Ramadan
Ramadan begins on the evening of Sunday May 5, 2019. A greeting during this time of year is “Ramadan Kareem” (Arabic: رمضان كريم) which a Muslim friend tells me means something like “Munificent Ramadan.”
At this time Muslims commemorate the revelation of the Qur’an to Muhammad.
Ramadan is the only month of the year mentioned in the Quran,
Ramadan is the (month) in which was sent down the Qur’an, as a guide to mankind, also clear (Signs) for guidance and judgment (Between right and wrong). So every one of you who is present (at his home) during that month should spend it in fasting, but if any one is ill, or on a journey, the prescribed period (Should be made up) by days later. Allah intends every facility for you; He does not want to put to difficulties. (He wants you) to complete the prescribed period, and to glorify Him in that He has guided you; and perchance ye shall be grateful. (2:185; translated by Yusuf Ali).
During Ramadan, Muslims fast during the daylight hours of Ramadan believing that the breath of a person who is fasting is sweeter than the fragrance of musk to God. After sunset, the fast is broken (iftar).
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar, is the most sacred of four months when fighting is prohibited. The Qur’an states,
The number of months in the sight of Allah is twelve (in a year)- so ordained by Him the day He created the heavens and the earth; of them four are sacred: that is the straight usage. So wrong not yourselves therein, and fight the Pagans all together as they fight you all together. But know that Allah is with those who restrain themselves (Sura 9:36; translated by Yusuf Ali).
Ramadan terminates with the “little festival” called Eid al-Fitr. No fasting is allowed at all during this festival. In North America the festival begins this year on the evening of Monday June 3, 2019.
Did the Angel Gabriel really speak to Muhammad?
Here’s a resource to help Christians pray at this time.
