Ramadan 1. The holy month of Ramadan for Muslims. Glorious holiday of Ramadan

Ramadan considered the most valuable month for Muslims, it is the month of the Ummah of the Prophet Muhammad, peace and blessings be upon him.

“In the month of Ramadan, the Qur'an was revealed - guidance for the people, clear evidence from guidance and discernment. Whoever this month finds among you must fast. And if anyone is sick or on a journey, then let him fast for the same number of days at other times. Allah desires ease for you and does not desire difficulty for you. He wants you to complete a certain number of days and glorify Allah for guiding you to the straight path. Perhaps you will be grateful"

Holy Quran. Surah 2 Al-Baqarah / The Cow, verse 185

According to legend, in the month of Rajab, seeds are thrown into the ground, that is, believers repent. In Sha'ban they are “watered” by performing good deeds after repentance. And in the month of Ramadan, the harvest is harvested - Muslims are cleansed of sins and spiritually improved.

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said that at the onset of the month of Ramadan, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are tied so that they do not harm Muslims and do not lead them astray from the path of Truth.

Worship

On the first night Allah accepts all prayers. It is advisable to spend it in worship, giving alms, remembering and praising Allah, reading prayers, repenting of sins and asking forgiveness from the Almighty (see Istighfar).

The prescription of fasting Ramadan and the reward for it are the greatest mercy of Allah. Fasting in Ramadan is one of the duties of Muslims assigned by Allah Almighty. The fasting person must diligently observe not only fards, but also sunnats during the period from dawn(beginning of morning prayer) before sunset(evening prayer time). Respect for those who fast is also piety. This month it is important to regularly read salawat, perform namaz, tarawihi and other prayers at the jamaat in the mosque, read the Holy Quran, distribute sadaqa, abstain from the forbidden, do good deeds, and study Islam.

Zakat-ul-fitr. The fast held by a Muslim during the month of Ramadan hangs between Heaven and Earth until Zakat-ul-Fitr is paid. Zakat-al-fitr, sunset sa, sunset sahra, sadaqah-fitr, sadakatul-fitr, zakatul-fitr, sadaka-al-fitr, sadakat-al-fitr, fitra - these are different names for one obligatory type of zakat, which is paid in Ramadan . Zakat-ul-Fitr can be paid throughout the month of Ramadan, but it is better before sunset on the eve of Eid al-Fitr(“id” – holiday, “fitr” – breaking the fast).

Hadiths about Ramadan

It is reported from the words of Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him, that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “When Ramadan comes, the gates of paradise open” (Al-Bukhari). In another version (of this hadith), from the words of (Abu Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him), it is reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “When the month of Ramadan comes, the gates of heaven are opened, and the gates of hell are locked, and the devils are chained.” (Al -Bukhari)

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Prophet ﷺ said: “Let none of you start fasting a day or two days before the start of Ramadan, unless a person does it constantly, in which case, let him fast on this day" (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)

“Whoever fasts during Ramadan with faith and hope of reward will have his previous sins forgiven” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim). Other versions of this hadith: “All the past sins of a believer who spends the nights of the month of Ramadan in worship, expecting reward only from Allah, will be forgiven” (Bukhari). “The month of Ramadan is an atonement for the other month of Ramadan. Sins committed between them (with the exception of major sins) are forgiven by Allah." (Muslim, Tirmidhi)

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “In the month of Ramadan, those who mention Allah are forgiven, and the prayers of those who ask Allah will not be rejected.” (Muslim)

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “The month of Ramadan has arrived, which is a very blessed month. This month, Allah's attention is on you. He sends down special mercy, forgives sins, accepts du'a. Allah looks at your zeal in good deeds and makes you proud before the angels. So show Allah your good deeds."

The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said: “Every night during the breaking of the fast, Allah, who is Aziz (Mighty) and Jalil (Majestic), frees thousands of thousands of those who were supposed to go there from the fire...” (Bayhaqi)

Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, said: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ performed more worship in the month of Ramadan than in other months. And he performed the largest number of worships in the last ten days of Ramadan. He spent the last ten nights of Ramadan in worship and woke up his family at night so that they could worship." (Bukhari, Muslim)

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ is the most generous of people. His most generous moments were when Jibril, peace be upon him, met him in Ramadan. Jibril, peace be upon him, met with him every night of Ramadan and they read the Koran together. Therefore, during the meeting with Jibril, peace be upon him, he was more generous than the blessed wind, which does not recognize any obstacles" (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)

Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: “The heart of the one who stood in prayer the night of Breaking the Fast and the night of Sacrifice will not die on the day when hearts die” (Al-Bukhari, Muslim)











Among all Muslim holidays, Bayram is one of the most important. On Friday, June 15, Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr, the holiday of breaking the fast, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, during which believers fast. How Eid al-Fitr takes place in Moscow - in the RBC photo gallery

Its other name, common among believers, is Eid al-Fitr. It is celebrated for three whole days a month, called Shawwal in Arabic, and marks the end of the Ramadan fast. That is why it is also called Ramadan Bayram. We will talk more about this holiday below.

Establishment of a holiday

According to Islamic traditions, the holiday of Ramadan Bayram was established by the founder of Islam himself, the Prophet Muhammad. This happened in 624. Since then, the Ummah, that is, the worldwide community of believers, has celebrated this day annually, as required by their religion.

Celebration image

In Christianity, during Easter, believers greet each other with the words “Christ is risen!” A similar exclamation for Ramadan Bayram among Muslims is the phrase in Arabic “Eid Mubarak!” It is translated as follows: “Blessed holiday!” Days of celebration in most traditionally Muslim countries are considered holidays at the state level, which means that at this time almost everyone has days off and no one works. The day begins with ablution, which is ritual in nature. Then it is obligatory to visit the mosque, where public prayer is held with the reading of a special text - Eid prayer. This is a special prayer book in Arabic dedicated to this holiday, and therefore it is read only once a year.

