Eid Ul Fitr
THE MONTH OF RAMADAN
The Islamic year is guided by the lunar calendar, rather than the solar calendar. Ramadan is the 9th month in the Muslim lunar calendar. As a result of the lunar cycle, Ramadan typically falls approximately ten days earlier than the previous year. Since the twelve month cycle takes thirty three years to complete, Ramadan falls at different seasons of the year, but is always celebrated in different countries throughout the world at the same time.
PILGRIMAGE TO MAKKAH
Ramadan is the month in which the Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be peace) received the first revalation of the Qur’an from Allah near the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. Every year millions of Muslims from around the world journey to Mecca in commemoration of this sacred occasion. This journey, known as Hajj, is a great achievement for Muslims, with any person completing the journey earning the right to add the title of Haji or Hajin to his or her name. It is the goal of every Muslim to make at least one journey to Makkah in his or her lifetime, since it is a pilgrimage which strengthens his or her love and devotion to Allah.
DEVOTIONAL ACTIVITIES
Ramadan is a time of great religious and social significance for Muslim communities around the world, and all devotional activities during the month of Ramadan are carried out either individually or as part of a group. It is the period prescribed by the Qur’an for fasting which occurs each day, with the intention of teaching self discipline and self restraint to all Muslims.
NIGHT OF POWER
During Ramadan, Muslims read a part of the Holy Qu’ran every day until they complete the entire book. Many participate in extra prayer sessions or Taraweeh Salaat at the Masjid or mosque, and spend the night praying, especially during the Lailatul-Qadr or Night of Power. The Night of Power is the night on which the Prophet Muhammad (upon whom be peace) was first visited by the angel Gabriel on Mount Hira. Although the exact date of this occurrence is not known, it is generally believed to have occurred within the last ten days of the month of Ramadan.
“Lailatul-Qadr is better than a thousand months” (Surah 97 V3) because Allah brings down during it his mercy and forgiveness for His servants. This entire night is spent in prayer at mosque or at home. A person who engages in worship is given a reward better than one who has performed worship for a thousand months. This night is among the odd numbered nights of the last ten days of Ramadan, however many believe it to be the 27th night.
Today, many Muslims spend these last ten nights in devotional prayers at mosques, until the final night of Ramadan when the moon is sighted. The sighting of the moon signifies the end of the month of Ramadan and signals the beginning of the celebration of Eid-ul-Fitr.
