Ramadan 2016 – Complete the fast until sunset
Ramadan is the holiest month in the Islamic calendar, commemorating the appearance of the Archangel Jibril (Gabriel) to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the revelation to the Prophet of the first verses of the Qur’an.
Around the world, followers of Islam eagerly await the start of Ramadan, when they will once again spend a month fasting, penance, introspection, charity and spiritual reflection.
The essential
Ramadan (also called Ramzan) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Fasting, from sunrise to sunset, every day of the month, must be observed by all Muslims who are sound in mind and body, and who have passed the age of puberty.
Faithful observance of fasting is one of the five pillars of belief in Islam, and devotees are required to scrupulously adhere to the principles of fasting.
Abstention
During daylight hours, worshipers are urged to absolutely refrain, not only from eating and drinking, but also from succumbing to the temptation of indulging in any other physical need such as smoking, sexual activity, etc.
The month of Ramadan is much more than a mere deprivation of physical and psychological demands.
Reconnecting with God, practicing self-discipline, giving up negative behavior, giving alms, and purifying the soul are integral to the observance of the month.
Tomorrow afternoon
The fast begins every morning, with Al Fajr (morning prayer), and ends every day at sundown, with Al Maghrib (evening prayer).
During the month, this is a daily routine for devout Muslims. Specific categories are exempt from observing the fast: children who have not reached puberty, the elderly, pregnant women, nursing mothers, menstruating women, the insane, the sick, and travellers.
But, those who are exempt from observing the fast must feed at least one needy person every day or contribute alms equivalent to the cost of a meal for one person for each day that the fast is not observed.
The fast acts as a reminder of the deprivation experienced by millions of human beings who are not sure that they have even one full meal a day. The faithful praise and thank God for his generosity and joyfully share their God-given prosperity with the poor, the needy, and the underprivileged.
At sunset
The word ‘iftar’ literally means ‘breaking the fast’ and is highly apt to describe the breaking of the fast that has been observed during daylight hours.
Traditionally, the fast is broken by eating dates and drinking a cup of yogurt or water (but this can vary from country to country). The tradition stems from the act of the Messenger of Allah who used to break his fast with dates, or if there were no dates, with water.
Exchange
The breaking of the fast at sunset is both a family and community event. While the family can break their fasts in the privacy of their own homes, iftar also has significance as a community event. A community of families comes together, transforming the meal into a social event; one that also welcomes less fortunate members of the community.
The spiritual rewards for acts of charity during the holy month of Ramadan are especially abundant. Mosques also set up free tents, so that no faithful Muslim cannot break his end-of-day fast simply because of scarcity or other pressing circumstances.
ramadan night market
Ramadan is not only about solemnity, but also about celebrating the wonderful month.
Visitors, bargain hunters and hobbyists alike, can choose from a variety of eclectic products and services: fashion and fashion accessories, jewelry, automobiles, appliances, souvenirs, handwriting analysis, etc., while their children are mesmerized in the children’s play area with balloon twisting, wall climbing, sand art and entertainment as exotic as it is healthy.
It goes without saying that the huge food court with the most select world cuisine and the Play & Win area make the trip a complete family experience that will remain etched in your memory forever. With its bouquet of services like babysitting, taxi booking, a driver on demand, grocery shopping, one can entrust the homeless to a capable hand and enjoy the Ramadan market.
Make your Ramadan 2016 special by making God the center of your life, enriching your family life, caring for other living beings on the planet and joyfully sharing the gifts that God has given you.