Hi everybody,
As I promised I will now upload the reason for Muslims to fast.
Ramadan is the holy month in Islam. It is the 9th month of the Islamic Calendar and has either 29 or 30 days, which is defined by the lunar Calendar. As soon as the new moon is seen, Ramadan begins (not always of course. Just after the 8th Islamic calendar month). And after the following sight of new moon it will be "Eid" or Turkish people say "Bayram".
First of all: What is so special about Ramadan? Why isn't it a different month, which is so special?
- The epiphany of the Koran has happened in this blessed month: Ramadan. There is one special night in this blessed month called "Lailat ul-Qadr" which means "The Night of Assignation (not sure whether correct word)". The reason for it, why it is so special is because on that night the whole Koran, Allah's words, was brought into the Prophets heart. The following 22 or 23 years the Angel Gabriel brought these words on the Prophet Muhammad's s.a.w. tongue and he revealed it to the people.
- Ramadan is the only month which is mentioned by its name in the Koran.
So what is the meaning of Ramadan and why do we fast?
- Ramadan has several meanings. One of the meaning is "burning" and "melting". The Prophet s.a.w. said that Ramadan burns the sins and mistakes just like fire burns wood. So you become cleaner.
- It is said, that your wishes will become true, during that month. So many people pray a lot during that month.
- Another meaning is the sharpening of the sword of rationality/ reason/ sanity. Here, it means that the Muslims should sharpen their believe and they should act rational, be rational.
- One more meaning is a name of Allah. The believers [Al-Mu'min] as guests of God are invited for fastening in this holy month for releasing yourself of material pleasure. There will be a reward for the afterlife if you fast.
- It is said, that the doors of Hell are closed during that month.
And the most important reason for fastening: Fastening is one of the five pillars of Islam.
During this month you should remember the poor and the needy, their hungriness and their thirst. You should help people and try to become a better person.
It is the time of coming to one's senses. The time of searching the closeness of God, thinking of fellow men and doing good works.
There are a lot of more things, which you should do during Ramadan. I will post it in the following journal.
Of course, the best would be to be rational, and think of the poor and so on.. the whole life, everyday. But everybody knows that if everyday would be a "special day", it would not be that "special" anymore and you would forget about the particularity. So you would not be able to think of the Hungriness everyday. And you can even feel the Hungriness yourself, during Ramadan. You would also forget about trying to become better. We are all just humans. Ramadan in my point of view is also something which helps you to remember becoming a very good person and redeem a lot of good points (which are going to be uploaded in the next journal). And even trying to keep these good points for the rest of your life.
Have a nice time ^^.
Sahar
P.S.: Sorry if I do some mistakes in grammar or writing. Just tell me if there is something wrong. I am not perfect either ^^. And I am graceful for corrections. Who doesn't want to improve?