Features of Eid prayer

This ceremony begins at dawn and continues until lunchtime. At its core, it is a form of prayer. It is best to do it in the mosque together with other believers, but if circumstances prevent this, then namaz can be performed at home alone, but also no later than the lunch azan. In addition to prayer, on this day you need to give zakat - obligatory alms, which is one of the pillars of Islam. Moreover, this should be done before the holiday prayer begins. Ramadan Bayram should be celebrated by all Muslims; on these days one is not supposed to mourn, and therefore zakat alms are most often given to the poor so that they can buy themselves new clothes and eat well.

What do you do on holiday?

Like any celebration, Bayram is a holiday on which tables are set and refreshments are served. Believers go to visit each other and invite each other to share a friendly meal. It is also very important to visit your parents and other relatives. If this cannot be done in person, then at least you need to send a card or otherwise convey your congratulations. Ramadan Bayram also demands that all the sick, lonely and poor are not forgotten. Therefore, religion prescribes to pay attention to such people and participate in their lives with a gift, a visit and a treat. Children, as a rule, also receive gifts from their parents and spend time in games and fun. Also, deceased relatives are not forgotten on Bayram. The holiday involves believers visiting the graves of their dead and performing funeral prayers for them. As for enemies, the traditions of this day require a person to reconcile with everyone with whom he was in a quarrel and make peace.

There is also a special tradition of praying the night before the holiday. According to Islamic traditions, prayers offered at night on the eve of the Bayram holiday have special power - the ear of Allah is especially attentive to them, and if a person pronounces them sincerely, then they are credited to the person. The only thing is that it is recommended not to overuse vigils on the holiday night, so as not to oversleep the most important prayer in the mosque in the morning.

The meaning of the holiday

In general, in Islam there are only two dates of Muslim holidays, the significance of which is so great. In addition to the Bayram described above, this is Eid-ul-Adha - the day dedicated to the end of the pilgrimage (hajj) to Mecca to the Kaaba. Bayram, as mentioned above, is the result of the Ramadan fast, during which every believer is prescribed to abstain from food, drink, entertainment and intimacy until sunset. This is done in order to strengthen willpower, free up time for spiritual exercises, engage in good deeds, pacify desires and extinguish one’s passions. Both Hajj and fasting are self-efforts made in order to advance along the path proposed by Islam. It is the completion of successful spiritual work that is celebrated in these great holidays. At the same time, existing moral standards require Muslims to maintain within themselves the level of perfection that was achieved during these pious exercises. That is, the end of the holy fast of Ramadan does not mean that you can now return to all your previous sins and bad habits. Quite the contrary, having left once, they must be left forever, and thus the time of fasting becomes a time of internal transformation. This is necessary to gain Allah's pleasure and approval.

What kind of holiday is Ramadan?

The Muslim calendar, which is based on the lunar year, usually has a few holidays that are of great importance to all Muslims. However, a holiday like Ramadan is given special preference.

Ramadan, also known as Ramadan, is the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar. Ramadan is considered a month of strict fasting. According to Muslim custom, in this month the first spiritual revelation was delivered to the Prophet Muhammad through the messenger Jibril. All this happened in 610, when Muhammad was in the Hira cave, which is located near Mecca, where he quite often retired for religious services. This and subsequent revelations that were sent to the prophet constituted the sacred book of Islam, called the Koran.

Fasting during the month of Ramadan is one of the main obligations for all Muslims. It is prescribed in order to increase the awareness and appreciation of Muslims' own actions and the accurate execution of Allah's orders. Throughout the day it is strictly forbidden to eat, drink, indulge in various amusements and enjoy pleasures. Muslims always devote daytime to prayers, reading the Koran, charity, work, as well as religious thoughts and actions. In addition to the standard 5 prayers, every day, when night falls, an additional prayer-namaz is read, which is called tarawih. As a rule, taraweeh is read after the fifth prayer. In the last ten days of the month of Ramadan, a more active righteous life is led, including the commemoration of the night of the Prophet Muhammad receiving his first revelation. During this month, you can drink and eat food only after sunset and until the time it rises. Only children, sick people, and also soldiers who take part in hostilities are exempt from fasting, but still, unfulfilled fasting must necessarily be compensated at another time. According to the mullah, during Ramadan, Allah rewards the godly for every mercy he performs.

The end of fasting and the holiday of Ramadan is the second most important among all Muslim holidays - Eid al-Fitr, which is considered the holiday of breaking the fast. It begins to be celebrated at sunset on the last day of Ramadan and is celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of the month of Shawwal following Ramadan. At this time, all Muslims should reflect on the spiritual values ​​they acquired during the celebration of Ramadan. Muslims consider this holiday a day of salvation, forgiveness, reward and reconciliation.

The celebration of the holiday begins with a special prayer in the mosque. After finishing the prayer, the Islamic priest asks Allah for his acceptance of fasting and forgiveness. After all this, the believers, fingering their tasbih beads, begin to recite zikr in the whole crowd - these are the words of ritual remembrance of Allah. Zikr is carried out according to a special formula and in a certain way, out loud or silently, accompanying all this with certain body movements.

After prayer, a festive table is set in the mosque and alms are distributed to the poor. Saadaka is collected from every adult on the day of the end of the fast during Ramadan. It is collected only from wealthy Muslims. It is listed as a voluntary donation.

In almost all Muslim countries, on the days of Eid al-Fitr, one is supposed to visit the graves of deceased relatives. On the second day of Eid al-Fitr, the fast of the month of Shawwal begins, which lasts 6 days.

