Ramadan

What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, when Muslims fast
during daylight hours.
There are several reasons why Ramadan is considered important:
*. The Qur'an was first revealed during this month
*. The gates of Heaven are open
*. The gates of Hell are closed and the devils arechained up in Hell.
The Qur'an revealed
The month of Ramadan inwhich was revealed the Qur'an, a guidance for
mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between
right and wrong)
[al-Baqarah 2:185]
The actual night that the Qur'an was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad
is called Lailat ul Qadr , and to stand in prayer on this one night is
said to bebetter than a thousand months of worship.
Ramadan is often called 'month of the Qur'an' because of this, and
Muslims attempt to recite as much of the Qur'an as they can during the
month. Most mosques willrecite one thirtieth of the Qur'an each night
during the Taraweeh prayers.
No one knows on which particular night the Qur'anwas first revealed,
but it issaid to be one of the last ten nights of Ramadan.
The gates of Heaven are open and the gates of Hell are closed
It was narrated from Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) that
the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)
said:"When Ramadan comes, the gates of Paradise are opened and the
gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are put in chains."
(Agreed upon)
Muslims believe that their good actions bring a greater reward during
this month than at any other time of year, because this month has been
blessed by Allah.
They also believe that it iseasier to do good in this month because
the devils have been chained in Hell,and so can't tempt believers.
This doesn't mean that Muslims will not behave badly, but that any
evil that they do comes from within themselves, without additional
encouragement from Satan.
Almost all Muslims try to give up bad habits during Ramadan, and some
will try to become better Muslims by praying more or reading the
Qur'an.
Muslims believe that this is one way that the chaining up of the
devils is manifested, since there is no other reason for them to do
so.
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Special practices
There are a number of special practices which areonly done during Ramadan.
Fasting the whole month long
Although 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.
Ramadan is intended to increase self-control in all areas, including
food, sleeping, sex and the use of time.
Taraweeh Prayers
These are long night prayers, which are not obligatory, but highly recommended.
Mosques are filled with worshippers who go to attend these prayers,
which usually last for one and a half to two hours.
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.
I'tikaf
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. Some people live in the mosqueduring this time for serious
reflection and worship. Others spend a few hours at the mosque or
home.
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The date of Ramadan
Find the dates for Ramadan 2012 in the multifaith calendar
Confusion
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.
There can be confusion and disagreement over the starting date of this
month. Since the month isfull of blessings and marks the beginning of
fasting, or sawm , accuracy is very important.
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.
But although Muslims do often start and end Ramadan on slightly
different days, there is little real ill will, and it is forgotten
once the fastingstarts.
Sighting in each country
Some Muslims believe that a new moon sightingfrom their individual
country marks the start ofRamadan.
One argument for accepting this is that Islam is regarded as a way of
life for all people. Choosing a local sighting includes those who do
not have access to technology or fast communication.
It's argued that unity within a known geographic location is more
important than celebrating Ramadan withpeople who live in another
country or continent.
Sighting in Saudi Arabia
Other Muslims believe that the sighting of the new moon from Saudi
Arabia marks the beginning of Ramadan.
They believe this unifies all Muslims, as well as carrying on the
tradition of the Prophet Muhammad.:->