Ramzan(Ramadan) and Eid Al Fitr- A complete history about Ramadan
Read this article to know the details of Ramzan (Ramadan) and Eid Al Fitr one of the most important festivals of the Muslims. The importance of Ramzan month is that the holy Quran which is a guidance, direction and means of salvation to the followers, was revealed in this month by the Allah from heaven to the Prophet Muhammad. In short it is a month of Prayers and spiritual activities.
Ramzan – Ramadan of 2011 is from 1st to 30th August for Kerala
Ramzan started on the 1st August this year in Kerala and will be observed till 30th. All the Muslims of Kerala and other parts of the world will observe this Ramzan month with devotion and dedication to Allah spending the time with prayers, thinking and doing of good things . Surrender to Allah with praying and fasting from sun rise to sunset. During the entire period of the Ramzan month in addition to the normal Namaz of 5 times during the day, a Tarawih – a special prayer is held at the Mosques in the night attended by the faithfuls. The last 10 days will be observed with more fervor and devotion by remaining in secluded devotion, absolutely abstaining from sensual pleasures. Laylat al-Qadr (Shab-e-Qadr), in plain words a night of power, decree, destiny, measure and value, is one of the 2 most important anniversaries for Muslims. It is on this night Prophet Mohammad Nabi realised the first few verses of the Quran (Islamic Principles). On the anniversary day of this realization by Prophet is observed by tilawat (reading the Qur'an) by al the Muslims. Observation of this night which falls on the 27th night of the Ramadan month is considered as a most auspicious act. Those of the Muslims who can afford their time will spend the last 10 days of Ramzan in the Mosques in remembrance to the god, for showing the way through the Prophet, by doing extra prayers and reading of Quran apart from the normal prayers. This part of the observations is known as the Itikāf meaning retreat. Religious discourses are held on all days of Ramzan in all the Mosques. Incidentally Islam conversion took place first in Kerala in India and probably in the entire South East Asia. This was by the conversion of the ruler of Kerala Cheraman Perumal who had the kingdom with capital as Kodungallur in Thrissur District of Kerala State. He got converted during the life time of the Prophet Muhammad purely voluntarily on his conviction of the principles of Islam.
Ramadan also known as Ramadhan, Ramadaan, Ramazan, Romjan and Ramzan is one of the months, the 9th one of the Islamic Lunar Calendar - era. Ramzan comes after the sighting the new moon after the month of Shaban. If the moon is not sighted then Ramzan starts after 30 days of Shaban. The period of Ramzan may be 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the moon. That is to say that if the moon is sighted in the night, on the 29th day of fast, then Ramzan is over and the month of Shawwal starts (so also Eid or Eid-ul-fitr) on the next day. The word 'Ramzan' has come from the Arabic words 'ramida' or 'arramad'. The meaning of the word is scorching heat and dryness of the ground -land. This is referred to the extreme heated condition of the land in this month. But in the religious circles and spiritually there are various interpretation of the word. Some feel that it is called Ramzan because the rituals of the month scorch the sins of the observers as the sun scorches or burns the land. Some others feel that the hearts and souls of the Muslims during this festival are most receptive and easily understand the essence of Islamism, easily remember the warnings against fault and guilt and the thought of Allah, the god easily come to the mind just as the sand and stone (the landscape of the Arab world) absorbs the heat of the sun. Yet others interpret this to represent the heat or the parched thirst of the stomach as a result of the intense fast observed during the day time in this month. During the fast even the saliva is not to be taken in. This corresponds to the English calendar months of August – September normally. This year -2011 ramzan starts on 1st August and ends on 30th of August for Kerala. Ramzan is the month for the Muslims to concentrate on their spiritual aspects and faith in the religion, worship, contemplation and bother less about the ordinary mundane activities. Ramadan rituals are nothing but busy schedule of deep and sincere worship, reading of Quran, purifying oneself from the bad thoughts and actions, being charitable and pursuing virtuous deeds.