Month of Ramadan 2018: the essence of fasting, schedule, calendar, what is prohibited in Ramadan

Each faith has many significant dates. In Catholicism there are some, in Orthodoxy - others.

In Islam, too, there are special dates when believers abstain from all human passions and cleanse their soul and body from earthly filth and share in eternal bliss. In the article we will look in more detail at how to fast during Ramadan and what prohibitions fasting imposes on believers.

When is the month of Ramadan in 2018, what date does Eid start?

Muslims are no different from other believers: for them, solemn events take place in an atmosphere of joy, holiness, when hunger and thirst are met with satisfaction, and the plight of the poor is fully realized.

The month passes in fasting and reading prayers on the days of remembrance. Like other believers, Muslims have certain prohibitions on human passions, which are imposed by fasting.

What kind of holiday is this - Ramadan?

  • The holy month of Ramadan is considered the most honorable for believers. Faith in Allah is based on it. Fasting will be complete when a person, by his behavior, is cleansed of sins and receives the pleasure of Allah.
  • It is considered unacceptable to waste time during the Holy month. After all, it is on these days that Muslims can be rewarded for their good deeds. Wisdom consists in not violating the rules of fasting imposed on believers by Allah.
  • During Ramadan, the good qualities of believers who fast also improve. Quarrels and discord cease, the hearts of friends are united, and a sense of responsibility and compassion for the poor is instilled.

Lent begins on Ramadan. And all believers are obliged to adhere to it.

  • Just as for Orthodox Christians the date of Easter holidays changes every year, so for Muslims the onset of the month of Ramadan is calculated according to the phases of the lunar calendar and the difference from previous years can be within 10-11 calendar days. Therefore, the date of the Muslim Holy Period changes every year.
  • Ramadan will begin in May 2018, namely 16 numbers. The end of the Ramadan fast falls on June 14. June 15 - Uraza Bayram.
  • The holy period for Muslims has long originated in the warm season, since it always falls in the summer months.

Literally translated, Ramadan means “sultry”, “hot”. However, not all believers perceive the holiday this way. For most, the literal translation does not mean the summer season, but following the strictest rules that must be followed.


The Quran was revealed to people in the month of Ramadan

Historical reference

  • How is the exact date of Ramadan determined? Every year the date of the Holy Period for Muslims is indicated in the teachings of theologians. They also determine the day of Ramadan based on the lunar phases.
  • The onset of the 9th month of the calendar is the onset of the sacred period of the Muslim faith. The date of the holiday is determined by the location of the night luminary.
  • The mission of the prophet was indicated in the “revealed words” received by Muhammad on this day. At the same time, Muslim believers received the Koran, a gift from Allah.
  • According to ancient tradition, on the day when the Holy Period begins, Allah becomes open to resolve the fate of the believers in a prosperous manner and fulfills their forgiveness.

Ramadan begins on the 9th month of the calendar

Eid al-Fitr in 2018

Practitioners of Islam are often interested in the question of the onset of the Eid al-Adha fast. After all, it also does not have a fixed date. Traditionally, fasting occurs on the ninth month of the Muslim calendar.

  • Since post Ramadan in 2018 begins 16th of May, and the Holy Period ends at night June 14(exactly 30 days), then Eid al Adha falls on June 15.
  • Fasting during one of the biggest holidays in Islam, Eid al-Adha, is very strict.
  • Great holiday of breaking the fast Eid al Adha begins immediately after the end of the fast. At this time, all believers are allowed to eat everything that they could not afford during fasting.
  • Believers prepare for the holiday a month before its onset, and wait for it all year. After Lent, which lasts throughout the month, the day of breaking the fast comes.
  • All adult Muslims are required to adhere to the rules of fasting. Children, the sick, and the insane may not fast.
  • Throughout the month, believers have the right to eat food only after dark. Only under this condition does the spiritual purification of the faithful occur.
  • Lent is spent muting all one's passions and desires. Time should be spent in long hours of prayer.
  • There is an equalization of the poor with the rich, which cleanses from committed sins, among which gluttony ranks first.

During Ramadan, it is forbidden to consume food and water during the daytime.

As night falls, believers can begin breaking their fast. Only eating should be done at the same table with friends and acquaintances, and not exclusively in the family circle or alone.

  • It is also good to invite the poor to break their fast together, since helping the suffering means doing something pleasing to Allah.
  • After finishing their meal, believers go to the mosque to pray and read the Koran.
  • During prayer, the faithful ask for good for all people and forgiveness for sins committed.
  • After the appearance of the new moon, the fast ends. A holiday begins for Muslims. They read morning prayers.
  • There are many believers in the mosques at this time. Not everyone gets inside the mosque and prays next to it.
  • On such a joyful day, worshipers feel like one family. The poor receive gifts, because each family prepares help for them in advance and presents it during the celebration.

It is customary to give alms during Ramadan

Traditionally, parents are visited on such a day. The rest of the meal is shared with them.

When is Ramadan fasting for Muslims in 2018, and its schedule?

Muslim fasting begins on May 16, 2018 and lasts 30 days. The fast ends on June 14, 2018 at night and Eid al-Fitr begins on June 15.

Schedule for Lent

  • Eating should be completed 20 minutes before Fajr time.
  • You can start eating during the Maghrib.

