Sunni and Shia, the times for breaking the fasts for both these sects are also different. On one hand, while the Sunnis break the fast during sunset, when the Maghrib azaan is heard, the Shias wait for complete darkness.
9.Changes of date
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Ramadan is never the same every year. Since Muslims follow the lunar calendar, Ramadan tends to come earlier every year, thus covering almost every season along with ensuring different seasonal experience.
