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Fri, Mar 29, 2024

Ramadan as a universal event


  • 05/15/2021 - by AdAlberto Assad

What is the importance of Ramadan? What is observed in this religious event? All days should be the same on a secular calendar, but they are not on religious calendars. In the Muslim case, the entire month of Ramadan, the ninth of the Arab lunar calendar, is the celebration of the most special event of all. The descent from heaven to earth is celebrated, from the word of God, the Quran. During Ramadan, the gates of heaven open wider than ever. Just as the word of God came down, the word of those who pray reaches him more effectively than at any other time.

Fasting during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Why is abstaining from eating and drinking, and other bodily pleasures, a crucial element of observation? What is the spiritual importance of fasting?

To receive the blessings of Ramadan, physically fit women and men should fast throughout the month, in the same way as young men and women who have reached the age of religious observance.

As prescribed by the Quran, the daily fast begins before sunrise and ends at sunset. Those who cannot stop eating or drinking due to being elderly, having illnesses or other reasons are exempt from fasting, but they still receive the blessings of this month.

Ramadan is more than abstaining from eating or drinking during the day. It is a time of contemplation, devotion and remembrance of God, especially through the reading and recitation of the Qur'an.

It is also important to take care of the well-being of the less fortunate in the community by giving to the poor. To attenuate and quell bad acts within a family, such as speaking ill of someone, holding grudges, and lying, intense introspection takes place and one must be more aware of God during Ramadan.

One of the hallmarks of this month is the "night of destiny", "night of measure" or "night of courage", called Lailat al Qadr, in Arabic. The Quran says that on this special night angels descend from heaven - including the archangel Gabriel, the most important - to bring peace and divine presence to the world. It is not specified when the night of destiny may be, but it is one of the last ten nights, therefore all nights are special.

Islam not only recognizes absolute equality among human beings without distinction of color, race or nationality, but makes it a significant principle, a reality. This was expressed by the Prophet Muhammad (ByP), in one of his sayings: “No Arab has superiority over the non-Arab. Neither the non-Arab has superiority over the Arab. Neither does the white man have superiority over the black man, nor does the black man have superiority over the white man. You are children of Adam and Adam was created of clay”.

AdAlberto Assad.
President of the Islamic association.
Argentina.