What is Ramadan?

What is Ramadan?

The month of Ramadan (Arabic: رَمَضَان) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is the holiest month. The IRamadan (Arabic: رَمَضَان) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and is the holiest month. The Islamic calendar is lunar—relying on the phases of the moon to count the days of the month. Naturally, sometimes the month fluctuates between 29 and 30. Muslims eagerly anticipate spotting the crescent the evening before the beginning of the month of Ramadan. The sighting of the new crescent Moon marks the start of the month. On occasions like the beginning of the month of Ramadan or the night of Eid (Islamic Holiday), Muslims eagerly anticipate spotting the new crescent.

The month of Ramadan is a blessed month. It is the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed. In this blessed month, Muslims also believe that all holy books were revealed in this blessed month, such as the Book of Abraham, the Book of David, the Torah, and the Bible. Hadiths indicate the various titles of this month indicating its significance. Amongst the titles given are:

• The month of God. 
• The month of divine mercy and forgiveness.
• The month of burning sins.
• The month during which the gates of hell are closed.
• The month during which the gates of Paradise open.

Fasting and the month of Ramadan are intertwined–it is an obligation upon Muslims each day of this month to fast from dawn (Arabic: Fajr, فَجْر) to sunset (Arabic: Maghreb: مَغْرٍب), as God states:

“The month of Ramadan that wherein the Quran was sent down to be a guidance for mankind, and as clear signs of guidance and a criterion (between right and wrong). Therefore, let those of you who witness it fast in it. (2:185).”

Fasting in the religion of Islam is a means to self-reformation. The goal of this obligation is for the individual to acquire virtues of righteousness and reach the state of piety. As God states:

“O’ you who believe! Fasting is prescribed for you, as it was prescribed to those before you, so that you may attain the virtue of piety (2:183).”

To attain the lofty goal of self-purification, merely abstaining from physical needs such as food, drink, and intimacy is not enough. Islam teaches that those observing the fast must also refrain from moral vices such as lying and from sins that corrupt the soul. Fasting serves as a powerful discipline, freeing us from the bondage of desires, whims, and lusts, while cleansing the spirit from the stains of sin. The month of Ramadan provides the unique opportunity to engage in this holistic purification.