What is Ramadan?

Answer

Ramadan is a sacred month in Islam and is distinguished by a period of obligatory fasting. Observance of Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. By fasting during this month, Muslims believe they receive spiritual rewards and become closer to Allah.

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, which follows the lunar cycle. Depending on the location, the start of this fasting month is determined by either astronomical calculations or sightings of the new moon, concluding at the next new moon. Ramadan officially begins when announced by a Muslim imam. Throughout Ramadan, Muslims seek Allah’s mercy and favor by fasting from sunrise to sunset. They refrain from consuming food, drinks, smoking, and engaging in sexual activity during daylight hours. It is believed that performing good deeds during Ramadan will result in a multiplied reward compared to the same acts in other months. Consequently, acts of generosity and charity increase during this period. Muslims are also encouraged to read the entire Qur’an and recite special prayers during Ramadan. The month concludes with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr, also known as the Festival of Breaking the Fast.

The term Ramadan originates from the Arabic word ramida, meaning “intense, scorching heat or dryness.” It is believed by followers of Islam that Ramadan purifies a person’s sins through good deeds. Muslims strive to suppress all sinful behaviors within themselves, abandoning vices and negative desires, to demonstrate their devotion to Allah and their anticipation of His mercy. Islam translates to “submission,” and the attitude of obedience and self-denial adopted during Ramadan epitomizes a Muslim’s submission to Allah.

Fasting is also practiced in Christianity. For Christians, fasting typically accompanies prayer and serves as a way to express profound distress and urgent needs. However, there are significant distinctions between a Christian fast and the Islamic practice.During the month of Ramadan, it is important to note that the New Testament does not mandate fasting. Even in the Old Testament, Jews were only required to fast once a year, on the Day of Atonement. Christian fasts are voluntary rather than obligatory.

Furthermore, Christians do not believe that fasting can atone for or eradicate sins. While self-denial is a longstanding practice in Christianity (see Mark 8:34), the biblical concept of self-denial differs significantly from the Muslim perspective. In Islam, self-denial is viewed as a means to earn Allah’s favor. Conversely, for Christians, self-denial is a natural outcome of a transformed heart and a commitment to follow Jesus (Romans 6:17-18).

The notion that acts of charity, generosity, or the suppression of natural desires can appease a deity is prevalent in many world religions. Christianity, however, stands apart as the only faith that does not advocate appeasing gods through good deeds. The Bible teaches that a Christian’s faith will manifest in good works inspired by God’s Spirit (James 2:26;Galatians 5:16-18). Faith itself is considered a gift (Ephesians 2:8-9), and even when Christians stumble and sin, they do not fear the loss of God’s love. As stated in “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” (Romans 8:1,38) “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come.” (Romans 8:1,38). In contrast, Muslims lack such assurance and must continually seek Allah’s approval through good deeds and fasting.

Month of Ramadan. Failing to fast during Ramadan may lead to facing the wrath of Allah.