Ramadan Kareem

Definition of Ramadan Kareem:

The Arabic word “Ramadan” is derived from “Ramad,” which means “dryness.” Ramadan Kareem is known as “the hot month” in its literal sense. Muslims worship and fast during the holy month of Ramadan to ask Allah for his blessings. Muslims abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and sexual activity from sunrise until dark.

Importance of Ramadan Kareem:

Muslims seek Taqwa, Spirituality, and a closer relationship with Allah throughout the holy month of Ramadan. They have the opportunity to seek Allah’s pardon and blessings by fasting throughout Ramadan, which keeps them away from sins and destructive behaviors. Ramadan is also a time for increased prayer and charitable giving. Muslims are encouraged to read the Quran, attend nightly prayers, and engage in acts of charity, such as giving to the needy and volunteering in their communities.

In addition to the spiritual benefits, Ramadan is also a time for family and community gatherings. Muslims often break their fasts with family and friends and attend special evening meals, known as iftar. This fosters a sense of community and togetherness among Muslims.

Overall, the holy month of Ramadan is a time for Muslims to renew their faith, reflect on their spirituality, and strengthen their connection with Allah. It is a time for self-improvement, community engagement, and increased devotion to God.

Historical background of Ramadan:

In the seventh Hijri, after the Holy Prophet (pbuh) moved from Makah to Medina, Allah provided instructions for Ramadan fasting through His angel Gabriel. In the Holy Qur’an, Allah declares:

Oh, you who believe! Fasting is prescribed to you as it was prescribed to those before you, that you may learn piety and righteousness” [Quran, 2:183]

The Holy Prophet (pbuh) and his companions observed the first Ramadan in the seventh Hijri. In this holy month, the Holy Qur’an was also revealed.

Allah Almighty says in Quran clearly:

  “It was the month of Ramadan in which the Quran was first sent down as guidance for all people, having in it clear proofs of divine guidance and the criterion for right and wrong. So whoever among you bears witness to the month shall then fast it” (Surat Al-Baqarah, 2:185).

Significance of Ramadan Kareem in the Islamic faith:

The significance of Ramadan in the Islamic faith lies in its spiritual and moral implications. It is believed that the fast teaches self-discipline, self-control, and empathy for those who are less fortunate. Muslims are also encouraged to increase their charitable giving during this month. Moreover, Muslims experience inner calm and spirituality through particular prayer practices throughout the day and night including “Taraweh” Nawafil” and zikar. Lylatul Qadar, also known as the “night of power,” is the most significant blessing during the month of Ramadan. During this night, worshipers receive rewards that are multiplied by a thousand. It is believed by Muslims that “Shytan” (devil) is imprisoned for the whole month and the gates of hell are closed.

Holy Prophet (pbuh) says;

“When the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.” – Bukhari

Spiritual benefits of fasting during Ramadan:

Muslims can strengthen their faith and exercise self-control throughout the holy month of Ramadan. They gain self-control and better contact with Allah as a result, which strengthens their spirituality and faith. As well as encouraging self-reflection and personal development, fasting during Ramadan makes people more sympathetic and empathetic toward the impoverished and the less fortunate. Also, during iftar, we experience an unparalleled sense of joy and happiness.

As the Holy Prophet (SAWW) says:

There are two pleasures for the fasting person, one at the time of breaking fast, and other at the time when he will meet his Lord. (HR. Muslim)

Physical benefits of fasting in Ramadan:

Fasting leads to not only weight loss but also an improvement in body composition. Our stomach stays empty for a set amount of time each day, which controls our blood sugar levels, strengthens our hearts, and decreases blood pressure. It improves immune system function and brain and body cognitive performance.

Customs and traditions of Ramadan Kareem:

How do Muslims celebrate Ramadan Kareem?

Muslims always look forward to Ramadan and start making preparations for this month in Shaban. Most people do their shopping for Eid ul Fitar before Ramadan so that they can do their worship freely. Women prepare a special place or corner in the house for prayer and ibadah. When the new moon of Ramadan appears everybody greets one another. There are some special ways to give congratulations on Ramadan.

Ramadan greetings/ messages for Ramadan:

Here are some greetings and wishes for Ramadan that you may send or say to your near and dear ones.

• Ramadan Kareem
• Ramadan Mubarak
• May Allah bless you this Ramadan
• May ALLAH accept your worship and prayers and fulfill all your desires this Ramadan
• Wishing you a happy Ramadan
• May Allah strengthen your taqwa s Ramadan
• May you get more blessings in this holy month of Ramadan
• May you progress toward enlightenment during this holy month
• May this Ramadan bring peace, joy, and prosperity. Wishing you and your loved ones a blessed and happy month of fasting and spiritual reflection.
• Happy Ramadan
• May this Ramadan bring you peace and happiness.
• Wishing you a month filled with blessings and forgiveness.
• May the spirit of Ramadan stay in your heart and illuminate your soul.
• Have a blessed and spiritually fulfilling Ramadan.
• May this holy month of Ramadan bring you closer to Allah and His divine blessings.
• Sending you warm wishes on the occasion of Ramadan.
• May this Ramadan be a time of reflection, renewal, and rejuvenation for you.

Ramadan Kareem wishes/ Ramadan Mubarak in Arabic:

Here are some prayers or wishes to say, Ramadan Mubarak.

تَقَبَّلَ اللهُ مِنَّا وَمِنْكُمْ صَالِحَ الأَعْمَال

Takabbal-Allahu Minna Wa Minkum Salihal A’maal

This supplication means: May Allah accept all our righteous deeds.

