Ramadhan Kareem

The 12 months of the Islamic Calendar are Muharram (Forbidden); Safar (Void); Rabi Al-Awwal (First Spring); Rabi Al-Akhir (Last Spring); Jumada Al-Awla (the first of parched land); Jumada Al-Akhira(the first of parched land); Rajab (Respect); Shaban (scattered); Ramadan (Burning); Shawal (Raised)Dhu Al-Qadaah(the one of truce) and Dhu Al-Hijjah(the one of pilgrimage).

 

Tomorrow we will enter the 9^th month of the Islamic Calendar named RAMADAN. One of the five pillars of Islam, in which all Muslims worldwide  observe one month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to prophet Muhammad.

 

Ramadan marks the month of Suhoor and Iftar (pre-fast meal and fast- breaking meal) along with Fajr (dawn prayer) and Tarawih (Night Prayer).

 

The night of power or LaylatAl-Qadr is the one which impressed me a lot. This is the night in which Muslims believe the first revelation of the Quran was sent down to Muhammad stating that this night was "better than one thousand months, as stated in Chapter 97:3 of the Qu'ran. It comes in the odd dates during last ten days of ramadan, the night of the 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th or 29^th. Muslims believe that on this night, God blesses everyone, forgives all sins, grants all prayers, and angels come down to earth.

 

I had a chance to talk with an Islamic scholar and I asked him if I pray on these nights; will I be rewarded or will I get blessings? I was taken aback when he answered me that you need to be a Muslim for that.

Ironically I searched the first verses of Quranic revelation to find an answer. Below are the verses from SURAT AL ALAQ.

 

“Recite in the name of your Lord who created –

Created man from a clinging substance.

Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous –

Who taught by the pen –

Taught man that which he knew not.

No! [But] indeed, man transgresses

Because he sees himself self-sufficient

Indeed, to your Lord is the return

Have you seen the one who forbids

A servant when he prays?

Have you seen if he is upon guidance

Or enjoins righteousness?

Have you seen if he denies and turns away –

Does he not know that Allah sees?

No! If he does not desist, We will surely drag him by the forelock –

A lying, sinning forelock

Then let him call his associates

We will call the angels of Hell

No! Do not obey him. But prostrate and draw near [to Allah ].

 

I respect all religions and believe in one God. To my dismay I couldn’t find any answers to lot of my questions lingering in my mind...Still on a journey to find the truth or the light….

 

Wishing all a blessed Ramadan !!!!!!