Ramzan is the ninth Islamic month in which the Muslims fast. Fasting (roza) is one of the pillars of Islam which is practiced in the month of Ramadan. The order of fasting in Ramzan came in 2nd AH. This month lasts for 29 or 30 days depending upon when the new moon appears.
The word Ramadan is derived from the Arabic words ramida or ar-ramad; means scorching heat or dryness. The history of Ramzan dates back to the time when Quran was revealed to the Holy Prophet (SAWW) for the first time. The first revelation of Quran came in the month of Ramzan on Laylat ul Qadr.
“The month of Ramadan is that in which was revealed the Quran…” (Quran 2:185)
In Ramzan, the routine of Muslims completely changes. They get up an hour before the fajr azan and have their sehris. When the time of fajr comes near Muslims stop eating or drinking and do the neeyat of fasting by reciting the following;
وَبِصَوْمِ غَدٍ نَّوَيْتُ مِنْ شَهْرِ رَمَضَانَ
Translation: “I Intend to keep the fast for the month of Ramzan.”
Then after sehri, Muslims don’t eat or drink anything till maghrib azan. With the maghrib azan, Muslims break the fast by reciting the following;
اللَّهُمَّ اِنِّى لَكَ صُمْتُ وَبِكَ امنْت وَعَلَيْكَ تَوَكَّلْتُ وَعَلَى رِزْقِكَ اَفْطَرْتُ
Translation: “O Allah! I fasted for you and I believe in You [and I put my trust in You] and I break my fast with Your sustenance.”
Taraweeh and itikaf are important aspects of Ramzan. It is a prayer that is offered in Ramzan with isha prayer. Muslims pray taraweeh in Ramzan across the world.
Itikaf on the other hand is also a religious practice of Ramzan. In itikaf, Muslim men stay in mosque while women in separate rooms at homes for a specific number of days in the last ten days of Ramzan and devote themselves to the prayers and zikr while totally cutting off from the affairs of this world.
We all know that fasting is the Islamic pillar and Ramzan is all about fasting. Muslims fast in Ramzan from dawn to dusk. Fasting is also called as soum or roza. The word soum means “to control oneself.” So, in Ramzan during fast, Muslims control themselves form eating, drinking, smoking and sexual interaction.
Ramadan makes Muslims healthy as they keep away from eating anything the whole day during the fast which may clean their stomachs. Moreover, people can lose weight in this month which is good for many persons’ health.
Thus, Ramzan is a very important holy month of the Muslims that has the night of power plus this month comes with many blessings and rewards.
