Ramadan, the Holiest Month for Muslims

Ramadan, the Holiest Month for Muslims

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim or Hijri calendar and the holiest month for Muslims. It has a central place in their lives spiritually, historically and culturally. During Ramadan, Muslims around the world hold rituals and ceremonies that are not held in other months of the year. Some of these rituals and ceremonies are specific to certain countries.

‘Ramadan’ is derived from the word ramdaa, which in Arabic means ‘intensely heated stones’ because Ramadan falls in the hottest months. Ramadan has great virtue for Muslims because it is the month when the Koran was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad in a cave called Hira as he was worshipping in seclusion. 

The Koran (Surah al-Baqarah, verse 158) says about this event: ‘It was the month of Ramadan in which the Koran was [first] bestowed from on high as a guidance unto man and a self-evident proof of that guidance, and as the standard by which to discern the true from the false’.

Laylat al-Qadr or Night of Power marks the night the first verses of the Koran were revealed to Mohammad. It holds particular significance for Muslims as they believe their prayers are answered on this night, although there is no consensus on exactly when this night falls in Ramadan.

Muslims are obliged to fast during Ramadan – the fourth pillar of Islam – by refraining from eating, drinking, sexual intercourse and other whims between sunrise and sunset, i.e. between the prayers of fajr and maghrib. 

The exceptions to this obligation are sickness, travel and menstrual periods in the case of women. However, the fasting days missed must be made up at another time of the year or an animal sacrificed for breaking the fast. 

In the Koran, God says: “Hence, whoever of you lives to see this month shall fast throughout it; but he that is ill, or on a journey, [shall fast instead for the same] number of other days.” In another verse, God says: “O you who have attained to faith! Fasting is ordained for you as it was ordained for those before you, so that you might remain conscious of God.”

Some days during Ramadan have a special status for Muslims due to their association with historical events. One of these is the Battle of Badr, the first war between Muhammad and his followers on the one hand and the Quraysh tribe and its allies led by Amr bin Hisham, on the other hand, in the second Hijri year (624 CE). The battle was named Badr after the place where it took place and ended in victory for the Muslims.

It was also Ramadan when the Muslims fought the Mecca Conquest, when the Muslims expelled by the Quraysh tribe returned to Mecca in the eighth Hijri year (630 CE). Similarly, the Battle of Ain Jalut took place in Ramadan, when Egyptian Muslim forces led by Saif al-Din Qutuz defeated the Mongols in 658 Hijri (1260 CE).

Many of the virtues of Ramadan and the virtues of good deeds therein are mentioned in the Prophet’s Muhammad’s hadiths and the Koran. Therefore, good deeds are done in abundance during Ramadan, especially reading from the Koran and taking part in individual and collective charitable works in Islamic countries.

In addition, Muslims observe many more rites and rituals than in other months, such as the tarawih prayer – also referred to as the qiyam (night) prayer – which is performed between the isha and fajr prayers. It is only observed by Sunni Muslims whereas Shia Muslims consider it to be bidah (a false innovation).

Itikaf, the practice of staying in a mosque for a certain amount of time or number of nights, devoting oneself to worship, is widespread during Ramadan. Itikaf is most common during the last ten days of Ramadan, which are believed to be the most rewarding and virtuous days. 

Muslims who choose to perform itikaf do not leave the mosque until the practice finishes. They spend their time praying and reading from the Koran.

Ramadan starts with the sighting of the crescent moon on the last days of the month of Shaban. The beginning of Ramadan differs from one country to another due to the different dates of the moon. 

How the month is celebrated also differs between countries. Sudan holds a zaffa celebration on the first day of the month, involving a procession of police officers and musical bands.

In Egypt, people hang decorations in the streets and buy lanterns for children to hang in the streets, a custom that dates back to the Fatimid era. There is also a Ramadan cannon, the firing of which signals the start of iftar, when the fast is broken. Moreover, the country is famous for its charitable iftar banquets, where people serve free food to passers-by, travellers or needy people in the streets.

