Ramadan (calendar month)

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This article is about the Islamic calendar month called Ramadan. For information about the holiday and religious observances by the same name, see Ramadan (religious observances).

Islamic Calendar
Muharram Safar Rabi' al-awwal Rabi' al-thani Jumada al-awwal Jumada al-thani Rajab Sha'aban Ramadan Shawwal Dhu al-Qi'dah Dhu al-Hijjah

Ramadan or Ramadhan (Arabic: رمضان) is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and the holiest month in Islam.

The word Ramadan is derived from the word ramd "to burn". The entire month is spent fasting from dawn to dusk. The name came from the time before the Islamic calendar, when the month of Ramadan fell in the summer. Fasting during this month is often thought to figuratively burn away all sins. Muslims believe that the Qur'an started sent down to the earth during this month. Furthermore, the Prophet Muhammad told his followers that the gates of Heaven would be open all the month and the gates of Hell would be closed. The first day of the next month is spent in great celebrations and rejoicings and is observed as the ‘Festival of Breaking Fast’ or `Eid ul-Fitr.

[edit] Timing

The Islamic calendar is a lunar calendar, and months begin when the first crescent of a new moon is sighted. Since the Islamic lunar calendar year is 11 to 12 days shorter than the solar year, Ramadan migrates throughout the seasons. The actual and estimated start and end dates for Ramadan in 2005-2008 where and are as follows:

1426 AH – First day: October 2, 2005; last day: November 1, 2005
1427 AH – First day: September 23, 2006; last day: October 22, 2006
1428 AH – First day: September 12, 2007; last day: October 11, 2007
1429 AH – First day: September 1, 2008; last day: September 30, 2008

Most Muslims insist on the local physical sighting of the moon to mark the beginning of Ramadan, but some insist on using the calculated time of the new moon or the Saudi Arabian declaration to determine the start of the month. As a result, Ramadan dates vary in different countries, but usually only by a day or two.

At the termination of the great month of Ramadan, Eid ul-Fitr is celebrated. Muslims come out and rejoice with a sense of accomplishment for coming closer to Allah. It is a time for Muslim families and friends to worship and celebrate together.This is a time of peace

[edit] Events

Ramadan is observed by Muslims during the entire calendar month by the same name. The month of religious observances consists of fasting and extra prayers.
- On 02 Ramadan, Torah was bestowed on Prophet Moses. (In accordance with Shi'a Islam)
- On 10 Ramadan, Khadija, Wife of Prophet Muhammad died.
- On 12 Ramadan, Bible was bestowed on Prophet Jesus. (In accordance with Shi'a Islam)
- On 15 Ramadan, Hassan ibn Ali son of Imam Ali was born and Sayyid Muhammad Alawi Al Maliki died
- On 17 Ramadan, Battle of Badr was won by the Muslims.
- On 18 Ramadan, Psalms was bestowed on Prophet David. (In accordance with Shi'a Islam)
- On 19 Ramadan, Imam Ali was injured by sword.
- On 21 Ramadan, Imam Ali died.
- On 23 Ramadan, Qur'an was bestowed on Prophet Muhammad. (In accordance with Shi'a Islam but according to Sunni Sect the date is 27th of Ramadan)
- Laylat al-Qadr (The Night of Destiny) is observed during one of the last five odd numbered days of the month. The Qur'an states that this night is better than a thousand months. This is often interpreted as praying throughout this night is rewarded equally with praying for a thousand months. Millions of Muslims spend the entire night in prayer. According to Shi'a Islam this night is 19th or 21st, or 23rd of this month.but according to Sunni Sect this night is 21, 23, 25, 27 or 29.
In Iran, Al-Quds Day is held on the last Friday of Ramadan (since the Iranian Revolution.)