Download Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr

Ramadan and Eid-ul-Fitr
Assalamualaikum. My name is Naushad Mayat and this morning I am
going to tell you about a very important period in the Islamic calendar
that we have just come out of, namely the Holy month of Ramadan
culminating in Eid-ul-Fitr.
Firstly, it is important to understand how the Islamic calendar is
calculated. It is a lunar calendar, meaning that the beginnings and ends
of the months are determined by the cycle of the moon. The Islamic
year consists of 12 months, of which Ramadan is the 9th.
Ramadan is a very auspicious time of the year, and it is at this time that
we as Muslims believe that GOD is at HIS most forgiving and
merciful. It is compulsory for all mature, sane and healthy Muslims to
fast during Ramadan. When we fast, we abstain from consuming any
food or drink (including water) from sunrise until sunset. During this
month, extra prayer and worship is offered to GOD, and spirituality is
heightened. It is compulsory for all Muslims to perform 5 prayers every
single day throughout the entire year. The first prayer is performed just
before dawn, the second just after midday, the third in the late
afternoon, the fourth at sunset and the fifth at night. During Ramadan,
an extra prayer known as the Taraweeh prayer is performed after the
fifth prayer, often extending late into the night. We are obliged to
perform Taraweeh if possible, and those who do are greatly rewarded.
One of the reasons that Ramadan is so important to Muslims is that it
was in this month that we believe the Angel Gabriel revealed the first
verses of the Holy Qur’an to Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon
him). Fasting in the month of Ramadan also teaches us to be
disciplined and allows us to not only sympathise, but to also empathise
with those who live every day-life on empty stomachs. Perhaps the
most important lesson that we learn whilst fasting is that no-matter
where one is, GOD is always watching.
The first day of the month that follows Ramadan is known as Eid-ulFitr (meaning Day of Feasting and Charity) and is one of the highlights
of the Islamic Year. On this day which we observed this past
Wednesday, Muslims perform the Eid Prayer, which is a special early
morning prayer performed in congregation, and only on Eid. The
prayer is performed at a special venue known as an Eid-gah.
Interestingly, on this past Eid, the Moses Mabhida Fan Park was used
as the “Durban Eid-gah”, with even the Mayor of Durban stopping by
to wish the Muslim community Eid Mubarak. After the Eid prayer, we
spend the rest of the day partaking in festive meals with our families,
and thanking and remembering GOD for all of HIS blessings. On this
day, most Muslims close their businesses or take leave from work and
Islamic schools are closed.
It is interesting to see how so much importance is placed on what we
believe GOD has decreed in the Holy Qur’an, namely, amongst other
things, fasting in Ramadan and the celebration of Eid. Even the people
fighting for their freedom in the Islamic country of Libya still observed
their compulsory fasting this year, and ceased fighting in order to
celebrate Eid with their families. This is not something new, because
even in the time of Prophet Muhammad (may peace be upon him) war
was waged during Ramadan, with some of the Muslims’ greatest
victories coming during this time. If the Muslim’s were at war at the
time of one of the 5 daily prayers, a rotational system was put into
place that allowed each portion of the army to observe their prayers
while the others stood guard. So much importance is placed on
fulfilling these requirements because Islam teaches us that no-matter
what, following GOD’s decree comes first.
I hope that I have shed some light on the month of Ramadan and Eid,
and that I have bettered your understanding of Islam.
Thank-you