There is also is a tradition of screening special television series known as ‘riddles of Ramadan’. In several countries, including Egypt, a masharati is responsible for waking Muslims before dawn to eat suhur, the meal consumed before fasting begins. The call is a joyful one as the masharati is surrounded by children as he plays a little drum and recites funny lyrics.

In Morocco, Ramadan is also marked by joyful rituals, notably the celebration of children who are fasting for the first time. Laylat al-Qadr is celebrated on the evening of the 26th day of Ramadan, when decorations and music become widespread and girls and women decorate their hands with henna.

Young girls fasting for the first time are placed on a small covered seat while boys are put on horseback, all of them wearing traditional Moroccan dress, kaftans for girls and djellabas for boys.

Special foods and drinks are typical for Ramadan. In Egypt, tamarind and liquorice are widely consumed, in the Levant they drink jullab (fruit syrup), in Morocco a lentil and chickpea soup called harira as well as nuts and dried fruits.

 Sweets are also common, such as kunafa in Egypt and shabakiyah in Morocco. Families often gather to share meals.

Before the end of Ramadan, every Muslim must pay zakat al-Fitr in the form of food and money to the community. The value of the donation paid is determined annually in each country according to that country’s standard of living.

Eid al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and takes place on the first three days of Shawwal, the month following Ramadan. It is characterized by manifestations of happiness as Muslims celebrate their fulfilment of the fourth pillar of Islam.

On the days of Eid, Muslims wear new clothes, and families, neighbours and friends visit each other. The practice of idiyah, giving children money as gift, is prevalent in some countries such as Egypt.

Eid is preceded by Waqfah Night, during which the moon of Shawwal is sighted. This night is also characterized by celebrations and has inspired many artistic expressions. For example, the song ‘On the Night of Eid’ by the Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum, which centres on feelings of togetherness and joy, can often be heard during this time.

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Ramadan and its Significance

Fasting during Ramadan was ordained during the second year of Hijrah. Why not earlier? In Makkah the economic conditions of the Muslims were bad. They were being persecuted. Often days would go by before they had anything to eat. It is easy to skip meals if you don’t have any. Obviously fasting would have been easier under the circumstances. So why not then?

The answer may be that Ramadan is not only about skipping meals. While fasting is an integral and paramount part of it, Ramadan offers a comprehensive program for our spiritual overhaul. The entire program required the peace and security that was offered by Madinah.

Yes, Ramadan is the most important month of the year. It is the month that the believers await with eagerness. At the beginning of Rajab — two full months before Ramadan — the Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, used to supplicate thus: “O Allah! Bless us during Rajab and Sha’ban, and let us reach Ramadan (in good health).”

During Ramadan the believers get busy seeking Allah’s mercy, forgiveness, and protection from Hellfire. This is the month for renewing our commitment and re-establishing our relationship with our Creator. It is the spring season for goodness and virtues when righteousness blossoms throughout the Muslim communities. “If we combine all the blessings of the other eleven months, they would not add up to the blessings of Ramadan,” said the great scholar and reformer ShaikhAhmedFarooqi (MujaddadAlifThani). It offers every Muslim an opportunity to strengthen his Iman, purify his heart and soul, and to remove the evil effects of the sins committed by him.

“Anyone who fasts during this month with purity of belief and with expectation of a good reward (from his Creator), will have his previous sins forgiven,” said Prophet Muhammad, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam. “Anyone who stands in prayers during its nights with purity of belief and expectation of a reward, will have his previous sins forgiven.” As other ahadith tell us, the rewards for good deeds are multiplied manifold during Ramadan.

Along with the possibility of a great reward, there is the risk of a terrible loss. If we let any other month pass by carelessly, we just lost a month. If we do the same during Ramadan, we have lost everything. The person who misses just one day’s fast without a legitimate reason, cannot really make up for it even if he were to fast everyday for the rest of his life. And of the three persons that Prophet, Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam cursed, one is the unfortunate Muslim who finds Ramadan in good health but does not use the opportunity to seek Allah’s mercy.

