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Ramadan
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TransformationalSafety.Com considers it respectful to have an underasytking
of the cultures in which we operate. In many cultures, and in Arab cultures
particularly, it is important to know something about religion.
Ramadan is the most sacred all Islamic religious observances. It may be
instructive to think of it as Christmas, Easter and Hanukah rolled together and
to recognise that whether one is deeply religious or just likes Santa Claus, the
Easter Bunny etc, the season is highly significant and brings with it a sensitivity
and cultural pride that transcends the ordinary. This is true for the Islamic faith,
just as it is for Christianity, Hinduism, Judaism, Shinto etc
Ramadan is celebrated/observed by a month of fasting. Fasting is one of the
five pillars (guiding principles) of Islam (order varies). Muslim believers
understand fasting as a process of purification, a means to attain the
consciousness of Allah and to guard against the schemes of Shaitan (Satan).
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Order of Presentation
• Background
• Date of Ramadan
• Practices During Ramadan
– Exceptions to Fasting
– Night of Power
• Eid-al-Fitr
• Courtesy and Consideration
• Ramadan & Military History
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Purpose of this Training Pak
To provide a religious, cultural
and military orientation to
Ramadan.
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This presentation is focused on Ramadan, not Islam, … but it is helpful to
have some context in understanding the importance and relevance that
Ramadan has in Islam.
Muslims believe that Muhammad was visited by the Angel Gabriel in
Ramadan 610 AD. This was the occasion where tradition reports that the
initial verses of the Qur’an (Islam’s sacred scripture) were imparted to
Muhammad by the angel Gabriel.
Ramadan is considered above all to be the month of the Qur’an. The month
is described as a time of reconciliation, “Even the ones who have distanced
themselves from the Qur’an throughout the year, find themselves in this
light, in this radiating ambience. These days replenish the valleys of the
psyches which have almost dried out with the spirit, meaning and mystery
that the Qur’an has showered on people distanced from the Qur’an.”
Muslims believe that the gates of Heaven (Jannah) are open and the gates
of Hell (Jahanam) are locked for the duration of Ramadhan.
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Background
• Muhammed was born c. 570 in Mecca and died (8
June 632) in Medina.
• Muhammed reports visit by Angel Gabriel in
Ramadan 610 AD and told to memorize and recite
the verses sent by God.
• Some time after Muhammed’s death, a caliph
gathered these verses into the Qur’an.
• The Qur’an makes observance of
Ramadan obligatory.
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Background (cont.)
• Ramadan is the most sacred
holiday for all Muslims and is the
month of fasting.
It is similar in
purpose to “Lent” in
Christianity: which is
to reflect on the
need for holiness
• Fasting is one of the five pillars
of Islam.
• Fasting is a process of
purification.
• Fasting is a means to attain the
consciousness of Allah’s
presence.
• The consciousness of Allah
(Taqwa) is a protection against
the schemes of Shaitan.
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Muslim’s ascribe to this time the highest praise, “There is no month but
Ramadan that can sail by with relentless joy, everlasting pleasure and never
fading love. Presenting the spirit, essence, and true meaning of all the gentle
seasons that have passed through the entire year, the days and nights of
Ramadan, every single moment, embrace hearts within their exclusive bliss
and charm in the most remarkable and pleasant fashion; Ramadan embraces
them with compassion and holds them in the warmest love, exciting them
with an enthusiasm for life.”
“The days of Ramadan are the center of attention, the sum of Muslims
spiritual joys, the stage for excitement, the helix of the divine light of progress
and the sphere of opportunity and a prize that encourages the growth of all
human characteristics all over the world.”
During Ramadan, Muslims are encouraged to put more effort into building
bridges, making amends, treating others well and acknowledging basic family
values such as respecting one's parents and siblings.
It is a time when Muslims set themselves new goals about how their life
should be and renew themselves and their outlook, a time when they can
start afresh. Ramadan is also a time when Muslims pray more, do good
deeds and remember those who are less fortunate and in need.
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Date for Ramadan
• Ramadan’s start is based on a Lunar Calendar. (255
days)
• It is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar
• It starts 11 days earlier each year.
• The start date is determined locally through a
combination of astrological and eye witness
validation methods.
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The beginning of any month is marked by the first
appearance of the crescent moon after the new
moon (when the moon cannot be seen). Although
the rise of the crescent moon can be determined
scientifically, many Muslims still like to watch the
horizon and sight the moon visually. Those who
rely on a visual sighting of the moon may begin
Ramadan a day after the others if the sky is
cloudy. This is why Muslims cannot know ahead of
time the exact date for their religious holidays.
