RAMADAN - The holy month of fasting

As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, millions of Muslims all over the world unite in prayer to celebrate this month dedicated to repentance and prayer.

Ramadan is derived from the Arabic word 'ramida' or 'ar-ramad' denoting scorching heat when 'the young camel can feel the sun's heat early in the morning'. While the heat represents the matter that helps shape, form, and mould virtually everything - from metal and plastics, to plants and living cells - Ramadan undoubtedly helps a serious believer remould, reshape, reform, and renew his physical and spiritual disposition and behavior. It is a time for introspection and repentance.

The month of Ramadan is perhaps the holiest time of the year for Muslims because it was during this month that the Angel Gabriel first appeared to the Prophet Mohammad and asked him to read. The story goes thus. The Prophet was illiterate and told the Angel that he could not read, but the Angel repeated his command twice and insisted that he 'Read in the name of the Lord' This is the first verse in the Holy Koran followed by the message to be delivered to mankind.

Ramadan starts with the sighting of the new moon. Muslims utilize astronomical information to determine the time when the moon may be visible, but fasting is determined by sighting the new crescent.

Fasting in one form or the other does exist in almost all the religions. However, fasting or roza as practised by Muslims is an elaborate process of self-purification. . The intent of the fast is to make us more aware of the presence of God in our daily lives and to consciously remember the Lord. Of course, one also learns qualities of self-restraint. It involves a total abstention from eating, drinking (alcohol is always prohibited), smoking (which is discouraged anyway), and the administration of any nutrients from dawn (about an hour before sunrise) until sunset. One is also prohibited from enjoying marital relations during these hours.

Fasting is just one of the five pillars of Islam. Not only does the person observing roza have to fast and repent, but he also has to practice honesty, charity and hospitabilty. That explains the 'iftars' that have become so fashionable in political circles these days. However 'iftar' in the true sense of the word is ideally hosted for poor neighbours and friends who cannot afford a good meal.

The month of Ramadan ends with the sighting of the new moon of Shawwal, which is the holiday of Eid-Ul-Fitr.