As mentioned the fast is of the duration of one full month (during the holy month of Ramzan or Ramadan). During this month the Muslims (followers of the Islamic religion) are to follow some strict procedures or observations. Let us see what they are. During this holy month most of the Muslims will bear white dress symbolizing purity and the nights of Ramadan will be bright and joyous after the daylong fasts. Observation of Fast
The relevant quote of Quran on fast is "O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you many learn piety and righteousness". During the Ramadan month Muslims observe strict fast during the day time (during the period of Sun). This month they are not to take any food or drink during the daylight time. They abstain from sexual relations and smoking. During the fasting time the followers of Islam will engage themselves in pious activities like to be in peace, love, compassion and spiritual thoughts. They can eat only during the night I e during the time after sun set and before sun rise (during the period of moon supremacy - night). After the sun sets prayer is done and fast is broken by partaking food called the iftar. After the iftar normally the people go out to visit family members, relations and friends and in the morning again fast are resumed. Fast is observed (a) to purify the soul; (b) to experience hunger so that the difficulties of the poor and have nots are understood and (c) thereby develop compassion towards the unfortunates; (d) to thank and appreciate god – Allah for all the good, plenty and bounties given by him; (e) and last but not the least to improve or rejuvenate the health by breaking the cycles of the rigid habits. Fast is waived in respect of those who are sick, those who are on travel where the rituals cannot be observed, children before the age of puberty and pregnant women. Other Restrictions
It is not only restraining the stomach but other parts of the body are also supposed to be restrained. The tongue should not be used for foul languages, back biting others, slandering and telling lies etc; the eyes to be restrained from seeing things forbidden by the laws; the ears not to hear or listen to talk, songs or words which are not in the spirit for which the fast is undertaken; and restraining the heart and mind from indulgences except about the Allah / Zikr. During fast they should remember about those starving for want of food or water. Charity is the thing to be indulged in to the maximum extent. Benefits of observing Ramzan rules
Some persons have made researches about the effects of the Ramzan observations. (a) The practice lowers diabetes (blood sugar), lowers cholesterol and lowers blood pressure. (b) It helps to check diabetes, obesity and tension. (c) These are the physical aspects, and the psychological effects of the Ramzan are the benefit of mental peace and tranquility. (d) Personal hostility, antagonism and jealousy etc are at their lowest level. (e) The diseases and sickness are reduced and consequently the sufferings of the persons and their families. (f) The benefit for society is that the crime rate will be very less. (g) The extra prayer at the nights before breaking fasts will give additional benefic effects. (h) According to the study the rituals helps better utilisation of food by increase of the calories due to the effect of the extra prayer. (i) The mild movements with the prayer helps to utilize the extra calories derived and keep the joint in slightly better condition. (j) The memory is improved, the mind is tranquil and at peace because of the recitation of the Quran. (k) The festival increases the brother hood state reducing tension in the society. (l) Above all it helps to learn self control. Due to the curtailing of physical appetite one will go near to the god – Allah. Sadaqa Al-Fitr - Zakatul-Fitr (charity of breaking fast)
During the last few days of the Ramzan observation or month each family give a predetermined part of the income or earnings as donation, charity or gift to the poor and needy. This is mainly in the form of food, grains of local area like the rice, wheat, barley, dates, fruits etc. This system is followed to help the poor and needy to have holiday meals, so that they can take part in the Ramzan – Eid celebrations. During the fast they are not even swallow the saliva Charity during Ramzan Month
As per the Quran every Muslim is to donate or gift/ give as charity to the minimum level of 2.5% of their yearly balances to the needy, deserving and poor persons. According the prophet (pbuh) the charity given during Ramzan will earn the credit to the extent of 70 times in the books of Allah. Those who have nothing to give can give a kind word, consolation or smile as charity from their side. Some interpret the Quran provision on this as 2.5 kgs (5 pounds) of wheat. As per this the amount to donate will be10 kgs for a family of 2 adults and 2 children. It will be in multiple of 2.5 times of the number of members in the family. The elders are responsible for giving this amount on behalf of the non earning members. This is only the minimum limit. As already mentioned this charity is preferred to be given as non perishable staple food. Recommended items to be given are flour/wheat, rice, Barley, corn, dates and raisins. Any other staple food of the area not perishable is allowed. Eid Al Fitr – Festival of Eid Fast breaking
Eid means festive mood, happiness, joyful and fitr means returning to normal, restoration. In effect it is to give back the attention to the normal routine life by withdrawing the extra restrictions practiced during Ramzan. Eid is celebrated with maximum enthusiasm like the celebrations of other religions as the Onam of Kerala, Deepawali of Hindus, and Christmas of Christians etc. One of the main items of festivity is the new dress sets. Another is the feast. Third are social greetings to family members, relations, neighbors and friends. The Muslims of Kerala like their counterparts in other parts of India and abroad, will celebrate Eid with utmost enthusiasm. Eid Al Fitr may be celebrated upto 3 days by feast and visits of family members and relatives, depending upon the financial status of the family concerned. In Muslim majority nations 3 days holidays are declared. Eid Al Fitr
falls on the morning immediately sighting the new moon after the Ramzan month. That is the beginning of the next month – the Shawwal month. Everybody dresses up to the best possible extent with new dresses. A liberal applying of Attar or scent may be there. They all from all strata of life then assemble at the mosques to attend the Salatul Eid (Eid prayers) at their best. The priest will make a sermon followed by mass prayer (congregational prayers). After this whoever is met they will be exchanging the greetings of 'Eid Mubarak' (happy Eid). Those who have not given any charity during the Ramzan give the same during this time. This may be mostly in food items as already mentioned. Fasting on this day is considered as unislamic. This shows that every religion considers the giving food to the needy as the most sacred gift. It is a common feature to organize community meals. Now sometimes this is substituted by giving cash in place of kinds.
