The Progressive Teacher Vol 06 Issue 01

Festivals of The World
Ramadan: 20 Facts You Ought To Know
During 2010 Middle East negotiations in the United States, Hosni Mubarak and Benjamin Netanyahu check their watches to see the time of Iftar.
1. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar.
2. It commemorates the first revelation of the Qur’an to
Muhammad (S.A.W.).
3. The month lasts 29–30 days based on the visual sightings
of the crescent moon.
4. The Arabic root of the word ‘Ramadan’ means ‘scorching
heat’ or ‘dryness’.
5. Suhoor is the pre-fast meal, before dawn.
6. Iftar, is the post-fast breaking feasts after sunset.
7. Laylat-ul-Qadr, (the night of power) is considered the
holiest night of the year.
8. Ashra of Ramadan: Ramadan has been divided into
3 parts. 1-10 days reflects Mercy of Allah (Rehmah).
11-20 days reflects Forgiveness of Allah (Magfirah).
21-29 0r 30 days reflects Safety from Hell (Nijat).
9. Iftar begins with eating ‘dates’ as according to tradition,
Muhammad (S.A.W.) broke fast with three dates.
10. After breaking the fast with dates, Muslims generally
adjourn for the Maghrib prayer, the fourth of the five daily
prayers, after which the main meal is served.
11. It is believed that all good deeds during Ramadan are more
handsomely rewarded than in any other month of the year.
12. In some Muslim countries today, Lanterns have become
symbolic decorations welcoming the month of Ramadan.
13. Many Javanese Indonesians bathe in holy springs to prepare
for fasting, a ritual known as Padusan.
14. Common greetings during Ramadan are “Ramadan
Mubarak” or “Ramadan Kareem”.
15. In Kuwait, a monetary fine and/or a jail term are imposed
for those seen eating, drinking or smoking during
Ramadan daytime.
16. In Saudi Arabia, people not fasting during the day get
harsher punishments, including flogging, imprisonment
and, for foreigners, deportation.
17. In Malaysia, Muslims who break the fast during daytime are
simply arrested by the religious police. People who sell food,
drinks, or tobacco to Muslims for immediate consumption
can be fined and imprisoned for up to six months.
18. In 2014, Muslims in Iceland, and Norway, fasted almost
22 hours.
19. Muslims continue to work during Ramadan because
Muhammad said that it is important to keep a balance
between worship and work.
20. Eid- ul-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan.
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