One who does not fast is obviously in this category, but so also is the person who fasts and prays but makes no effort to stay away from sins or attain purity of the heart through the numerous opportunities offered by Ramadan. The Prophet,Sall-Allahu alayhi wa sallam, warned us: “There are those who get nothing from their fast but hunger and thirst. There are those who get nothing from their nightly prayers but loss of sleep.”

Those who understood this, for them Ramadan was indeed a very special month. In addition to fasting, mandatory Salat, and extra Travih Salat, they spent the whole month in acts of worship like voluntary Salat, Tilawa (recitation of Qur’an),Dhikr etc. After mentioning that this has been the tradition of the pious people of this Ummah throughout the centuries, Abul Hasan Ali Nadvi notes: ” I have seen with my own eyes suchulema and mashaikh who used to finish recitation of the entire Qur’an everyday during Ramadan. They spent almost the entire night in prayers. They used to eat so little that one wondered how they could endure all this. These greats valued every moment of Ramadan and would not waste any of it in any other pursuit…Watching them made one believe the astounding stories of Ibada and devotion of our elders recorded by history.”

This emphasis on these acts of worship may sound strange — even misplaced — to some. It requires some explanation. We know that the term Ibada (worship and obedience) in Islam applies not only to the formal acts of worship and devotion likeSalat , Tilawa, and Dhikr, but it also applies to worldly acts when performed in obedience to Shariah and with the intention of pleasing Allah. Thus a believer going to work is performingIbada when he seeks Halal income to discharge his responsibility as a bread-winner for the family. However a distinction must be made between the two. The first category consists of direct Ibada, acts that are required for their own sake. The second category consists of indirect Ibada — worldly acts that become Ibada through proper intention and observation of Shariah. While the second category is important for it extends the idea of Ibada to our entire life, there is also a danger because by their very nature these acts can camouflage other motives. (Is my going to work really Ibada or am I actually in the rat race?). Here the direct Ibada comes to the rescue. Through them we can purify our motives, and re-establish our relationship with Allah.

Islam does not approve of monasticism. It does not ask us to permanently isolate ourselves from this world, since our test is in living here according to the Commands of our Creator. But it does ask us to take periodic breaks from it. The mandatorySalat (five daily prayers) is one example. For a few minutes every so many hours throughout the day, we leave the affairs of this world and appear before Allah to remind ourselves that none but He is worthy of worship and of our unfaltering obedience. Ramadan takes this to the next higher plane, providing intense training for a whole month.

This spirit is captured in I’tikaf, a unique Ibada associated with Ramadan, in which a person gives up all his normal activities and enters a mosque for a specific period. There is great merit in it and every Muslim community is encouraged to provide at least one person who will perform I’tikaf for the last ten days of Ramadan. But even those who cannot spare ten days are encouraged to spend as much time in the mosque as possible.

Through direct Ibada we “charge our batteries”; the indirect ones allow us to use the power so accumulated in driving the vehicle of our life. Ramadan is the month for rebuilding our spiritual strength. How much we benefit from it is up to us.

EID-ul-Adha & Qurbani

Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran, Chapter 22 Verse 34 :”And to every nation we have appointed acts of devotion (sacrifice) that they may mention the name of Allah on what He has given them of the cattle quadrupeds; and your God is one God, therefore to Him should you submit, and give good news to the humble whose hearts tremble when Allah is mentioned, and those who are patient under that which afflicts them”.

The act of sacrificing an animal is regarded as affecting the heart, as it is connected with righteousness, with submission to Allah, with humbleness of the heart, and patience under sufferings. So when one slaughters with the proper accompanying Intention and not for the sole purpose of eating the flesh on this occasion, one is again complying with the laws in the Holy Quran and completes yet another of the pillars of Islam. The animal sacrificed is symbolic of the animal in man (man’s nature). So, 

when he slaughters, he is reminded of the necessity to eliminate that “animal nature” which he has within him. It actually signifies the sacrifice of the sacrificer himself, and becomes the outward symbol of his readiness to lay down his life in the cause of the Supreme Creator of the universe. This sacrifice by the Muslims throughout the world on this particular occasion, is intended to let Muslim hearts beat in unison with the hundreds of thousands who have gone on Pilgrimage to Mecca (which is also a pillar of Islam and is compulsory on Muslims who can afford going there). 

