ramadan mubarak
TRANSCRIPT
What is Ramadan:
Ramadan,is the ninth month of Islamic Lunar Hijri Calendar, is
marked by religious ritual of As-Saum (The Fasting), which is one of the five
Pillars of Islam. Fasting starts from early dawn (Suhur /Sehri) till sunset (Iftar). During this period one has to abstain from eating or drinking. The Lunar Calendar is 11 days shorter than the Gregorian Christian solar calendar, and hence the starting of the month of Ramadan predates by
11 days its occurrence in the previous Gregorian calendar. Thus,
the vagary of the changing of the day time and night time gradually gets assimilated uniformly in all parts of
the world.
"Whoever fasts during Ramadan out of sincere faith and hoping to attain Allah's rewards, then all his past sins will be forgiven". - Bukhari
Narrated Abu Huraira: Allah’s Apostle said, “When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.”(Sahih Bukhari )
What is Fasting?
In Ramadan, Muslims don't eat or drink anything at all from dawn to sunset. This is
called sawm and is one of the Pillars of Islam.
Muslims get up very early in the morning, before the sun rises and have Suhur. You can have your usual breakfast at this time. After this, you do not eat or drink until it is Iftar
time, when the sun sets.Since Muslims come from just about every place in the world, different families have
different foods they like to eat for their iftar or Suhur meal.
Our beloved Prophet used to break his fast with dates, that is why many Muslims eat
dates during Ramadan.
"Anyone who fasts for one day, Allah will keep the Hell-Fire away from that person for a distance equal to 70 years." [Al-Bukhari]
Do I have to fast?
All Muslims that have reached puberty, male and female, must participate in fasting during Ramadan. People who are elderly, sick or pregnant do not have to fast, however they may make up the days they have missed or pay to feed a poor person equivalent to these days.
[2:185] Ramadan is the month during which the Quran was revealed, providing guidance for the people, clear teachings, and the statute book. Those of you who witness this month shall fast therein. Those who are ill or traveling may substitute the same number of other days. GOD wishes for you convenience, not hardship, that you may fulfill your obligations, and to glorify GOD for guiding you, and to express your appreciation.
Prophet (S) said "there is nothing like fasting". Makes sense considering there's a separate Gate of Paradise made only for those who fast.