Ramadan, Teachings, Requirements and Customs

Apr 05, 2023 Letters

Dear Editor,

Ramadan is the ninth and holiest month of the Islamic, Hijri calendar. It is also believed to be the month the Quran was revealed to the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH). The QURAN actively encourages its followers to live in peace with those of other faiths. Similarly, the HADITH, a collection of sayings attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, (PBUH), calls for love and understanding towards other religions. Islam is a way of life.

Found during my 4 years Tenure as Guyana’s Ambassador in Kuwait, that they are 3 Keys in Islamic culture, Relationships, Patience (Sabr) and Respect which takes many years to earn, cultivate and bear fruits. Ramadan fasting for 30 or 31 days is easy for believers with Allah’s Blessings. Islam is the world’s second most widely practiced religion. It is also one of the fastest growing religions and today, with approximately 2 billion followers. This religion is based on the Quran, a religious text that followers of Islam believe is the direct word of God. Under Islam, Muhammad (PBUH) is considered the last Prophet of God and many believers adhere to his teachings.

Followers of Islam are called Muslims. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting. It begins and ends with the appearance of the crescent moon. Because the Muslim calendar year is shorter than the Gregorian calendar year, Ramadan begins 10–12 days earlier each year, allowing it to fall in every season throughout a 33-year cycle.

Muslims believe that Jesus Christ (called “Isa” in Arabic) was a Prophet of God and was born to a Virgin (Mary) and Muslims also believe, Jesus Christ, Isa, will return to Earth before the Day of Judgment. In Islam, Jesus Christ is the Son of Maryam and is the Penultimate Prophet and Messenger. In the Quran, Jesus is described as the Messiah (al-Masīḥ), born of a Virgin, performing miracles, accompanied by disciples, rejected by the Jewish establishment, and being raised to heaven. The FIVE core values are known as the Pillars of Islam, and they are, Shahada, Faith.; Salat, Prayer, Zakat, Charity , One of Allah’s (SWT) key teachings is that Muslims must give charity to those less fortunate, known as Zakat which is 2.5 % of net wealth, is the Obligation; Sawm, Fasting; and Hajj, Pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia

It is traditional for Muslims to break their fast for their Suhoor (predawn meal) , Iftar (meal after sunset during Ramadan) and Eid ul-Fitr (end of Ramadan) celebrations by eating dates. This is a custom that goes back to the very first observance of Ramadan, as it is said that the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) ate dates before he broke his fast. Though it is a custom, it is not a requirement, but this is the practice in the 57 OIC and 57 IsDB Countries. Top 10 Countries with the Highest Percentage of Muslims (2021), are Maldives (100%); Mauritania (99.9%); Somalia (99.8% – tie); Tunisia (99.8% – tie); Afghanistan (99.7% – tie); Algeria (99.7% – tie); Iran (99.4%); Yemen (99.2%); Morocco (99%) and Niger (98.3%).

It was my Honour, Delight and Joys to visit, read Namaz, and offer Prayers/Duas, for Families, Friends, Global Citizens, Umma Unity, and World Peace at Masjids in 80 countries, including Maldives, Tunisia, Morocco, Malaysia, Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, Al-Masjid an-Nabawī, known as the “Prophet’s Masjid” in Medina, Saudi Arabia; and Masjid al-Haram, the Grand Masjid in Mecca, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Assuring You of my Highest Consideration

Sincerely,

Dr. Shamir Ally

Former Ambassador to Kuwait

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Dr. Shamir Ally, Muhammad, Prophet, Quran, relationships

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