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| Sunday, 14 November 2004 |
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Significance of Ramazan and Eid-ul-Fitr by Sity Kadija Cassim, President Muslim Ladies Study Circle If there is one month that can be designated the Islamic history month, then I think it has to be Ramazan. Traditionally known as the Muslim month of fasting, Ramazan is rooted in Islamic history. It is the month for striving against oneself and conquering one's will, but it is also the month marked by the most significant external struggles and triumphs in the history of Islam, namely the battle of Badr and the conquest of Makkah (Mecca). Ramazan's significance derives primarily from the fact that it is the month when the Quran was revealed to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). The Quran records the event: "The month of Ramazan is when the Quran was sent down as a guidance for mankind, with explanations for guidance and as a standard". Muslims recall how Prophet Muhammad received the very first revelation - "Read in the name of your Lord ..." - while meditating alone high up in the mountains around Makkah. The most significant Islamic event that took place in Ramazan was Fatah Makkah (the conquest of Makkah) on Ramazan 20, 8 AH (630 AD) when Muslims victoriously entered the city after being forced into exile for eight years and after 21 years of long struggle. This event marked the ultimate victory of the Islamic forces in Arabia and marked the beginning of a new era in the history of mankind. With the historical conquest of Makkah and the return of Islam to Arabia, the Kaaba was cleansed and purified. As he entered the Kaaba and smashed the idols, the Prophet recited, "And say, the Truth has come and falsehood gone, verily falsehood is bound to perish". Distorted The regulations about Ramazan in Chapter II of the Holy Quran are coupled repeatedly with an emphasis on aspects: (a) facilities and concessions given in respect of fasting (b) spiritual significance of fasting, without which fasting would be like an empty shell without a kernel. (c) help the less fortunate brothers and sisters. Charity is one of the foundations of Islam and performed during Ramazan will be rewarded additional merit. Unfortunately the manner in which it is done in Sri Lanka is distorted whereas in other progressive Muslim countries it is very well organized. Hopeful it will happen in Sri Lanka soon. The literal meaning of Saum (fasting) means to be at rest and it implies abstinence. The word Ramazan is derived from the word "Ramz" which means "to burn" and here it applies to the burning of selfish desires. The institution of fasting was enjoined upon the faithful in the second year of Hijra. Syed Ameer Ali writes: "The institution of fasting in Islam has legitimate object of restraining the passions by abstinence for a limited and definite period, from all gratifications of senses and directing the overflow of animal spirits into a healthy channel. "According to Hadith" when Ramazan commences, the gates of heaven are opened and the gates of hell are closed and the satans are chained. Sick persons & travellers are exempt from fasting - Allama Abdullah Yousuf Ali, in his commentary on the Holy Quran, writes, "Illness and journey must not be interpreted in an elastic sense; they must be such as to cause pain and sufferings". On the other hand Allah does not wish to burden the man who has permanent infirmity. For such a person the Quran states: "And for those who cannot afford it there is ranson, the feeding of a man in need". (2.184). Ramazan is a month of patience. Every Muslim during the course of this holy month has to observe utmost patience against all provocations. "The object of fast is to attain righteousness, patience in adversity steadfastness in deprivation and to increase one's power of resistance. Equal degree Fasting places everybody; the rich and the poor, the high and the low on the same pedestal. Both the well-to-do and the less favoured experience in common the pangs of hunger and privation to an equal degree. End of Ramazan is followed by Eid ul Fitr - thanksgiving to Allah for the successful culmination of this holy event. All Muslims young and old attend the mosque on this day in the morning thereafter visit the gravesides of their dear departed souls. |
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