FACTS WITH PENDUSKY (RAMADAN EDITION)
ITS ANOTHER EPISODE
SO LET'S LOOK AT SOME FACTS ABOUT RAMADAN THAT MOST OF US DON'T KNOW
I.
Ramadan, the ninth month on the
Muslim calendar is celebrated as the month when the first verses of the Quran
were said to be revealed to the prophet Muhammad in 610 CE. Laylat al-Qadr, or
Night of Power is thought to be the actual day when the Quran was given to the
prophet and usually falls within the last 10 days of the holiday.
II.
In countries where Muslims are the
majority, Ramadan has a drastic impact on daily life. Egypt pushes the clocks
back an hour during the holy month so that the fast feels like it is ending
earlier and the evenings are lengthened. Work days are made shorter during the
month to accommodate the additional time spent in prayer and in enjoying
festive meals to end the daily fast.
III.
Several different groups are excused
from fasting during Ramadan: pregnant women, people who are mentally or
physically ill, and sometimes women who are breastfeeding. Children are not
obligated to fast until they hit puberty, although many choose to observe the
fast at least part of the month in preparation for later years.
IV.
The start of Ramadan is determined
by the moon.
V.
It is believed that Muhammad
received the first revelation during Ramadan.
VI.
During Ramadan, observers are expected
to abstain from food, drink, and other pleasures from dawn to dusk. Removing
these comforts from daily routine is intended to focus the mind on prayer,
spirituality, and charity and to purify the body and mind. Muslims are also
expected to abstain from impurities such as gossip and cursing.
VII.
The date changes every year. Islam
functions on a lunar calendar that doesn’t quite line up with the solar
Gregorian calendar that the secular world uses. So while Muslim holidays are
always the same day on the Muslim calendar, they happen on different days on
the Gregorian calendar – typically moving 11 or 12 days earlier each year. In
2012, Ramadan began on July 19.
VIII.
In Muslim countries the economy is
impacted because of the fasting. It usually results in a month of inflation;
prices go up.
IX.
During Ramadan Muslims are obligated
to give to charity through Sadaqa (voluntary giving), or Zakat (mandatory
giving).
X.
The Five Pillars of Islam include
Sawm: Fasting during Ramadan, Hajj: a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in
their life, Zakat: giving to the poor, Salat: five-time daily prayer, facing
Mecca, including absolution prior to prayer, Shalada: declaration of belief in
one true God.
XI.
The meal before the beginning of the
fast is called suhoor, and the meal after sunset is called iftar.
XII.
The first prayer of the day is
called Fajr.
Which is the most amazing fact? Please use the comments box. #FactsWithPendusky
About the Author
Ubong Effiong also known as Pendusky is a Customer Experience Management Personnel with Sterling Bank Plc.
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