Thursday, August 11, 2011

The Holy Ramadan

Ramadan is a holy month which is considered as one of the holiest months of the Arabic or the Islamic year. Every year it appears in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and this month is at least 29 or 30 days longer. Ramadan arrives not only in the Bangladesh but also the whole Muslim world with great festivity, serenity, philanthropy and sanctity. The holy Ramadan teaches Muslims about truth, humility, honesty, spirituality, superiority, discipline and patience. During the Ramadan which Muslim participates in the Ramadan they refrain from eating,
drinking and other all bad works. This holy month ends with the celebration of Laylat-ul-Qadar and the Eid-ul-Fitr.

The holy Ramadan is one of the important pillars of Islam and started was 610 A.D. When the prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SM) was said to have received revelations from Allah that later became Islam’s holy book, the holy Quran. The holy Quran states about this holy Ramadan that, “O you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may (learn) self-restraint. (Fasting) for a fixed number of days; but if any of you is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed number (Should be made up) from days later. For those who can do it (With hardship), is a ransom, the feeding of one that is indigent. But he that will give more, of his own free wills, it is better for him. And it is better for you that ye fast, if ye only knew. (It was) the month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong). So whoever of you sights (the crescent on the first night of) the month (of Ramadan i.e. is present at his home), he must observe Sawm (fasts) that month…When My servants ask you about Me, I am always near. I answer their prayers when they pray to Me. The people shall respond to Me and believe in Me, in order to be guided. Permitted for you is sexual intercourse with your wives during the nights of fasting. They are the keepers of your secrets, and you are the keepers of their secrets. Allah knew that you used to betray your souls, and He has redeemed you, and has pardoned you. Henceforth, you may have intercourse with them, seeking what Allah has permitted for you. You may eat and drink until the white thread of light becomes distinguishable from the dark thread of night at dawn. Then, you shall fast until sunset. Sexual intercourse is prohibited if you decide to retreat to the Masjid (during the last ten days of Ramadan). These are Allah's laws; you shall not transgress them. Allah thus clarifies His revelations for the people, that they may attain salvation.” [Sura Al-Baqarah 2: 183-186]

Laylat-ul-Qadar is the most important night in this holy month. This night appears among the last ten odd nights of Ramadan. People also pay their “Zakat” in this month to the poor people in the wealth of the rich people. This helps the poor to participate in the festival like Eid-ul-Fitr. The holy Quran stats about this Zakat that, “They ask you about giving: say, "The charity you give shall go to the parents, the relatives, the orphans, the poor, and the traveling alien." Any good you do, Allah is fully aware thereof.” [Sura Al – Baqarah 2: 215]

“You shall observe the Contact Prayers (Salat) and give the obligatory charity (Zakat), and bow down with those who bow down.” [Sura Al – Baqarah 2: 43]

This holy month divided into three steps. First 10 days called “Rahmat”, second 10 days called “Maghfirat” and last 9 or 10 days called as “Najat”. This holy month carries a historical importance as well. As already mentioned above, the revelations of the Holy Quran commenced in this month. The epoch-making 'Battle of Badr' and the 'Conquest of Makkah' also took place during the holy month of Ramadan.

Ramadan in Bangladesh is also a time to strengthen bonds between friends and family and all Muslims. In the Ramadan people eat their 'Saheri' at the end of the night but before the day’s first Azan (Fazar). When they hear fourth Azan (Magrib), people eat their “Iftar”. In Bangladesh, some special dishes are prepared during the Ramadan, such as Piazu, Baguni, Jilapi, Alur Chop, bot and Muri. People also participate in Tarabih prayers for their next day.

In the Ramadan, Bangladeshi towns and villages come alive with lights and decorations on the street, in shops and in the market place. People are very busy in this month for buying their necessary goods for Eid-ul-Fitr. In the Bangladesh’s capital (Dhaka), lots of people come here to buy their necessary goods. Besides Dhaka, Chittagong, Sylhet, Rajshahi and Khulna have luxury shopping mall.

This holy month educating the community about the Islamic religion and taking care of others. This is a great exciting month for the Muslims and also the Bangladeshi peoples. This is an important part of Bangladesh’s culture.

3 comments:

  1. The holy Ramadan educates all Muslim about their duties and responsibilities. Thank You.

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  2. I am very unhappy because this holy month is now over.

    ReplyDelete
  3. The Holy Ramadan teach us to know about humanity.

    ReplyDelete