They re-enact, as it were, the beautiful incident of old, where Almighty Allah had commanded Prophet Abraham (peace be upon him) to sacrifice his then only son. On finding him obedient and prepared to act on His command, Allah submitted a ram for him to slaughter instead of his beloved son. Our Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) confirmed this act, and always covered his head with respect during sacrifice. He would lay the animal down and gently stroke it, then, placing his foot on the body and uttering the words “In the name of Allah, Allah is Great. O Allah! This is a sacrifice from You and is for You” he would speedily severe its throat, allowing the blood to flow readily with the least possible pain to the animal. 

The sacrifice is done after the I’d prayer is over . The chosen animal must be free from any apparent physical defect and must be fully grown and healthy. In the case of a goat or sheep, one suffices, but if it a camel or cow, seven may be partners thereto. Because many poor and beggars in the community cannot afford to sacrifice, this occasion allows for charity, and when the sacrifice is over the meat is divided as is necessary (one third minimum be allotted for distribution to the poor), the meat is delivered to the homes of the poor so that they too can enjoy and participate on this day of festival. As Islam does not permit wastage, whatever is left over of the meat may be dried, cured or prepared, so long as it is consumed and not wasted. The skin also must be disposed of and the funds used for charity. Almighty Allah says in the Holy Quran, Chapter 22 Verse 37:”Nor their flesh, nor their blood, reaches Allah, but to Him is acceptable observance of duty on your part”.

WHY SHOULD ONE MAKE QURBANI?

According to Tirmizi Shareef and Sunan Ibn Majah, Hazrat Ayesha (radi Allahu anha) stated that Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) said, “The son of Adam does not do any action on the day of Qurbani which is more pleasing to Allah than the sacrifice of animals; and he will come on the day of Qiyamah with it’s hairs, horns and hooves (for reward); and the blood (of the sacrificed animal) certainly reaches Allah before it falls down to the ground. So make yourselves purified therewith.” 

In another Hadith related in Sunan Ibn Majah, Zaid bin Arqam reported that the companions of Rasoolullah (Sallallaahu alaihi wasallam) asked, “Oh! Messenger of Allah, what is this sacrifice?” He said, “The way of your forefather (Prophet) Ibrahim (alaihis salaam).” They said, “What is for us therein, O! Messenger of Allah?” He said, “There is one reward for every hair.” They said, “For wool, O! Messenger of Allah?” He said, “There is one reward for every strand of wool!”

WHEN MUST QURBANI BE MADE?

l Qurbani or Sacrifice is carried out from the 10th of Zil- Hijjah (i.e. from the day of Eid-ul-Adha) after the completion of the Eid Salaah and Khutba, till sunset on the 12th of Zil- Hijjah. The times of preference for Qurbani are the first day, i.e. the 10th of Zil-Hijjah from the completion of the Eid Salaah, followed by the second day and lastly the third day. l If for some reason, animals purchased for Qurbani are not slaughtered in the time and duration of the Qurbani period, i.e. 10th, 11th & 12th of Zil-Hijjah, then such animals must be donated alive to charity.

WHO SHOULD MAKE QURBANI? It is Waajib for every Muslim male and Muslim female who:-

a. has attained puberty (Baaligh)

b. is of sound mind (not insane)

c. possesses Nisaab for that moment in time, not necessarily for one Islamic calendar year (Nisaab is the value of excess wealth which makes a Muslim liable for Zakaah i.e. The possession of, or equivalent capital value of seven and half tolas gold (+ -3 ounces) or fifty two tolas of silver (+ – 20 ounces)

d. To make sacrifice in the Name of Allah l It is Waajib according to Imam-e-Azam Abu Hanifa (radi Allahu anhu) and Sunnat-e-Mu’akidda according to other Imams for Muslims to make Qurbani. l It is Waajib only for each Muslim male and female to make Qurbani for himself or herself; and not Waajib for him or her to make Qurbani for any other member of his or her family. It is only his or her duty to guide or instruct them to make Qurbani if they meet with the conditions of item in 1. above. 

