Ramadan:The Ninth month of the Islamic calendar

             Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar which is based on a 12 month lunar year of approximately 354 days, observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting(sawm), prayer(salah) and reflection. It is a month of communal prayer in the mosque and constant study of the Qur’ān. During this fasting period all Muslims are expected to stay away from food, sex, alcohol and smoking. 

             It is the month in which it is believed that the Holy Qur'an was sent down from heaven "as a guidance for men and women, a declaration of direction, and a means of salvation." During Ramadan, many Muslims go to the mosque and spend several hours praying. In addition to the five daily prayers that are part of the core of Islam, Muslims recite a special prayer called the Tarawih prayer (night prayer).  On the evening of the 27th day of Ramadan, Muslims observe a special night called Layat al-Qadr, sometimes referred to as the Night of Power. It is believed that Muhammad first received the Holy Qur'an on this night.

            Fasting in the month of Ramadan is compulsory for every Muslim adult. The only criterion is that fasting becomes obligatory on Muslims when they reach puberty. This age is usually 10-14 years for girls and 12-16 for boys. If you deliberately break a fast without a valid reason, one must pay Kaffarah. Kaffarah is a charitable compensation made by Muslims for intentionally breaking any fasts during the holy month of Ramadan, without a valid reason. To atone for the intentionally broken fast, you must fast continuously for 60 days. However, if you are unable to do that, then you have to feed 60 poor people at a rate of 5 thousand Naira per person. As a result, this amounts to 300 thousand Naira  for each missed/intentionally broken fast.

                 

            Women on their periods are exempt from fasting and praying and are required to make up their fasts at a later time. Abu Sa’id Al-Khudri mentions that the Prophet (Peace be upon him) clearly stated that a woman in menstruation may neither pray nor fast. She is required to compensate by fasting later on.

           Fidya(fidyah) is a religious donation to help those in need. It is only paid when someone is unable to fast during Ramadan due to medical conditions or any other valid reasons such as a  prolonged illness, and will not be able to make up for the fast. Fidya is to be given only to the poor and needy, not to everyone. Scholars find fidyah to be like zakat, therefore those entitled to receive fidya are regarded as being among those who are entitled to zakat.  Zakat, the third pillar of Islam, is a donation that Muslims regard as a mandatory act within their faith. Followers of Islam who have at least a minimum amount of wealth are required to give 2.5% or their liquid assets away to charity each year. 

         At the end of Ramadan, Eid al-Fitr celebrates the breaking of the fast. Friends and families gather for festive meals and exchange gifts. Special gifts are also given to the poor.