Ramadan Prayer Guide

The Muslim Month of Fasting

 

 

 

 

 

 

The name Ramadan is derived from the Arabic word ramida or ar-ramad, denoting intense scorching heat and dryness, especially the ground. From the same word there is ramdaa, meaning ‘sunbaked sand’ and the famous proverb Kal Mustajeer minar ramadaa binnar – to jump out of the frying pan into the fire. Some say it is so called because Ramadan scorches out the sins with good deeds, as the sun burns the ground.

 

Muslims fast during this holy month from the moment when it first starts to get light until sunset. Muslims fast as an act of faith and worship towards Allah, seeking to suppress their desires and increase their spiritual piety. Fasting together as a worldwide community – Ummah – affirms the brotherhood and equality of man before Allah.

 

The last ten days of Ramadan are considered highly blessed, especially the 27th night which is also called the ‘Night of Power’, or the ‘Night of Destiny’. It is believed that on this night the prophet Muhammad received the first revelation of the Quran. For many Muslims, this period is marked by a heightened spiritual intensity and they may spend these nights praying and reciting the Quran.

 

After 30 days of fasting, the end of the month of Ramadan is observed with a day

of celebration, called Eid-ul-Fitr. On this day, Muslims gather in one place to offer a prayer of thanks, share a meal together and wait patiently for the next year.

 

 

Click HERE to view/print the Prayer Guide provided by the IMB.