Who invented ramadan

Muslim men pray in Kuwait City's Grand Mosque just before daybreak, during the holy month of Ramadan. The tradition began in the seventh century and commemorates the month when the Prophet Mohammed retreated to a cave north of Mecca for spiritual contemplation.

Each year since, Ramadan's weeks of spiritual introspection build toward Laylat al-Qadr, or the "Night of Power," believed to be the holiest night of the year, according to BeliefNet. Shia Muslims recognize it as the 23rd night of Ramadan, while the Sunni observe it on the 27th night of the month.

The Quran describes this singular evening of worship as "better than a thousand months. It marks the day when Muslims believe the angel Gabriel began giving Mohammed revelations from God. Read More.

The Islamic calendar follows the lunar year and is therefore usually 11 days shorter than the solar year on the Gregorian calendar. Related Ramzan: Some lesser known practices and rituals. The month of Ramzan gains specific prominence since Muhammad recorded that he started receiving the revelations of Quran during this month August AD of the Gregorian calendar.

While the month is clearly mentioned, the actual date is unclear. And what will explain to you what the night of power is? The night of power is better than a thousand months. Fasting during Ramzan The idea of fasting existed in pre-Islamic Arabia, so did the notion of fasting as atonement for sins.

The Quran mentions that those who cannot go to Mecca due to illness should redeem themselves by fasting, or if an oath is broken, then abstinence from food for two months was written. Muhammad too must have kept fasts while in Mecca, but things changed upon his move to Medina, where his arrival in September AD coincided with the Jewish Day of Atonement. This was the day when Moses had descended from Mount Sinai with the new tables from God.

This was later stretched to a month, since that was a unit of period of holiness most familiar to the Arabs. Over time, the practice is said to have resulted in the three stages of observing Ramzan. Thus, the current observance of Ramzan by Muslims around the world includes elements that were assimilated over time in Islamic practices, however, the concept of abstinence during the month of Ramzan definitely pre-dates the institutionalisation of the religion itself.

This article was also published on Scroll. Knowledge Traditions Practices and Rituals. Shruti Chakraborty The author is a trained journalist, travel and food writer, and currently Editor, Digital at Sahapedia. Read how Muslims, although often misunderstood, are thriving in America. The Quran consists of chapters and is taken to be the direct words of God , or Allah. Together they form the religious texts of Islam. During Ramadan, Muslims aim to grow spiritually and build stronger relationships with Allah.

They do this by praying and reciting the Quran, making their actions intentional and selfless, and abstaining from gossiping, lying, and fighting. See how American Muslims celebrate Ramadan. Throughout the month Muslims fast, also refraining from drinking and sexual intercourse between sunrise and sunset.

Fasting is obligatory for all Muslims, except for the ill, pregnant, traveling, elderly, or menstruating. Days missed fasting can be made up throughout the rest of the year, either all at once or one day here and there. Read about Ramadan with your kids.

Meals are opportunities for Muslims to gather with others in the community and break their fast together. Pre-dawn breakfast, or suhoor , usually occurs at a. The evening meal, iftar , can begin once the sunset prayer, Maghreb , is finished—normally around Since the Prophet Mohammad broke his fast with dates and a glass of water, Muslims eat dates at both suhoor and iftar.

A staple of the Middle East, dates are rich in nutrients , easy to digest, and provide the body with sugar after a long day of fasting. During these three days of festivities, participants gather to pray, eat, exchange gifts, and pay their respects to deceased relatives. Some cities host carnivals and large prayer gatherings, too. This year, the coronavirus pandemic is disrupting Ramadan observances across the world, closing mosques and upending plans for traditional suhoor and iftar gatherings.

But while celebrations might be subdued this year, the spirit of this centuries-old tradition will remain the same for many as a time for piety and self-reflection.

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