Ramadan is a special and blessed month in the Islamic calendar. It’s a time when Muslims around the world fast, pray, and increase their worship. Let’s explore some fascinating facts about Ramadan that kids will love!
1. What Is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the lunar calendar. It follows the month of Sha’ban and lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the new moon. Muslims fast from dawn to sunset throughout Ramadan, ending the fast at sunset with a meal called iftar. The month concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr.
2. The Quran Was Revealed in Ramadan
The greatness of Ramadan is magnified because it’s the month when Allah revealed the Quran to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). As mentioned in the Quran:
شَهْرُ رَمَضَانَ الَّذِي أُنزِلَ فِيهِ الْقُرْآنُ هُدًى لِلنَّاسِ وَبَيِّنَاتٍ مِّنَ الْهُدَىٰ وَالْفُرْقَانِ
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Quran, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs of guidance and criterion.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185)
3. The Night of Power (Laylatul Qadr)
One of the holiest nights in Ramadan is Laylatul Qadr, or the Night of Power. Worshiping on this night is better than a thousand months of worship. It occurs in the last ten days of Ramadan, and Muslims increase their prayers and devotion to seek its immense blessings.
4. Special Prayers – Taraweeh
Muslims perform a special prayer called Taraweeh after the Isha prayer during Ramadan. These prayers are performed in sets of two units (rak‘ahs) and are often completed in congregation at the mosque.
5. The Obligation of Fasting
Fasting in Ramadan is the fourth pillar of Islam. Every adult Muslim is required to fast unless they have a valid excuse. Allah commands in the Quran:
فَمَن شَهِدَ مِنكُمُ الشَّهْرَ فَلْيَصُمْهُ
“So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it.” (Surah Al-Baqarah, 2:185)
Fasting involves abstaining from food, drink, and sinful behavior from dawn until sunset.
6. Sunnahs of Fasting
Here are a few practices (sunnahs) that enhance the reward of fasting:
- Eating Suhoor: The pre-dawn meal before fasting begins.
- Delaying Suhoor: Eating Suhoor closer to Fajr time.
- Breaking the Fast Quickly: Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:“The people will remain on the right path as long as they hasten to break their fast.” (Muslim, Hadith No. 1098)
7. Acts of Worship in Ramadan
Ramadan encourages many acts of worship:
- Fasting: The primary act of worship.
- Reading Quran: Muslims try to complete the entire Quran during the month.
- Night Prayers (Qiyam al-Layl): Additional prayers during the night.
- Charity (Sadaqah): Giving to the poor, which holds great rewards in Ramadan.
- Kindness and Family Ties: Hosting family gatherings and sharing meals.
- Feeding the Needy: A common practice of providing meals for those in need.
8. The Virtues of Ramadan
The blessings of Ramadan are countless:
- Allah frees many from the Hellfire during this month.
- Forgiveness of sins for those who fast and pray sincerely.
- Entry into Jannah through Bab al-Rayyan, a gate reserved for those who fast.
- The gates of Heaven are opened, and the gates of Hell are closed, while the devils are chained.
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