مُبَارَكٌ لَكَ أَنْ بَلَّغَكَ اللهُ رَمَضَان

Mubarak Laka Ann Ballaghaka Allahu Ramadan

This supplication means: congrats! Allah grants you the chance to live till this Ramadan.

أسأل الله أن يكرمك بالمغفرة

As’alu-Allaha Ann Yukrimaka Bil Maghfirah

This supplication means: May Allah bless you with forgiveness.

أعاده الله عليكم أعوامًا عديد

A’adahul-Allahu ‘Alaikun A’waman ‘Adeeda

This supplication means: May Allah grant you the chance to live for Ramadan for a lot of years

Ramadan dua

In order to invoke Allah’s blessings and express His thanks during the month of Ramadan, Muslims are advised to recite a number of specific duas and verses.

Dua for First Ashra (Ten Days) of Ramadan-Days of Mercy

يَا حَيُّ يَا قَيُّوْمُ بِرَحْمَتِكَ أَسْتَغِيْث

Transliteration: Ya Hayyu Ya Qayyum! Bi rahmatika astagheeth

Translation: O Living and Eternal Maintainer! By Your mercy I seek help! [Sunan Tirmidhi]

 اللَّهُمَّ ارْحَمْنِيْ يَا اَرْحَمَ الرَّاحْمِيْن

Transliteration: Allahumma arhamni Ya Arham-mar-Rahimeen

Translation: Oh Allah have mercy upon me, O Most Merciful

 رَبِّ اغْفِرْ وَارْحَمْ وَأَنْتَ خَيْرُ الرَّاحِمِينَ

Transliteration: rabbighfir warham wa anta khairur-rahimeen

Translation: O my Lord ! forgive and have mercy and you are the best of the merciful. (Surah Al-Mu’minun ,ayat 118)

Dua for the Second Ashra (Ten Days) of Ramadan-Days of Forgiveness

أسْتَغْفِرُ اللهَ رَبي مِنْ كُلِ ذَنبٍ وَأتُوبُ إلَيهِ

Transliteration: Astaghfirullah rabbi min kulli zambiyon wa atoobu ilaiyh

Translation: I ask forgiveness of my sins from Allah who is my Lord and I turn towards Him.

الْلَّهُمَّ اغْفِرْ لِيْ ذُنُوْبِيْ ياَ رَبَّ الْعَالَمِيْن

Transliteration: Allahummaghfirli zunubi ya rabbal alameen

Translation: O Allah forgive my sins, O Lord of the worlds

رَبَّنا فَاغْفِرْ لَناَ ذُنُوبَنَا وَكَفِّرعَنّا سَيِّـٔاَتِنَا وَتَوَفَّنا مَعَ الأَبْرَارِ

Transliteration: Rabbana faghfirlana zunoobanaa wa kaffir anna sayyi aatinaa wa tawaffanaa ma alabraar

Translation: Our Lord! Forgive us our sins and remit from us our evil deeds and make us die with the righteous [Al-Quran, 3:193]

Dua for Third Ashra (Ten Days) of Ramadan-Days of seeking refuge

اَللَّهُمَّ أَجِرْنِي مِنَ النَّار

Transliteration: Allahuma Ajirni minan naar

Translation: O Allah, save me from the fire (Jahannam)

اللَّهُمَّ إِنَّكَ عَفُوٌ تُحِبُّ الْعَفْوَ فَاعْفُ عَنِّي

Transliteration: Allahumma innaka `Afuwwun TuHibbul `Afwa Fa`fu `Annii.

Translation: O Allah, you are the Forgiver, You love to forgive, so forgive me.

The practice and rules of fasting:

Suhoor and Iftaar

Muslims eat their meals at certain times during the month of Ramadan; the first is sehri and the second is iftari. Suhoor means eating before dawn in the month of Ramadan. Before sunrise, people keep their fast and eat sehri. Iftar means eating a meal after sunset during Ramadan. Muslims gather with their loved ones for iftar after dusk. Also, there are some get-together customs known as iftar parties. To express their thanks to Allah, many people organize iftar for the underprivileged and those in need. Dates and “pikoras” are two dishes that are specifically regarded as necessary for iftar. For iftar supper, a variety of meals are also provided.

Taraweeh

At the time of isha, a special prayer known as “Taraweh” is offered. The women perform Taraweh at home while the male family members offer it with “Jamat” in mosques. In Taraweeh, the entire Quran is recited, and in the final days of Ramadan, special celebrations are held to mark the Quran’s completion.

Etkaaf

Some Muslims dedicate themselves to Allah during the final ten days of Ramadan, devoting all of their time to prayer, zikar, and remembering Allah. Seeking Lylatul Qadar (the Power Night) during the final nights of Ramadan is an act of seclusion. A Muslim in etkaaf is prohibited from engaging in any extracurricular activities and completely devotes all of his time to Allah.

Eid ul Fitar

Eid ul Fitr is a gift from Allah Almighty, who is immensely kind and generous, as a reward for Muslims’ fasting during Ramadan. Muslims are urged to remember the needy and underprivileged throughout their celebrations by offering them “Sadqa fitar” on this day of joy and celebration. Sadqa fitar is a specific amount that is given to needy and poor people before the eid prayer.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Ramadan Kareem is a special time of the year for Muslims around the world. It is a month of reflection, spiritual growth, and self-discipline. During this time, Muslims are encouraged to strengthen their relationship with Allah, to give to those in need, and to seek forgiveness for their sins. The fasting of Ramadan is a reminder of the blessings of life and the importance of self-restraint. It is also an opportunity to connect with family and friends and to engage in community service. As we celebrate this holy month, let us remember to be grateful for all that we have and to strive to become better versions of ourselves. Ramadan Kareem!

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