Ramadan is a holy month for all 1.8 billion Muslims across the world. For up to 30 days, Muslims observe a daily period of fasting, praying, purification and performing charitable acts.
On the Citi Breakfast Show, today [Thursday], the spokesperson for the Chief Imam of Ghana, Sheikh Aremeyaw, confirmed today as the second day of Ramadan for Muslims in Ghana.
“Ramadan is important because it has a foundation in the scripture. The Holy Quran speaks that Ramadan is the month in which the Holy Quran was revealed, and God has made it obligatory for Muslims to fast in this month,” he said.
Things to know about Ramadan
- Ramadan is an annual observation for Muslims, is one of the five pillars of Islam and is mandatory for every capable Muslim.
- It is observed for a period of 29 t0 30 days.
- Ramadan Mubarak, which means “have a blessed Ramadan” is a common greeting during the season.
- The fast is from dawn to sunset, with a pre-dawn meal known as suhur and sunset meal called iftar.
- Fasting is mandatory for adult Muslims, except those who are suffering from a condition or illness, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, menstruating women, the elderly and travellers.
- Ramadan is also a month where Muslims practice increased self-discipline and increase their prayer and charity.
- Muslims consider Ramadan a period of healing and renewal of one’s relationship with Allah.
- For Muslims, Ramadan is the time to get in touch with their spiritual sides by intensifying prayers, reading the Quran and contemplating the wonders of God.
- During the fast, Muslims are urged to help the less fortunate, forgive and make peace with friends, and reach out to family members and relatives.
- Eid ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and the beginning of the next lunar month.
–
By: Farida Yusif/citinewsroom.com/Ghana