Fasting

The end of Ramadan ushers in one of two major celebrations in the Islamic calendar. A day of festivities called Eid ul Fitr. In Arabic Eid means something which returns and is repeated every certain period of time. The word eid, however, has evolved to mean a festivity. The word Fitr is the root of the word iftar (breaking the fast) and denotes the end of the fasting month. It would be wrong to assume that Muslims celebrate the fact that they no longer have to fast, as Muslims indeed
are saddened by the passing of the month of Ramadan. The reality is that Muslims celebrate because God has allowed them to participate in and complete the month of fasting and spiritual reflection. Muslims celebrate the fact that God, in His infinite mercy and wisdom, may accept their deeds and reward them. Readmore

Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, can be 29 or 30 days long. An Islamic month begins with the sighting of the new crescent in the western horizon, immediately after sunset. Muslims look toward the western horizon for the new moon on the 29th day of Sha’ban, the eighth month. If the new moon is sighted, Ramadan has begun with the sunset but fasting begins with the next dawn. If the new moon is not sighted on this 29th day, Muslims complete 30 days of Sha’ban (the previous month) and Ramadan begins the following day. Readmore

One of the qualities of human nature that Islam encourages people to uphold is generosity. The need to be generous towards family, friends, neighbors, strangers and even enemies, is mentioned repeatedly throughout the Quran and the authentic traditions of Prophet Muhammad, may God praise him. There is no better time to talk about generosity then in the Islamic month of Ramadan.

These are the last days of Ramadan 2009 for Muslims across the globe. Consequently, Muslims are examining their lives and asking themselves if their day-to-day actions are pleasing to their Creator. The intense, devotion of Ramadan has caused the believers to examine their hearts and minds. Readmore

Allah (Subhaanahu wa Ta’aala) says:

“O you who believe, fasting has been prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you so that you may attain taqwa“,

[Soorah al-Baqarah, Ayah 183]. Readmore