RAMADAN :)

Ramadan is one of the important Muslim celebration. Every years, during the month called Ramadan, Muslims fast during the hours of daylight. The custom of fasting in Ramadan goes back to the time of Rasulullah s.a.w. He taught us that the fast was important, because it was a sign that we had submitted to Allah.

Allah s.a.w says in the Qur'an what may be interpreted as, 

"O" you who belive, fasting is prescibed for you as it was prescribed forthose before you so that you may achieve Taqwa (righeousness, God-fearing)." [Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 183]

The prophet Muhammad s.a.w said,

"Whoever observes the fast during the month of Ramadan, (while) believing in Allah and seeking His rewards, will have his past sins forgiven." [Reported by Imams Bukhari, Muslim and others]

Fasting the month of Ramadan is one of the main pillars of Islam. It is obligatory upon every sane, healthy Muslim whose reached puberty and not traveling during the time of fasting. As for women, they must not fast if they are period (menstruating) or having post-childbirth bleeding. Fasting is very hard but we as Muslims believe that it teaches them to have patience, not to give up just because things are difficult. It also reminds us that our religion (Islam) is the most important thing in our lives, far more important than food and drink. 

The benefits(fadhilat) of Ramadan

Besides fasting, we should not forget about solat (prayer). As we know prayer is fard (obligatory) for all Muslims expect those who retarded, prepubescent, very sick, and etc. Solat is performed five times in a day:

• At dawn = Solat Subuh
• Midday = Solat Zohor
• Afternoon = Solat Asar
• Sunset = Solat Maghrib
• Evening = Solat Isyak

Prayer is always directed in direction (qiblat) of the Kaabah shrine in Makkah. A prayer mat, "sejadah" is commonly used during solat. Solat may be performed individually, but it carries special merit when done with other Muslims. The focal prayer of the week is the midday prayer at the mosque on Fridays. In Ramadan, all the kindness that we done was carries special merit. Ramadan is the best month among the month as it gives us many opportunity to grab the special merit that other month didn't have.

SELAMAT MENYAMBUT RAMADAN AL-MUBARAK 

#source: The Islamic Association of Raleigh