In the same manner as Sadaqat-ul-Fitr, Qurbani is a Waajib obligation for Muslims every year on the occasion of  Eid-ul-Adha. It is not a once in a life-time duty. l It is permissible to make Qurbani in the name of Rasoolullah (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) and his Ummah or any other deceased Muslim as a Nafil Qurbani on condition that the person making the Nafil Qurbani has discharged his obligation in his own Waajib Qurbani first.

It is not Waajib or necessary for the following people to make Qurbani:-

a. one who has not attained puberty (not Baaligh) even if he or she possesses Nisaab.

b. A traveller (who is not yet Muqeem).

c. One who does not possess Nisaab during that specific period in time.

d. On who may be in possession of Nisaab bit has turned insane.

Any Muslim male or female who is not liable for Qurbani but purchases an animal for Qurbani for the sake of Almighty Allah, then the Qurbani becomes Waajib for him. Qurbani cannot be undertaken on behalf of another person upon who Qurbani is Waajib, without his or her prior consent.

WHAT ANIMALS MUST BE USED FOR QURBANI?

Only the following animals may be sacrificed for Qurbani:-

a. Goat and Sheep with a minimum of 1 year each.

b. Cattle with a minimum of 2 years.

c. Camels with a minimum of 5 years. Each goat or sheep suffices for Qurbani for one Muslim male or female; whereas each head of cattle or camel could represent the Qurbani for seven Muslim males and females, provided that:-

a. All seven participants have uniformity in Niyyah (i.e. either Qurbani or Aqeeqah).

b. All seven have an equal share, nobody is to have a larger portion than another even at the time of the distribution of the meat. It is permissible for less than seven people to have shares in a camel or a head of cattle for Qurbani; but not permissible for more than 7 people to do so.

WHAT TYPE OF DEFECTIVE ANIMALS ARE TO BE AVOIDED?

The animals for Qurbani in the Name of Almighty Allah shall be in prime condition of health and free from defects.

The following defects in animals disqualifies them from being used for Qurbani:- Animals without ears or more than one third of the ear is defective, partially blind (one third or more), or totally blind animals; animals with horns broken from the root; animals that have most or all their teeth missing; animals which have limbs broken or used three legs to walk; animals with a third or more or their tail cut off. Sick and emaciated animals that lack the ability to move or walk.

WHO SHOULD MAKE ZABAH OR SLAUGHTER AND WHAT IS TO BE RECITED?

Owners of Qurbani animals, whether male or female, who have the knowledge of making Zabah should slaughter their own animals. If other persons are appointed to slaughter on their behalf, then it is better for the owners of the Qurbani animals to be present at the place and time of slaughter.

Before slaughtering, the following Dua should be recited:

“Inni wajjahtu wajhiya lillazi fataras samawaati wal arda hanifaw wa maaa ana minal mushrikeen. Inna salaati wanusuki wa mahyaya wamamati lillahi rabbil a’lameen. La sharika lahu wabizaalika umirtu wa ana minal muslimeen. Allahumma minka walak.”

The person should then slaughter the animal reading: “Bismillahi Allahu Akbar.”

This Dua must also be read:

“Allahumma takabalhu minni kama takabalta min habeebika Muhammadiw wa Khaleelika Ibraheema alayhimas salaatu was salaamu.”

SOME IMPORTANT REQUIREMENTS ABOUT ZABAH

The knife for Zabah has to be sharpened to the optimum, and the slaughter should be carried out quickly and effectively to minimise the suffering sustained by the animal. The throat of the Qurbani animal should be cut in a manner to ensure that the gullet, the wind pipe and the two external jugular veins are severed.It is Makrooh to severe the entire neck including the vertebrae. At least 3 of the four vessels mentioned above ought to be severed to meet Shari’ah requirements of proper Zabah. 