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Practices During Ramadan
• Fast From Dawn To Sunset
• Night of Power (Lailat-ul-Qadr’)
The essential practices of Ramadan are framed by
observance of the fast from dawn to sunset. The fast
includes no food or water or sexual activity. The time is
spent in prayer and reading the Qur’an. The believer
dedicates this time to Allah and Allah alone.
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Practices During Ramadan (cont.)
1. Fast from dawn to sunset:
– No food.
– No water or juice.
– No sexual activity.
2. Fasting during Ramadan “is for Allah and Him
alone.”
3. Spend time in prayer.
4. Read all of the Quran.
5. Eat breakfast prior to sunrise.
6. Eat supper after sunset.
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All Muslims must fast from the first light of dawn (about one and a half
hours before sunrise) until sunset during each day of the month of
Ramadan. Fasting means a total abstention from food, drink (including
water) and sexual relations.
A typical day in Ramadan begins with the family waking before dawn to
share a meal and pray the first prayer of the day. Once dawn arrives
(signaled by the “call to prayer” from the minaret in Muslim countries) all
eating and drinking stops. Some people will go back to sleep after the
prayer, others will stay awake and recite the Quran, the holy book of
Islam. During the day Muslims work or go to school as they do every day.
They, however, are more prone to be cranky or sluggish.
Muslims wake before dawn (Fajr) and have a light meal. They then abstain
from food, drink and other indulgences during daylight hours until dusk
(Maghrib) when they have what could be called the 'break-fast' meal. This
mealtime is known as Iftar. Families tend to have these meals together as it
brings them together at a very spiritual time.
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Exemptions to Fasting
•
Pregnancy.
•
Nursing.
•
During menstruation.
•
Elderly.
•
Mentally handicapped.
•
Children under the age of puberty.
•
Medical reasons.
•
People working under a hardship.
–
working under extreme circumstances
–
people on a journey who can’t fast
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Ramadan as Obligation and
Celebration
Fasting is a religious obligation for all Muslims who have reached puberty
but pre-pubescent children are not required to fast. They are encouraged
to try to not eat or drink for part of the day. It is natural for Muslim children,
like all children, to want to imitate adult behavior and try to fast the whole
day if possible.
Ramadan is a blessed time for Muslims. To those outside the community, it
may appear to be a time of hardship and deprivation, but that is not the
experience of Muslims. Fasting is aimed to increase their awareness of the
presence of God, to remind them to be grateful for His blessings and to
create empathy for the poor and hungry. Ramadan is a time of
generosity. Just as they deny themselves, Muslims should increase their
giving to others, by inviting people to share our fast-breaking meals, and by
donations to the poor. Just as worshipers control their physical appetites,
they also must control their negative emotions and actions. Angry words,
gossip and criticism can all invalidate one’s fast. Ramadan therefore
teaches patience, kindness and self-restraint.
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Night of Power
Lailat-ul-Qadr’
During the last ten days of
Ramadan, reward for prayer
and good actions increases
and the 'Night of Power'
(Laylatul Qadr) occurs on
either the 21st, 23rd, 25th,
27th or the 29th of
Ramadhan.
• Most significant night of Ramadan.
• It is the night on which Muslims believe Allah
originally revealed the Quran.
• Muslims spend this night reciting the Quran.
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Passage from the Qur'an
"We have indeed revealed this
(message) in the Night of Power.
And what will explain to thee
what the Night of Power is?
The Night of Power is better
than a thousand months.
Therein come down the angels and the spirit by
God's permission, on every errand:
Peace! This until the rise of Morn." (97:1-5)
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Eid-al-Fitr
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Eid-al-Fitr
• This festival celebrates the end of the fast … the end
of Ramadan. (Eid = “Feast” and Fitr = “End”)
• Lasts for three days.
• Joyful celebration of enhanced piety.
• Days of forgiveness, moral victory and peace,
fellowship, brotherhood and unity.
• Thankfulness to Allah for help
and strength during the month of Ramadan.
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Eid-al-Fitr
This holiday is not technically in Ramadan but follows the month after
Ramadan, falling on the first day of Shawwal, the tenth month in the Islamic
calendar. As with all months in the Islamic calendar, it begins with the sighting
of the new moon.
The festival of Eid-ul-Fitr celebrates the end of the fast and the end of
Ramadan. This festival last for three days and is exemplified by joyful
celebration of enhanced piety, moral victory, peace, fellowship, brotherhood
and unity. This celebration is the time for expressions to Allah for his help and
strength. In addition, Eid is a time of celebration, good will and unity amongst
Muslims. It is also a time to practice what has been learned during Ramadan.
