In 2006, the Fiqh Council of North America decided they will no longer use naked eye sightings of the moon, but will use astronomical calculations instead to determine the start of Ramadan. Some Muslims believe that technology should be used to mark the true date.
They believe this unifies all Muslims, as well as carrying on the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad. Other Muslims believe that the sighting of the new moon from Saudi Arabia marks the beginning of Ramadan.
It's argued that unity within a known geographic location is more important than celebrating Ramadan with people who live in another country or continent. Choosing a local sighting includes those who do not have access to technology or fast communication.
One argument for accepting this is that Islam is regarded as a way of life for all people. Some Muslims believe that a new moon sighting from their individual country marks the start of Ramadan. Since Muslims live all over the world, but Islam started in what is now known as Saudi Arabia, they may not agree as to which country’s first moon sighting marks the start of the month.īut although Muslims do often start and end Ramadan on slightly different days, there is little real ill will, and it is forgotten once the fasting starts.
RAMADAN DAYS LEFT FULL
Since the month is full of blessings and marks the beginning of fasting, or sawm, accuracy is very important. There can be confusion and disagreement over the starting date of this month. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and as with all months in the Islamic calendar, its start is based on the sighting of the new moon. Others spend a few hours at the mosque or home.įind the dates for Ramadan 2014 in the multifaith calendar Confusion Some people live in the mosque during this time for serious reflection and worship. I'tikaf refers to going into seclusion during the last ten nights of Ramadan, in order to seek Lailat ul Qadr by praying and reading the Qur'an. These prayers also give Muslims a chance to meet at the mosque every day, and so they also help to improve relationships in the Muslim community. Mosques are filled with worshippers who go to attend these prayers, which usually last for one and a half to two hours. These are long night prayers, which are not obligatory, but highly recommended. Ramadan is intended to increase self-control in all areas, including food, sleeping, sex and the use of time. Fasting the whole month longĪlthough Muslims fast during other times of the year, Ramadan is the only time when fasting, or sawm, is obligatory during the entire month for every able Muslim. And ask Allah that He grant you a good end, so that He may accept our Ramadan from us.There are a number of special practices which are only done during Ramadan. And ask Allah to provide you with duration in doing righteous deeds and continuity in performing good acts. So be warned and again be warned of turning backward after having attained guidance of going astray after persevering. They are the ones who rush to do good deeds and they are the first to do them.” Rather, they are the ones who fast and pray and give in charity yet fear that it won’t be accepted from them. `A’ishah said: “I asked the Messenger of Allah concerning the ayah: ‘And the one who are given what they are given and their hearts tremble with fear.’ Are they the ones who drink alcohol and steal?” He said: “No, o daughter of As-Siddiq. They are tokens of reception and signs of success.įurthermore, the deeds of a servant do not come to an end with the end of a month and the beginning of another, rather they continue and extend until he reaches death. Indeed, steadfastness after Ramadan and the rectification of one’s statements and actions are the greatest signs that one has gained benefit from the month of Ramadan and striven in obedience. This is the true state of the slave, for indeed, the Lord of the months is One and He is ever watchful and witnessing over his servants at all times. If the Muslim lives through Ramadan and spent his days in fasting and his nights in prayer and he accustomed himself to doing acts of good, then he must continue to remain upon this obedience to Allah at all times. This is achieved by following the Straight Path, which is the firm Religion without drifting away from it, to the right or to the left. The Hadith is proof that the servant is obligated, after having Iman (faith) in Allah, to persevere and be steadfast upon obeying Him by performing the obligatory acts and avoiding the prohibited ones. Sufyan Ibn `Abdullah, may Allah be pleased with him, said: “O Messenger of Allah, tell me something about Islam, which I cannot ask anyone else besides you.” He said: “Say: ‘I believe in Allah’ and then be steadfast (upon that).”
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