Eid prayer - holiday prayer

Schedule of suhoors and iftars during Ramadan 2018 (for Moscow)

Day
post
Day of the weekdateSuhurIftar
1 Wednesday 16.05.2018 02:17 20:41
2 Thursday 17.05.2018 02:15 20:43
3 Friday 18.05.2018 02:13 20:45
4 Saturday 19.05.2018 02:10 20:47
5 Sunday 20.05.2018 02:09 20:48
6 Monday 21.05.2018 02:07 20:50
7 Tuesday 22.05.2018 02:05 20:52
8 Wednesday 23.05.2018 02:03 20:53
9 Thursday 24.05.2018 02:01 20:55
10 Friday 25.05.2018 01:59 20:57
11 Saturday 26.05.2018 01:58 20:58
12 Sunday 27.05.2018 01:56 21:00
13 Monday 28.05.2018 01:55 21:01
14 Tuesday 29.05.2018 01:53 21:03
15 Wednesday 30.05.2018 01:52 21:04
16 Thursday 31.05.2018 01:50 21:06
17 Friday 01.06.2018 01:49 21:07
18 Saturday 02.06.2018 01:48 21:08
19 Sunday 03.06.2018 01:46 21:10
20 Monday 04.06.2018 01:45 21:11
21 Tuesday 05.06.2018 01:44 21:12
22 Wednesday 06.06.2018 01:43 21:13
23 Thursday 07.06.2018 01:42 21:14
24 Friday 08.06.2018 01:41 21:15
25 Saturday 09.06.2018 01:41 21:16
26 Sunday 10.06.2018 01:10 21:17
27 Monday 11.06.2018 01:39 21:18
28 Tuesday 12.06.2018 01:39 21:19
29 Wednesday 13.06.2018 01:38 21:20
30 Thursday 14.06.2018 01:38 21:20
Friday 15.06.2018 Eid al-Fitr holiday

Schedule of suhoors and iftars for the fast of Ramadan 2018 (for Kazan)

Day
post
Day of the weekdateSuhurIftar
1 Wednesday 16.05.2018 01:44 19:51
2 Thursday 17.05.2018 01:43 19:52
3 Friday 18.05.2018 01:41 19:54
4 Saturday 19.05.2018 01:39 19:56
5 Sunday 20.05.2018 01:38 19:58
6 Monday 21.05.2018 01:36 19:59
7 Tuesday 22.05.2018 01:34 20:01
8 Wednesday 23.05.2018 01:33 20:03
9 Thursday 24.05.2018 01:31 20:04
10 Friday 25.05.2018 01:30 20:06
11 Saturday 26.05.2018 01:29 20:08
12 Sunday 27.05.2018 01:27 20:09
13 Monday 28.05.2018 01:26 20:11
14 Tuesday 29.05.2018 01:25 20:12
15 Wednesday 30.05.2018 01:24 20:13
16 Thursday 31.05.2018 01:22 20:15
17 Friday 01.06.2018 01:21 20:16
18 Saturday 02.06.2018 01:20 20:17
19 Sunday 03.06.2018 01:19 20:19
20 Monday 04.06.2018 01:18 20:20
21 Tuesday 05.06.2018 01:18 20:21
22 Wednesday 06.06.2018 01:17 20:22
23 Thursday 07.06.2018 01:16 20:23
24 Friday 08.06.2018 01:15 20:24
25 Saturday 09.06.2018 01:15 20:25
26 Sunday 10.06.2018 01:14 20:26
27 Monday 11.06.2018 01:14 20:27
28 Tuesday 12.06.2018 01:13 20:28
29 Wednesday 13.06.2018 01:13 20:28
30 Thursday 14.06.2018 01:13 20:29
Friday 15.06.2018 Eid al-Fitr holiday

What is prohibited in Ramadan?

During fasting, several actions are prohibited. It is worth considering that fasting will be considered a violation if it is committed during the daylight hours. This is about:

An unspoken desire to fast;
Intentional eating and drinking;
Smoking;
Sexual intercourse (it does not matter whether there was ejaculation or not), masturbation and ejaculation caused by stimulation;
Rectal and vaginal use of medications;
Swallowing liquid that gets into the mouth.
What is allowed in the month of Ramadan
At the same time, the law does not prohibit the following:

Unintentional ingestion of food and drink;
By administering the medicine through injections;
Donate blood;
Swim, but only if water does not enter your mouth;
Kissing if your partner's saliva is not swallowed;
Enjoy caresses that do not cause ejaculation;
Swallow saliva and phlegm that does not belong to another person;
Brush your teeth, but make sure that the paste does not penetrate into the throat;
Do not perform prayers.
Persons exempt from fasting
Those who are not Muslims have the right not to follow the rules. Also children under the age of majority and people with mental disorders. Old people and people who suffer from serious illnesses that do not allow them to cope with fasting may not observe Ramadan. To atone for this they must feed the poor. Pregnant women also do not have to fast if they are worried about their health or the health of their baby. They should follow Ramadan after the causes of disturbance have passed. As mentioned earlier, travelers can break their fast regardless of their physical condition or the complexity of the chosen route. If a person does not observe Ramadan, then he should not show eating or smoking to other Muslims. Also, in countries where the population is predominantly Muslim, it is prohibited to eat, smoke or use chewing gum during Ramadan.

Mandatory requirements
It is very important for those who are fasting to communicate their intention. The intention must be expressed with the heart. To do this, you can use any language that will be understandable to those who are fasting. If we translate this phrase into Russian, it should look something like this: “I intend to fast tomorrow (today) for the month of Ramadan, for the sake of Allah.” You need to say this phrase every day for the entire month. The phrase is repeated between night and morning prayers. An intention that was pronounced once a month for all subsequent days is not considered valid in any Sunni madhhab. The only exception is the Maliki madhhab.

What to do if your fast is broken

If the fast is broken, and there are no good reasons for this, then this offense will be classified as a sin. In case of unintentional breaking of the fast due to serious illness, the Muslim should fulfill the missed fast with 1 day of fasting. It is also fashionable to pay the poor person certain funds, which are equal to 1 grain of wheat. Other products purchased for an equivalent amount may also be used. If the fast was missed for another valid reason, then the believer must observe it at any convenient time before the time of the next Ramadan comes. Sexual intercourse that was committed during daylight hours must be made up for by 60 days of constant fasting or feeding 60 poor people. If the fast is not observed for a reason provided for in Sharia, it is necessary to engage in repentance.

