Ramadan: Islam's Annual Period of Fasting
What is Ramadan?
When is Ramadan?
What place does Ramadan have in Islamic Theology?
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the annual celebration of the revelation of the Quran to Mohammad. It is said that Mohammad was fasting during the month of Ramadan around 610AD when the Angel Gabriel appeared to him and said, "Proclaim! (or Read!) in the name of the Lord and Cherisher, Who created man, our of a (mere) clot of congealed blood."Mohammad gave the month of Ramadan on the Islamic calendar as the prescribed month of fasting in this celebration. "Ramadan is the month in which was sent down the Quran as a guide to mankind, also clear (signs) for guidance and judgment (between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month, should spend it in fasting..."
Traditionally, Muslims only fast during the daylight hours, taking neither food or drink. However, at night, the Muslim may eat all he wants. Sexual activity is also forbidden. If a Muslims engages in sexual activity during Ramadan, he must fast for 60 days to atone for it and fulfill the fast.
At the end of Ramadan, orthodox Muslims celebrate with a feast, Id Fetr, which includes putting on new clothes, attending services at the area Mosque, and giving food and money to the poor.
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When is Ramadan?
Ramadan is a month in the Islamic Lunar calendar. Because the Lunar and Solar calendars differ slightly, Ramadan does not always fall on the same days on the Julian calendar each year. This can be especially difficult for Muslims living in the hot climate of the Middle East when Ramadan falls in the summer.[ TOP ]
What Place does Ramadan have in Islamic Theology?
Fasting during the month of Ramadan is clearly a requirement. Many Muslims believe that the period of fasting helps them become more spiritual, or, right with God. If a person claims to be a Muslim and does not fast during Ramadan, he will most likely not be considered a true Muslim in the eyes of others. Missing even a single day of fasting during Ramadan is a serious sin. There are exceptions for those with extreme health problems and travelers. Even then, if the Muslim does not fast at least one day during Ramadan he is looked down upon.In the Bible, fasting is encouraged when praying for revival, repentance, and other matters. It is never prescribed as a requirement, however. In contrast to Ramadan, God's love if of greater value than a simple observance.
"For food will not commend us to God; we are neither the worse if we do not eat, nor better if we do eat." I Corinthians 8:8.
"One man regards one day above another, another regards every day alike, let each be fully convinced in his own mind. He who observes the day, observes it for the Lord, and he who eats, does so for the Lord, for he gives thanks to God; and he who eats not, for the Lord he does not eat, and gives thanks to God." Romans 14:5-6.
In the Bible, God regards fasting as a matter of conscience and free will. In this way, God allows for an expression of love from free will. In Islam, fasting is a requirement in which God's great love is not equated.
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