Muslims are encouraged to dress in their best clothes, new if possible, and to
attend a special Eid prayer that is performed in congregation at mosques or
open areas like fields, squares etc.
Before the Eid prayer begins every Muslim (man, women or child) must pay
Zakat al Fitr, an alms for the month of Ramadan. This equates to about 2 kg of
a basic foodstuff (wheat, barley, dates, raisins, etc.), or its cash equivalent,
and is (typically) collected at the mosque. This is distributed by the mosque to
needy local Muslims prior to the start of the Eid prayer. It can be given anytime
during the month of Ramadan and is often given early, so the recipient can
utilize it for Eid purchases.
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Eid-al-Fitr
No Muslim can celebrate Eid until he or
she has paid some charity—at least
enough to cover a day’s food for a needy
person. Then on the morning after the last
day of Ramadan, everyone joins together
for a short congregational prayer,
preferably in an outdoor location. The next
few days are spent visiting friends and
family, giving gifts and special treats to
children and thanking God for His
blessings.
How Muslims celebrate and what kinds of
foods they eat depends on their cultural
practices.
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Courtesy
and
Consideration
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Courtesy and Considerations
• When interacting with Muslims during Ramadan,
do not eat, drink or smoke in front of them.
• Lying or profane words during this time are
strictly forbidden for Muslims. All should be
careful not to offend with profanity or lewd
gestures.
• Many women may be veiled and covered.
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Courtesy and Considerations
• After sundown, Muslim families celebrate
Ramadan with a large meal. It is customary for
families and friends to share this meal.
• There will be an increase of pilgrims visiting
shrines and mosques in places like Karbala and
Najaf.
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RAMADAN
Military History
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Ramadan in Islamic
Military History
Islamic history observes that Ramadan is a time of heightened
religious sensitivities and a time for the special providence of Allah.
Not only was Ramadan the time which marked the receiving of the
Qur’an, it has been a time of significant military successes.
•
In 622, Muhammed was forced to emigrate from Mecca in a journey known to
Muslims as the Hijra (the Migration). He settled in Medina with his followers.
•
War between factions in Mecca and Medina followed. Meccans confiscated all
the property that the Muslims had left in Mecca.
•
In Medina, Muhammad signed treaties of alliance and mutual help with
neighboring tribes. Muhammad turned to an old Arabian tradition … raiding
caravans. A state of war was deemed to exist between the Meccans and the
Muslims.
•
In March of 624, Muhammad led some 300 warriors in a raid on a Meccan
merchant caravan. The Meccans successfully defended the caravan and then
decided to retaliate. They sent a small army against Medina. On March 17, 624
near a place called Badr, the Meccans and the Muslims clashed.
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Ramadan in Islamic
Military History
The Battle of Badr, fought Ramadan March 17, 624 in present-day western Saudi Arabia
was a key battle in the early days of Islam and a turning point in Muhammad's war against
his Quraish opponents in Mecca. The battle has been passed down in Islamic history as a
decisive victory attributable to divine intervention or the genius of Muhammad. It is one of
the few battles specifically mentioned in the Muslim holy book, the Qur'an.
Muhammad managed to shatter the Meccan lines, killing several important leaders
including Muhammad's chief opponent, Amr ibn Hishām. The battle was extremely
significant because it was the first sign that they might eventually overcome their enemies
in Mecca, one of the richest and most powerful pagan cities in Arabia, which fielded an
army three times larger than that of the Muslims.
Before the battle started, Muhammad had given orders for the Muslims to attack with their
ranged weapons, and only engage with melee weapons when they advanced. When the
Muslim army rushed the enemy lines, the sheer force of their attack is described in
several Qur'anic verses, which refer to thousands of angels descending from Heaven at
Badr to slaughter the enemy. Early Muslim sources take this account literally. The battle
is frequently referred to as the first Jihad.
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Ramadan in Islamic
Military History
The conquest of Mecca by Muhammad occurred during Ramadan 629/630 A.D. In 628
the Meccan tribe of Quraish and the Muslim community in Medina signed a truce called
the Treaty of Hudaybiyya. Despite improved relations between Mecca and Medina after
the signing of the Treaty of Hudaybiyya, peace was broken by the Quraish, when they
attacked the tribe of Khuza'ah who were allies of the Muslims. Shortly thereafter, a Muslim
army, approximately 10,000 strong, marched towards Mecca. Victory was secured
without a battle resulting in the establishment of Mecca as Islam’s most sacred city.