Good deeds
Based on hadiths and the Koran, doing good deeds during this period is considered very important for Muslims. If you follow the words of the prophet, Allah can increase the significance of each such act seven hundredfold, and the shaitan will be in chains during this period, so doing good during this period will be easier than at other times of the year. Devout Muslims should spend more time studying the Koran this month. They should not forget about alms and do other positive deeds.

Breakfast (Suhoor) at dawn
Suhoor is a breakfast taken at dawn throughout Ramadan. Food should be taken before morning prayer is to be read. Suhur and Iftar make it possible to replace the usual meals during this month for all believers. Muslims must perform suhur before the first sign of dawn. In this case, the reward for the faithful will be much greater. If the fasting person is not satisfied before dawn, then his fast will be maintained, but he will be deprived of a certain part of the reward, since he will not fulfill one of the requirements of the Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad.

Evening meal (Iftar)

Iftar is the breaking of the fast or meal in the evening every day throughout Ramadan. One should eat after the evening prayer has been performed. Iftar can only begin at sunset. Do not postpone this meal until later in the evening. To break your fast according to the Sunnah, you should use dates or water. When Iftar is completed, it is necessary to say a special prayer called dua. It may sound something like this: “O Lord, for the sake of Your pleasure with me, I fasted, believed in You, relied on You and broke my fast, using Your gifts. Forgive me, O One whose mercy is limitless. Praise be to the Almighty, Who helped me fast and fed me when I broke my fast.”

Tarawih in the month of Ramadan

Tarawih can be translated as respite. This name is given to a special voluntary prayer that should be performed after night prayer. It continues until the sun appears at dawn. Tarawih can be performed independently or in a group. The prayer received this name because after every fourth rak'ah, worshipers have the opportunity to rest while sitting, bringing praise to the Lord.

During the life of the prophet, tarawih consisted of 8-20 rakats. Modern prayer includes 20 rak'ahs. It was approved by Caliph Umar, to which the Sahaba agreed. Today prayer is represented by 10 prayers, each of which consists of two rak'ahs. It must be performed daily throughout Ramadan. Prayer should begin after completing the night prayer.

Completion of Ramadan

During the last ten days of Ramadan, Muslims should be especially diligent in their prayers. During this period, it is best to visit mosques, as did the Prophet Muhammad, who retired to the mosque for this entire period. In the last year of his life, he spent 20 days in the mosque during the month of Ramadan. During solitude, do not forget about the need to pronounce your intentions. They need to mention that you have decided to spend solitude in Itikaf. After the believer leaves the mosque, one must return to the usual form of intentions. During this period, you should expect the night of al-Qadr.

Al-Qadr Night in 2018

This night is also called the Night of Power. It is generally accepted that the 27th night of this month coincides with the period when Surah “Inna Anzalnagu” was revealed to Muhammad.

This happened in the seventh century in a cave on Mount Jabal an-Nur. It was at this time, as confirmed by Islamic sources, that the praying Muhammad met with the archangel Gabriel, who pointed the prophet to the scroll and ordered him to read it. Muslims celebrate this night at the end of Ramadan. It is on the Night of Power that the faithful have the opportunity to ask forgiveness from the Creator for their own sins. This period should also be devoted to reading the Koran.

The holiday of breaking the fast of Eid al-Adha

At the end of Ramadan, a festival of breaking the fast is held, which is called Eid al-Fitr or Eid al-Fitr in Turkic. During this period, Muslims can perform a special prayer and also pay alms. Zakat al-fitr is alms that must be paid to the poor. Performing this act is obligatory for all believers. The head of the family must pay a certain amount of money for the entire family he cares for. If the child was born at night on the last day of Ramadan, then there is no need to pay alms for him.

Alms payment
You can pay zakat al-fitr in the mosque to a person who is authorized to accept it. You can also distribute food directly to those who need it. Alms are equal to one saa of bulk substances. For example, in European countries it is customary to pay alms in the equivalent of wheat or barley, in Asia they use rice for this, and in the countries of the Middle East dates. It is best to pay Zakat al-Fitr in food, as was customary to do during the time of the Prophet. Paying alms in money is only possible in the Hanafi madhhab. This obligatory charity allows one to atone (kafarra) for all kinds of mistakes that were made during Ramadan. It is also intended to provide assistance to the poor and those who need funds to celebrate Eid al-Adha.

Congratulations on Ramadan

Lent continues to be the most joyful holiday for believers on the entire planet. Muslims can congratulate their friends and loved ones on his arrival thanks to the words of Ramazani Kareem, which are the wishes of the generous Ramadan. Traditionally, at this time, one can wish Muslims - “May Allah please your eyes in Ramadan with sweet evenings and the friendship of the chosen ones, the mercy of the All-Forgiving and the paradise of the pious!”

Uraza calendar 2018: the holiday of breaking the fast, which marks the end of fasting in the holy month of Ramadan

Each nation has its own faith, and although significant holy holidays are also not very different from each other, they always fall on different days, for example, in 2018, Ramadan (or Uraza) begins at dawn on June 15 and ends after sunset on June 16.

Uraza is the obligatory observance of saum (fasting) for Muslims for 30 calendar days, which consists of the five pillars (foundations) of Islam. During these 30 days, believers of Islam must give up drinking, intimacy, smoking and even eating. The beginning of Saum comes with the morning adhan and ends after the evening adhan after thirty days.

