Ramadan is the holiest month of the Islamic lunar calendar. This month holds exceptional significance for Muslims because of a variety of reasons. Muslims observe their obligatory fasts during Ramadan. In addition, many people also opt to travel with the cheap Umrah packagesfor the holy rituals of minor pilgrimage because of the higher rewards it holds.
Here’s what you need to know about Ramadan and its significance as the most sacred month in the Islamic lunar calendar.
When is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic year. It holds the status of the most sacred month in Islam. Since Ramadan is a month of the lunar calendar, it can be of 29 days or 30 days i.e. depending upon the moon sighting.
What do Muslims do in Ramadan?
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims observe their obligatory fasts throughout the 29 or 30 days. They refrain from eating or drinking anything as well as take care of other prohibitions that are imposed for a Muslim in the state of fasting, from Fajar (Suhoor) to Maghrib (Iftar).
In addition to stopping oneself from drinking or eating anything while fasting in Ramadan, Muslims also have to abstain from physical intimacy with their spouse.
Is fasting obligatory in Ramadan?
Yes, fasting during the holy month of Ramadan is obligatory for every Muslim who is an adult and physically capable of it. The only exceptions are those who are ill, children, and menstruating/breastfeeding women. Yet, they have to compensate for it either in the form of Fidyah or by observing the fasts later on.
What is best airline for the Umrah?
Qatar Airways is considered to best airline for the Umrah pilgrims because hub international Doha is located between the UK and KSA. Qatar Airways flights for the Umrah are best suited flights for the Umrah Pilgrimage.
Why Ramadan is the most sacred month in the Islamic culture?
1. Revelation of the Holy Quran.
It is the month of Ramadan in which the first ever revelation of the Holy Quran was made to the Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW).
Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) used to go to the cave of Hira for praying and meditation. However, one night when he (SAWW) was busy in prayers during Ramadan, Jibril (AS) came with the will of Allah Almighty and revealed the first few verses of Surah Al-Alaq to the Holy Prophet (SAWW).
This night is remembered with the name of Layla-tul-Qadar (the night of Power). Though the exact date of Layla-tul-Qadar is not specified, Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) advised Muslims to look for it on the odd-numbered nights of the last Ashra of Ramadan. Most scholars and Islamic historians believe that the 27th night of Ramadan is when Layla-tul-Qadar mostly occurs.
2. Hajj equivalence of Umrah rituals.
During the month of Ramadan, Umrah performance holds an equivalent reward of Hajj pilgrimage; specified in the hadith of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW). However, it doesn’t suffice for your obligatory Hajj pilgrimage i.e. only the reward is the same.
3. 3rd pillar of Islamic Faith.
In Ramadan, Muslims observe obligatory fasts. It is the 3rd fundamental pillar of Islam’s faith that every Muslim needs to fulfil.
Fasting throughout the month, from Sehar till Iftar is necessary for every adult Muslim, whether male or female. If you cannot fast for any genuine medical reason, you must pay Fidyah for it.
4. Celebration of Eid al Fitr.
The end of the holy month of Ramadan comes with the celebration of Eid-al-Fitar on the 1st of Shawal. It is one of the major festivals for Muslims one of the two Eids that Muslims celebrate. On this occasion, Muslims visit their relatives and friends, wear new clothes and eat together.
5. Paying of Zakat.
Though there is no specific time for the payment of Zakat, most Muslims do it in the holy month of Ramadan. If you are eligible to pay Zakat, you must do it necessarily because it is the 4th pillar of the Islamic faith.
6. Increased rewards.
Allah Almighty increases the rewards for every good deed in Ramadan. That’s why Muslims in this month;
- Increase the acts of charity.
- Offer additional prayers i.e. Taraweeh.
- Do Dhikr and Isitghfaar.
- Engage in righteous acts, physically and financially.
That’s why Ramadan holds the status as the most sacred month in the Islamic culture. You must also opt for Umrah rituals with Halal holidaysin Ramadan because of the higher rewards it holds.