Eid Al Fitr is also spelt as Eid ul-Fitr, Eid al-Fitr, Id-ul-Fitr, or Id al-Fitr in different part of the world in different languages. General Information of Muslim Functions
Bakrid Festival
There is another important Eid celebration known as the "Eid Al-Adha" (festival of Sacrifice) to commemorate the Prophet's willingness to sacrifice his only son Ishmael (Ismail - Ismail) at that time. This was to appease the god for mitigating the sufferings of the clan and followers of Ibrahim. Just at the time of cutting the head, the god appeared and intervened. God provided Ibrahim (Abraham) with a ram to sacrifice in place Ismail. The meat of this sacrifice is divided into 3 portions. One third portions is for family, one third for relatives, neighbors and friends and the remaining one third for the poor and needy. This falls on the 10th day of 12th and last month of the Islamic Lunar Calendar known as Dhul-Hijjah. This function is known commonly as Bakr I Eid (Bakreid or Bakrid – sacrifice of goat). Incidentally both the Muslims and Christians claim Abraham (Ibrahim) to be the forefather of their religious heads Muhammad Nabi and Jesus Christ respectively. Public life
In the Islamic Nations National, state and local government offices, post offices and banks are closed. Islamic stores, businesses and other organizations may be closed or have reduced opening hours. Those wishing to use public transport on the day may need to contact the local transport authorities to check on timetables.
Large prayer meetings, parades and marches may cause local delays to traffic, particularly in areas with a predominantly Muslim population and areas that are close to large mosques.Some Recipes normally prepared during the Ramzan
Plain Pattiri, Coconut Pattiri, Egg Dipped Pattiri, Egg Vermicelli, Egg Circa, Fold Pattiri, Ghee Rice, Meat curry with Rice balls, Navabi Pulao, Fish Biriyani, Mutton Biriyani, Mutton Kuruma, Meat Pattiri (Koyada), Stuffed Fried Chicken, Chicken Hussaini, Cutlet, Shammi Kabab, Shahi Tukre, Haleem, Saviyan, Semolina Kheer, Kava (A special drink of Malabar Region) and water melon juice.
Islamic Months
As in any calendar there are 12 months of 29 or 30 days each. This calendar is based on lunar cycle and may not coincide with the Solar Calendar. While the English calendar is solar, India has both solar and lunar calendars in use. The Islamic months are Muharram, Safar, Rabia Awal, Rabia Thani, Jumaada Awal, Jumaada Thani, Rajab, Shaban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul-Qidah and Dhul-Hijjah.
Fasting and abstain is compulsory for all except those who have not reached the age puberty, those who are sick and those who are on travel outside the Muslim countries. But these people are to do the fasting later at their convenience. Forbidden Months
There are 4 months during which there is a truce from all hostile and fighting activities. The months are Muharram, Rajab, Dhul-Quidah and Dhul-Hijjah. This ban is to facilitate the trade and travel in the areas. Hajj pilgrimage
Hajj is the pilgrimage to Mecca (Makkah) in Saudi Arabia. It is one of the fundamental requirement of every able bodied Muslim to got at least once in the life time to Mecca on pilgrimage. The dress code is white dress to symbolize purity and austerity. The pilgrimage is undertaken during the 8th to 12th day of the month Dhul-Hijjah which is the 12 or the last month in the calendar. Those who can afford donate offer animals mostly sheep to sacrifice and to distribute to all. Those who have gone to this pilgrimage are called as Hajjis.
Comparison of Onam and Ramzan
Both are occurring near to each other. Both are the difficult times of the respective people. For the Islam world, the Ramzan mot is a parching month where no animals or vegetations were available and was a period of destitution due to the scorching heat. Karkidakam is the difficult period for Kerala due to the incessant rains cultivation was difficult and starvation is the reality to the overwhelming majority. For both the respective months are the months of prayers, reading of holy books, abstinences etc.
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