Before starting the saum, Muslims read the niyat: “Today I will perform the saum of the month of Eid, for the sake of Allah.” Before the morning azan, believers must finish eating (they call it suhur) and immediately break their fast; they are allowed to take milk, dates and water at iftar.

Every night, believers perform the ritual of Isha (night prayer), followed by a collective Tarawih prayer, which consists of 8 to 20 rakats. The mighty night of al-Qadar comes ten days before the end of Saum.

Eid al-Adha is celebrated on the first day of Shawwal, which comes after the end of Ramadan. Muslims perform Eid prayer (holiday prayer) and pay zakat al-fitr (alms).

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Eid al-Fitr is the second most important holiday in the Islamic calendar after Kurban Bayram. On the eve of the holiday, Muslims buy gifts for each other, prepare treats, and decorate their homes.

Four days before the holiday, women carry out general cleaning of the house, court premises, barns, and clean livestock. After finishing the cleaning, all family members must bathe, put on clean linen and clean themselves up.

In the evening, the housewives prepare traditional oriental dishes. Children deliver them to relatives, and there is a mutual exchange of treats.

You cannot work on Eid al-Fitr, so in most Islamic countries this day is a day off. The republics of the North Caucasus, Bashkortostan and Tatarstan will also have holidays in Russia.

On the holiday itself, it is customary to get up early and put on festive clothes. Muslims greet each other in a special way: “May Allah send His mercy to you and to us!”, “May Allah accept our and your prayers!”

An hour before sunrise in mosques after the sermon they read a holiday prayer - Gayet-namaz. Mostly only men attend prayers. At this time, women prepare treats at home.

After the men arrive from the mosque, the housewives set the table. In every house they wait for the arrival of guests, they also visit their neighbors and relatives and bring them sweets.

Before the start of the holiday, alms (fitr-sadaka) is obligatory - the distribution of property and money to those in need on the holiday. This year its minimum amount is 50 rubles.

In addition, on the holiday of Eid al-Fitr, it is customary to visit parents, do good deeds, give gifts, visit cemeteries and remember deceased relatives.

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The holiday of Eid al-Adha, sacred to all Muslims, in 2017 will begin on June 25 and last until June 28. This date can be found using the lunar calendar, which correlates with the Islamic calendar.

Now we need to find the month of Shawwal, which immediately follows Ramadan. This is the end of the search, because the holiday of Eid al-Adha falls on the first three days of the month of Shawwal. There are quite a few lesser-known but important rules. For example, it is important to take food with your right hand.

If you use cutlery, it should also be in your right hand. It is very important to show special attention and hospitality to guests, even if they are your old friends: you need to leave the best food, choose the best seats for your guests and make them feel at home without implying that they are still visiting.

What is customary to prepare for the holiday table?

The main product from which most festive dishes are prepared for Eid al-Adha is lamb. It is used to make rich soups, roasts, snacks, and meat salads.

The festive table depends on folk traditions. If in Tatarstan they bake pancakes in the morning and put pies on the table, then in the Central Asian republics pilaf is an integral attribute.

In Saudi Arabia, people eat sweets, dates, and fruits in the morning. At noon you need to eat a hearty meal so that the table is not empty next year.

In Kyrgyzstan, the holiday is called Orozo Ait. The believer must visit seven houses, taste the prepared dishes and read prayers.

In Turkey, people also enjoy sweets during Seker Bayrami. The youngest relatives are obliged to visit the oldest.

Ramadan, a month of fasting and spiritual purification, can begin at different times in different Muslim countries, depending on the method of astronomical calculation or direct observation of the phases of the Moon.

Muslims congratulate each other on the onset of Ramadan, since it was in this month that the Holy Quran was revealed, which plays a special role in the life of every believer.

Holy month of Ramadan

The month of Ramadan, which Muslim believers consider their main duty of the year, is very important in Islam. This is a holy month of obligatory fasting and daily prayers—a time to earn eternal Paradise.

During the holy month of Ramadan, many deeds can earn a great reward: fasting, five daily prayers (namaz), Tarawih prayer, sincere supplication, evening (iftar) and pre-dawn meals (suhoor), as well as donations and many others good deeds and deeds.

The righteous believe that fasting helps a Muslim control negative emotions and qualities, such as anger, hatred, greed, and also fight the passions that overcome him.

In Islam, people hope to get closer to the Almighty through fasting. And since getting closer to Allah is the meaning of a believer’s life, fasting occupies an important place in Islam. First of all, fasting is intended to pacify the soul and body, as well as to accurately fulfill the instructions of Allah.

How to fast

The holy fast of Ramadan begins at dawn and ends at sunset - during the daytime, the faithful refuse to eat.

In Islam, during fasting there are two night meals: Suhur - pre-dawn and Iftar - evening. It is advisable to complete the pre-dawn meal at least half an hour before dawn, and iftar should begin immediately after the evening prayer.

Compliance with these two meals is encouraged by an additional reward, although skipping is not a violation of the fast. According to the Koran, the best food for a night meal is water and dates.

Predawn meal

The Prophet Muhammad also spoke about the importance of eating before dawn. He said: “Take food before dawn on the days of fasting! Truly, in suhoor is God's grace (barakat)!”

Throughout Ramadan, Muslims eat their morning meal before dawn. They believe that Allah will greatly reward such an action. You shouldn't overeat during Suhoor, but you should eat enough food - it gives you strength for the whole day.

Evening meal

The evening meal should be started immediately after sunset, that is, after the fourth, penultimate prayer of that day.

Isha - night prayer - the last of the five obligatory daily prayers, follows iftar. Doctors do not recommend skipping iftar, as this can have a bad effect on the body.

