Ramadan is considered the holiest month in Islam. While the worldwide Muslim community observes the rituals, no matter where they live, Saudi Arabia is still considered to be the most sacred place to attend during the month. With Makkah and Madinah as spiritual cities, Ramadan in Saudi Arabia is celebrated with all the rituals and devotions. At this time of year, devotees from all around the world often visit Makkah and Madinah to seek blessings too.
How is Ramadan Practiced or Celebrated?
Muslims practice many of the five pillars of Islam during Ramadan. But while it is an intense period of reflection, it is also one filled with joyous traditions that include food, family, and festivities. Some of the things you can do include:
- Arrange Iftar and/or Suhoor in Mosques
The day starts with an early morning meal before sunrise called Suhoor, when you can eat and hydrate yourself right enough to survive the day. Later after sunset, Iftaar time is set when all gather again to break the daily fast, thanking Allah for his Grace.
- Give Sadaqah and Zakaat
Charity and helping mankind is a very common and important element of Ramadan. To help, feed, and support fellow Muslim brothers and family, Sadaqah and Zakat are practiced to the fullest so that everyone can enjoy holiness and prosperity.
- You Can Perform Umrah for more blessings
Umrah in Ramadan has a lot of spiritual value for Muslims. It is considered a minor pilgrimage and is believed to bring peace and enable the pilgrims to earn more blessings and rewards when performed during the Holy Month!
Benefits of Fasting in Ramadan:
More than one billion Muslims globally practice a strict ritual of moral abstinence and fasting during the month of Ramadan. The tradition of fasting dates back more than 1,300 years and started with the formation of Islam. Given below are numerous benefits of fasting in Ramadan, in terms of spiritual and health benefits:
A. Spiritual Benefits:
1. Increases Taqwa
Taqwa is an Islamic phrase that refers to being aware of Allah and the truth and “piety and dread of God”.
2. Fetches greater rewards
All able Muslims are required to fast during Ramadan. It is said that Allah repays the fasting Muslims with great rewards and blessings.
B. Health benefits:
1.Lowering cholesterol & improving blood sugar level
As Ramadan Fasting stimulates the lipid profile, it lowers blood cholesterol. Also, if one maintains a healthy diet after Ramadan, individuals will retain the newly reduced cholesterol level.
2. Improved digestive system
Observing Ramadan and fasting positively impacts one lifestyle and digestive system. A human body naturally detoxifies after a month of flushing out of the toxins in the body. Further, it balances the heat generation and acidity levels in the human stomach.
Do's & Dont's of Ramadan:
Recite the Quran: Ramadan is a time to communicate with the Almighty.
Offer prayers: During Ramadan, all Muslims must offer Salat, which implies offering prayers five times a day.
Do charity: This holy month encourages brotherhood and compassion, and hence, make sure to offer some percentage of your wealth to those in need.
Dress appropriately: Modesty is the key, so it is better to dress appropriately by avoiding ill-fitted clothes.
Don’t consume food/water during the fasting period: Fasting is considered to be the most significant element of Ramadan, which is why you need to abstain from eating and drinking between dawn and dusk.
Don’t listen to loud music/songs: Respect the sentiments of those who are fasting or praying during this holy period.
Don’t waste time: Ramadan is a pious period, and hence, you should utilise your time constructively, rather than wasting it by watching TV, shopping or oversleeping.