The Kaaba was purged of the offensive Idols and dedicated as Islam’s most holy
site. The Meccan leader, Abu Sufyan, converted to Islam.
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Islam 661
EUROPE
ASIA
AFRICA
AUSTRALIA
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Islam 750
EUROPE
ASIA
AFRICA
On April 30, 711, the armies of Tariq landed at Gibraltar (the
name Gibraltar is derived from the Arabic name Jabal Al
Tariq, which means mountain of Tariq. Upon landing, Tariq is
said to have made the following speech, well-known in the
Muslim world, to his soldiers:
‫ وليس لكم وهللا إال‬،‫والعدو أمامكم‬
،‫ أين المفر؟ البحر من ورائكم‬،‫أيّها الناس‬
ّ
‫الصدق والصبر‬...
Hey People ! There is nowhere to run away! The sea is
behind you, and the enemy in front of you: I swear to
God, you have only sincerity and patience.
The Moorish armies swept through Iberia and, on 19 July
711, won a decisive victory when the Visigoth king, Roderic,
was defeated and killed at the Battle of Guadalete. Roderic's
army of around 25,000 men was defeated by Tariq's force of
approximately 7,000 … and a dominant Muslim presence
remained for 800 years.
AUSTRALIA
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Islam 1100
EUROPE
During Ramadan 1178
Saladin drove the
crusaders out of Syria.
(Saladin was born into
ASIA
a Kurdish family in
Tikrit.)
AFRICA
AUSTRALIA
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Saladin
The fall of Jerusalem prompted the Third Crusade, financed by a special
“Saladin tithe”. Saladin’s army met King Richard 1 (The Lionheart) at the
Battle of Arsuf on September 7, 1191. Saladin's relationship with Richard
was celebrated in the courtly romances that developed in Northern Europe.
When Richard was wounded, Saladin offered the services of his personal
physician as a special favor. (Muslim medical practice was the most
advances in the Western world.) At Arsuf, when Richard lost his horse,
Saladin sent him two replacements. They even considered making peace by
marrying Richard’s sister Joan to Saladin’s brother Al-Adil, with Jerusalem to
be their dowry. These negotiations fell through due to religious concerns on
both sides.
Saladin was renown in both Christian and Muslim worlds for his leadership
and military prowess tempered by his chivalry and merciful nature, during his
struggle against the Crusaders, so much so that there existed by the 14th
century an epic poem about his exploits, and Dante included him among the
virtuous pagan souls in Limbo.
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Islam 1300
EUROPE
ASIA
The battle at Ain Jalut is considered by many historians to be of great
macrohistorical importance, as it marked the highwater of Mongol
conquests, and the first time they had been decisively defeated.
Previously where they had been defeated, they had always returned
and avenged the loss - this marked the first occasion they were
unable to do so.
AFRICA
The armies met at Ain Jalut on September 3, 1260, during the
holy month of Ramadan. Each army numbered about 20,000 men.
The Mongol force was originally much larger, but Hulagu took most of
it when he returned home. The Mamluks drew out the Mongol cavalry
with a feigned retreat, and were almost unable to withstand the
assault. Qutuz, the muslim leader, rallied his troops for a successful
counterattack, along with cavalry reserves hidden in the nearby
valleys. Mamluke heavy cavalrymen were able to clearly beat the
Mongols in close combat, something which no one had previously
AUSTRALIA
done. (Mamluks were slave soldiers who had converted
to Islam and
served the Caliphs. They became UNCLASSIFIED//FOR
a powerful TransformationalSafety.Com
militaryOFFICIAL
caste.) USE ONLY
January 2, 1492 marked the end of
‘Moorish’ rule when Ferdinand and
Isabella (of Columbus fame) displayed
the cross from the Torre de la Vela (the
watchtower atop Alcazaba, the citadel of
Alhambra
in Granada Spain.)
EUROPE
Islam 1500
Arabs wear a black
band to hold their head
scarf in place as a sign
of grief over the loss of
Spain and as a prayer
to regain it
ASIA
AFRICA
Islamic armies began to withdraw from Europe. The
above map is a generally representative of Islam
even today … with the exception of slight expansion
in Indonesia (now the most populous IslamicAUSTRALIA
nation).
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It is the view of
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there are many faiths in the World, we
should all respect each other’s beliefs
. That means sharing an appreciation
for tolerance at all levels. Whilst you
may not share the Muslim faith, please
respect it.
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