What is Ramadan?

Islamic Holy Month — Part 1

Malik Saleem
Contributing Writer

Ramadan is an Arabic word which means  "heat" or "burning".  It is the ninth month of the Lunar Calendar.  It takes its name from the kind of wrapping of protection given to man and animals in the hot desert heat.  When a person is fasting, he or  she is under the burning heat of appetite for food and water. But while he is under this burning heat, a resistance to heat is building up internally.  The muscles of his will power build up under the test of the desire to satisfy his want for food and drink.

Fasting is the fourth pillar of  Islam. There are other forms of fasting in Islam, but the only obligatory fast is Ramadan. Ramadan is the month in which the Holy Quran began to be revealed to Prophet Muhammad over fourteen hundred years ago. The fast begins daily with a light meal before the sunrise and the fast is broken at sunset with dates or some fruit  preferrably. From dawn to sunset a more conscious effort is made to make all five prayers and read one thirtieth of the Holy Quran daily. Arguing, bickering and mental mastication is avoided. No sex with wife or husband during the daylight hours. Spare time should give way to contemplating the wonders of Allah's creation. Oh by the way, Allah means the definite G'd. Allah is neither male or female but is the source of excellence of both. In the Holy Quran, Allah says tell the " People of the Book" Jews and Christians that our G'd and your G'd is one and the same.

Children under the age of puberty are exempt from fasting unless at the discretion of the parent.  Oftentimes a child may be permitted to fast a portion of a day.  In addition, people who are sick or insane and taking medication should not fast . We know that there are exceptions, but careful consideration (with doctor) and using good common sense should be adhered to. Expectant women and females on there menstrual cycle are exempt.  The days missed in fasting during Ramadan can be made up later according to the merciful instructions in the Holy Quran.

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