Ramadan (Eid-al-Fitr)
Ramadan
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims worldwide observe this a month of fasting and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts 29-30 days and commences with the visual sightings of the crescent moon.
Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Sallahu alayhi wa salaam) first received revelations of the Quran within the lunar month of Ramadan.
The Quran is guidance for mankind, and clear proofs of the guidance, and the criterion (of right and wrong). Fasting is Fard (obligatory) for adult Muslims, except those who are ill, traveling, diabetic or for Muslim women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or going through menstrual bleeding.
And whosoever of you is present, let him fast the month, and whosoever of you is sick or on a journey, a number of other days. Allah desires for you ease; He desires not hardship for you; and that you should complete the period, and that you should magnify Allah for having guided you, and that perhaps you may be thankful.
The Month of Ramadan is the most sacred month of the Islamic calendar, the recording of which began with the Hijra.
While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations; manners are expected too be on high and good conduct should be observed, refraining from cursing and inappropriate conversations should be avoided at all times but more so during the Holy Month of Ramadan. Food and drink is served daily, before at sunset (Iftar).
The thawab (rewards) of fasting are many, but in this month they are multiplied. Fasting for Muslims during Ramadan typically includes the increased offering of salat (prayers) and recitation of the Quran.
During the Month of Ramadan voluntary prayers are held every night after Salatul Isha called Taraweeh. Every night a whole section of the Quran (juz, which is 1/30 of the Quran) is recited. Therefore, the entire Quran would be completed at the end of the month.
Iftar Dinner Sponsorship
Iftar dinner at AIC and your local area Masjids and Islamic Community Centre is a great way to get out and meet the community and to feel united as one Ummah as we are intended to be.
Every day of the Holy Month of Ramadan AIC serves Iftar dinner to over 250 Muslims. Alhamdulillah we have been able to appeal to the kind hearted within the community to sponsor a day for the dinner and InshaAllah they will be rewarded by Allah (SWT) for their good deed in providing food for those fasting.
To learn how you can sponsor an Iftar dinner and the cost please contact our office. Members of AIC will coordinate the Iftar and dinner on your behalf.
May Allah (SWT) grant us the ability to worship Him excessively in this blessed month, accept our ibadah, and make it a means of our forgiveness? Ameen!