Every effort should be made to ensure that animals are not slaughtered in the presence of other live animals. In the process of slaughtering, the knife should be concealed till the moment of slaughter and the animal should be placed such that it allows the person slaughtering the animal to face Qibla, as this is Mustahab. The skinning of the slaughtered animal and dismembering of body parts should not commence until the animal’s carcase has turned cold. If after slaughtering an animal it is discovered that the animal was pregnant and a live foetus appears in the belly, then it is necessary to slaughter that foetus.

DISTRIBUTION OF QURBANI MEAT TO NON-MUSLIMS

Distribution of Qurbani meat or any other charity (sadqa) to “Harbi Kafir” is not permissable at all. It is mentioned in Durr-e-Mukhtar: “Even though a Harbi Kafir is peace-wanting, charity is unanimously not permissable.” In Behrur- Raiq: “According to Shar’ah, giving something to a Harbi Kafir is not permissable, for no Sawaab can be gained through this.”

IMPORTANT ADVICE FOR MUSLIMS

Many people make Qurbani on behalf of their parents, grandparents, Prophets and Saints, and not on their behalf. By doing so, they are neglecting their Waajib and thus become sinners through this action. Every Muslim must first make Qurbani on their behalf first so that their Waajib is fulfilled. Only after the Waajib is completed and if one is able to do so, can Qurbani be made on behalf of others. 

It is preferable to make Qurbani on behalf of Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) as it is virtuous and beneficial and has his blessings. Our Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam) made Qurbani on behalf of all the poor people of his Ummah. This shows the love that he possessed for his Ummah. Therefore, every Muslim who is capable of making Qurbani on behalf of others should make Qurbani on behalf of our Holy Prophet Muhammad (sallal laahu alaihi wasallam).

ISLAMIC METHOD OF SLAUGHTERING

Those who are ignorant about the proper Islamic method that is carried out in the slaughtering of animals do not hesitate in criticising Muslims and in regarding this Islamic method of slaughter as primitive, barbaric and a cruelty to animals. The aim of presenting this article is to inform the public that the Islamic method of slaughtering an animal is most humane, painless and better than the current methods of mechanical and electrial stunning of animals that are normally done in abbatoirs.

In order for large meat industries and commercial establishments to provide a much higher production, they all favour the method of mechanical and electrical stunning. They regard all other methods of slaughter as cruel and even manage to get the support of Animal Rights groups to oppose the Islamic method of slaughter. In the Islamic method of slaughtering an animal, the animal is slaughtered by a sharp object which is capable of making it bleed by severing blood vessels. The slaughtering is to be done by cutting the throat of the animal or by piercing the hollow of the throat, causing its death. 

The best way is to cut the windpipe, the gullet, and the two jugular veins. The wisdom of the Islamic rules of slaughtering is to take the animal’s life in the quickest and least painful way; the requirements of using a sharp instrument and of cutting the throat relate to this end. No additional stunner is necessary. This method also allows for the most rapid and effecient bleeding of the animal. When the sharp knife enters the tissues of the neck, its cuts open four big blood vessels in the region. So much blood is lost so quickly that the animal becomes unconsious and feels no pain. When the animal convulses, one gets the impression that it is undergoing pain and suffering. 

However, this is not the case. In the Islamic manner of slaughtering, the spinal cord is not severed since the nervous connection between the brain and the body is maintained so that all the blood is squeezed out of the body. When convulsion takes place, the wringing actions of the muscles of the body on the blood vessels help to get rid of the maximum amount of blood from the meat tissue. In fact, the occurence of convulsions confirm that the animal is unconscious. 

Thus, the animal also does not experience any pain. In view of the above considerations, attempts to discredit the Islamic method of slaughter are ill-conceived. Based on scientific evidence, it should not be too difficult for individuals and groups to give up their attempts to interfere with religious beliefs and religious laws in general. The Islamic method of slaughter has stood the test of time and of scientific enquiry and remains by far the best, the most effecient and the safest.

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