What you can and cannot eat

It is recommended to consume complex carbohydrates during Suhoor - vegetable salad, sprouted grain bread, cereal dishes. Complex carbohydrates provide the body with energy, despite the fact that they take a long time to digest. Dried fruits - dates, nuts - almonds and fruits - bananas are also suitable.

In the morning you should not eat protein foods - they load the liver, which works without interruption during fasting. At this time of day, you should not eat fried, fatty and smoked foods, as well as fish, as you will want to drink after eating it. You also need to give up coffee.

Meat and vegetable dishes can be eaten during iftar, as well as cereal dishes and sweets in small quantities. By the way, sweets can be replaced with dates or fruits. But you need to drink a lot of water. You can also drink compote, tea, fruit drink, juice and jelly.

It is not advisable to eat fatty and fried foods in the evening - they will cause heartburn and put on extra pounds. Instant foods - various cereals in packages - should also be excluded from the evening diet. Such dishes will not fill you up, and literally after an hour or two you will want to eat again, as they contain salt and other spices.

During the Ramadan fast, it is better to exclude sausages and frankfurters from the menu altogether. Sausages, which have a bad effect on the liver and kidneys and satisfy hunger for only a few hours, can develop thirst.

Rules of Ramadan

Every adult Muslim is required to fast during Ramadan. During fasting, everyone must adhere to the established rules - pray a lot and confirm daily their intention to participate in this holiday in the name of Allah.

During the month of Ramadan, during the daytime, Muslims, in order to atone for their sins, refuse not only to eat, but also to drink, smoke and have sex.

Ramadan is a holy month, which is intended to cleanse the soul and body, to rethink life in general. Therefore, Allah will not count the fulfillment of religious duty without daily prayers (namaz).

During this strict fast one should abstain from evil thoughts and intentions, perform prayers more often, and avoid defamatory actions and ungodly people.

Old people and warriors, sick people, travelers, pregnant and lactating women, as well as children are exempt from fasting during holy Ramadan. Compensation of the fast is obligatory in another, more favorable period.

What not to do during Lent

The following actions are broken during the holy month of Ramadan and the following actions require atonement (kaffarah): deliberate consumption of food, liquids, medicines and everything that is suitable for consumption, as well as smoking and marital intimacy.

The following circumstances that violate the fast also require compensation: use of an enema; ingestion of drugs into the body through the nose and ears; water entering the nasopharynx during ablution; deliberately inducing vomiting; the beginning of menstruation or the postpartum period.

A Muslim who breaks his fast must pay a certain amount of money or food to the needy, thus making up for the fast.

Entering into intimate relationships is one of the most serious violations. For this violation, a Muslim must either feed 60 poor people or observe 60 days of continuous strict fasting.

Night of Predestination

The last ten days of fasting are especially strict and responsible, since the most important night of the year for every Muslim - Laylat al-Qadr or the Night of Power and Predestination - falls on one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan.

According to legend, it was at this time that the Prophet Muhammad received the first revelations from the Archangel Jebrail - he went down to the praying prophet and gave him the Koran. Although, some sources indicate that the Night of Power and Predestination falls on the 27th of Ramadan

An entire sura is dedicated to this Night in the Holy Koran - “Inna anzalnagu”. It says that the Night of Power is better than a thousand months without it.

© photo: Sputnik / Alexander Polyakov

It is believed that the fate of every person - his life path, the difficulties and trials that must be passed through - is predetermined in heaven precisely on Laylat al-Qadr. And if a true believer spends this night in prayer, in understanding his actions and possible mistakes, then Allah will be merciful and forgive him his sins.

Therefore, Muslims try to pray with great zeal and adhere to the instructions of Allah during the holy month of Ramadan. It is believed that for the good deeds performed during Ramadan, Allah rewards believers a hundredfold, bestowing them with prosperity, health and good luck.

Voluntary prayer

Throughout Ramadan, Muslims must read the Koran, devote their time to pious thoughts and actions, work and charity. In addition, to the usual five prayers a day, one more is added - “tarawih”.

"Tarawih" means voluntary prayer, which is performed in the holy month of Ramadan after the night prayer (Isha). "Taraweeh" is an obligatory sunnah (sunnah muakkyada) for both men and women.

The Prophet Muhammad performed this prayer on the 23rd, 25th and 27th nights of the month of Ramadan together with his companions in the mosque. And so that people would not perceive this prayer as obligatory, the prophet did not offer it every day.

After every four rakyaats (the order of words and actions that make up the Muslim prayer), following the example of the companions of the prophet, it is advisable to take a short break. At this time, it is recommended to indulge in reflection about God, praise and remember the Almighty, or listen to a short sermon.

Feast of Breaking the Fast

The holy month of Ramadan ends with the second most important holiday - Eid al-Fitr or the so-called Feast of Breaking the Fast. The holiday begins after sunset on the last day of Ramadan.

At this time, Muslims should indulge in reflection on spiritual values ​​and rethink life during the period of fasting. Eid al-Fitr is considered a holiday of salvation from hell - a day of love, reconciliation and friendly handshakes. On the holiday, it is customary to visit the disadvantaged and care for the elderly.

The holiday begins at the time of evening prayer. From now on, it is advisable for all Muslims to read “takbir” (the formula for exalting Allah). Takbir is read before performing the festive prayer on the day of the holiday. It is advisable to spend the night of the holiday in all-night service to Allah.

On the holiday, the faithful put on clean clothes, perfume themselves with incense, put a silver ring on their finger and, after eating a little, go early to the mosque to perform the holiday prayer.

On the holiday, they pay the obligatory zakat al-fitr or “alms of breaking the fast”, show joy, congratulate each other and wish the Almighty to accept the fast, and also visit relatives, friends, neighbors and acquaintances and receive guests.

The material was prepared based on open sources

(Turkish Ramadan) is one of the most revered among Muslims and requires strict adherence to fasting. Ramadan begins in the ninth month of the Muslim lunar calendar.

Fasting (Arabic saum, Persian ruza, Turkic eid) in the lunar month of Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam - so important that Muslims believe that those who did not manage to make up for the missed days of fasting before their death must be compensated by their guardian (or descendants), because behind them is an unrequited debt to Allah. Fasting allows every Muslim to strengthen his faith and self-discipline, strictly following the orders of Allah.

During this period, during the day it is forbidden to drink, eat, smoke incense, eat pleasure and indulge in entertainment; daytime should be devoted to work, prayers, reading the Koran, pious thoughts and actions, and charity.

In addition to the usual five prayers, an additional prayer-namaz (tarawih) is performed every night, usually shortly after the fifth evening prayer (salat al-isha).

Eating and drinking are allowed only after sunset and before sunrise. Sick people, children, people on the move, warriors participating in hostilities, etc. are exempt from fasting during Ramadan, but unfulfilled fasting must be compensated at another time.

During Ramadan, Muslims are required to generously give sadaqa (voluntary charity) and zakat (obligatory charity).

According to Muslim theologians, during the days of Ramadan, Allah rewards the believer for every good deed he performs.

The night of the 27th of Ramadan (in 2018 from June 10 to 11) is considered especially important in the month of Ramadan - “Laylat al-qadr” (“night of power” or “night of predestination”), when Allah decides the fate of people.

The last ten days of Ramadan are the holiest, so Muslims are even more diligent in their acts of worship. These days, many men perform itikaf (spiritual retreat), spending this time in the mosque.

The end of the month of Ramadan and fasting is marked by the second most important Muslim holiday - Eid al-Fitr (translated from Arabic as the holiday of breaking the fast; in Turkic - Eid al-Fitr), which begins at sunset on the last day of Ramadan and continues on the 1st and 2nd the 1st day of the next month of Shawwal.

The ninth month of the Muslim calendar is Ramadan, a month of fasting and prayer, thoughts of God and the desire for purification.

The Islamic religious calendar directly depends on the lunar cycles, and therefore does not at all coincide with either the Gregorian calendar, which is widely accepted today, or the Julian calendar that previously existed in the Christian world. Therefore, the question of what date Ramadan begins in 2018 is quite logical, because every calendar year the beginning and end of one of the most important events in the life of every believer falls at a different time.

It is worth remembering that in the Hijri calendar (this is the name of the Islamic calendar), the day begins not from midnight, but from the moment the sun completely disappears behind the horizon. That is, the fast will actually begin late in the evening of May 17th.

Ramadan is one of the five pillars of faith in Islam, one of the mandatory requirements of Sharia law, which every Muslim is obliged to fulfill. Without fasting during the holy month, a true believer cannot consider himself a true believer, because fasting is not only a restriction in food and drink, but a spiritual cleansing of a person, a symbol of his desire for Allah.

In the hadiths of the Prophet, Ramadan is called a blessed month. Why? If you believe the biographies of the Prophet Muhammad, at that time the angel Gabriel handed him the texts of the Holy Koran in the caves of Hira. Thus, the blessing of Allah descended on the followers of the Prophet, and all believers should devote their thoughts to God at this sacred time.

The main feature of the ninth month of the Hijri calendar is purification. And strict restrictions on food should contribute to bodily cleansing, and prayers read during the day should contribute to spiritual cleansing. In addition, it is believed that fasting helps the rich to better understand the suffering of the poor, and therefore in Ramadan it is customary to give alms and do good deeds - zakat and sadaqah.

Ramadan is a time of work and constant prayer; It will truly be a godly deed for a believer to read the entire Quran during fasting. This activity - reading surahs and hadiths - will not only strengthen his faith, but also help cleanse his soul of filth. After all, the Prophet taught: everything bad that happens in a person’s life comes not from the outside, but from the inside, that is, it is a consequence of internal filth, evil accumulated in the soul.

Fasting in Ramadan

The basis of fasting in Ramadan is short and clear - a follower of Islam should neither eat food nor drink water (and other drinks) while the sun is shining in the sky. The morning meal - suhur - should be completed before the edge of the luminary appears above the horizon (it is better to complete suhur no later than an hour and a half before sunrise.). The evening reception - iftar - begins only after sunset. Following these instructions, owners of cafes and restaurants in Islamic countries open their establishments only in the evening during Ramadan.

However, not everyone needs – and can – fast. Thus, limiting oneself in food during Ramadan is prohibited for the sick - that is, for those whose health can be undermined by meager food or food taken at the wrong time. This prohibition also applies to travelers, that is, those who are currently far from home (even if it is a long business trip). Neither pregnant women nor nursing mothers should fast; Old people can also refuse food restrictions - however, after Ramadan they must “feed the poor,” that is, either set a rich table for the poor, or make a monetary donation in favor of the poor.

Every day of fasting in Ramadan should begin with reading niyat - intention. By this, a Muslim seems to show that he intends to devote the coming day to God, intends to fast, read prayers and cleanse his body and soul. Missing niyat is one of the most significant sins in Ramadan, that is, a day without announcing the intention “does not count” and is considered missed. For each day missed, the believer will have to fast for six days after Ramadan.

After the niyat comes suhur - the morning breaking of the fast, breakfast. It must be completed before dawn, or rather, before sunrise; Believers greet sunrise with prayer. In the evening, after sunset and evening prayers, iftar, the evening meal, follows. This is followed by another prayer, albeit optional. During fasting, all kinds of amusements and entertainment, smoking, sex, and taking medications (except injections) are prohibited. Ramadan ends with a big holiday - Eid al-Adha.



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